Tension and Release in Evangelion’s OP: A Musical Analysis

How is it that after two decades this anime theme song is as famous as ever? The answer is in the music.

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis" is one of the most successful songs in anime history. This video is both a short history of the song and a brief analysis of the composition's harmonic content. In it, I argue the song's appeal lies in its use of three important musical tools: tension, release, and deception.

Sources:

Further Reading:

[flompmcdomp]

This is a lot of effort for 44 subscribers, I respect the dedication

[lilms]

This visual and informative masterpiece only got 500 views?

[CortanasRequiem]

My dude that was a great analysis. I feel like I have a new appreciation for the goosebumps that song used to give me. I wish unto you a great increase in the number of views on this video. Keep up the good work.

[rhyssglenfield]

This is incredible. I met you guys at Anime North and were by far the best panelists.

[ganghouse]

Just watched this for the first time please make more content this was really great

[myrmesuwu]

Very good video it helped me to know why I like that song so much (also I don't know anything about music too)

[BodzioM]

I've finally found a channel that can analyze OST. That's type of content I look for, because that's the knowledge I lack.

[richkujo]

This was great. I learned a lot here and at your panel.

Saw you at Anime North!! Upload more!!!!

[IMNBDF]

Hi, i know it's three years later, but i just stumbled on this video and i am amazed at how under appreciated it is. I especially want to note that the bit where you broke it down to "for non theory nerds" and "for theory nerds" was really helpful, as we tend to get lost in the theoretical terms and forget about simplifying stuff. So i salute you, I'll have a look at your other vids, and thank you for the effort you put into this one, i learned from it :)

[Dimovuha]

Interesting. Maybe deo another Eva OST analysis?" Both of you dance like you want to win", or "Thanatos" would look interesting.

[Lordementor]

thank you so much for this video. you inspired me to experiment more on my piano (I am having difficulties to keep myself entertained playing the piano).

[dopaminewizard]

Thank you. THANK YOU. For one of the best musical videos I've ever seen. This is musical apreciation at its best! And with THE masterpiece from anime op. That kind os analysis, that conscious hearing is one of the greatest reasons it gets me the rapturous ecstasy on music.
Congratulations for your work. You've made me a huge fan.

[djsalad]

This was an excellent, dare I say, Thesis.

[alvarostockle]

Great video! As a colorblind, I had some trouble with the red font, but this one was very good! I hope you could continue doing videos some day!

[Ultimokingofblades]

Foreplay leading to the sexual release, in other words.

[Hoodspirit]

I have been watching Analyses and music of Evangelion for many years, and only today did this video show up in the recommendations. YT is screwing you over. Great video!

[makioe]

this is so watchable without knowig much theory, great video!

[masterpirate]

Wonder why you stopped at just 1 vid man
I feel the community is losing a capable anituber

[Kris]

Pretty good analysis! I like your videos! keep making more hahaha

[arlodjimd]

You're the best, man. Keep doing what you do! You deserve more viewers, subscribers, and likes!