4* - Good rewatchable, might buy own copy. [NOTE : I will update this review after the series finished airing.]

This Chinese version is looking like a great adaptation -BASED on- manga. (Note emphasis) Nodamae Cantabile has been one of my favourite manga and I try to watch as many shows based on this story as I could. Of course, comparison cannot be avoided.

The screenplay followed the general manga story arcs with remodelled characters and modified origin stories (as of Ep 1-10). There was also directorial alterations such as the pared down madcap humour from the original manga, the omission of the fictional Puri Gorota anime, and the expansion of some of the side stories.

I found that the pace of the storytelling lagged because some of these alterations made to the script. More time was given to develop backstory which made this series a different experience. This adaptation had a smoother story flow and transition, for example : Chinese Stresemann's explanation of why he gave the male lead a chance to be deputy conductor for S Orchestra or the fuller story of the 'poverty-stricken' celloist in S Orchestra.

So far, I found this more enjoyable than the Korean version. It's different from the Japanese live action version with some of the changes made. HOWEVER, if was watched without preconception as an adapation on its own merit, it was quite enjoyable.

ACTING:
The male lead was definitely more palatable than the Japanese male lead especially how the female lead was treated; a different gentler take (based on first 10 episodes). I felt chemistry between the main leads. Though it might not be as natural due to the youth of the actors, however it was sweet and charming. The Chinese female lead appeared smarter , coming up with her own pops of wisdom that enlightened the male lead while retaining naivety and childishness.

The fellowship of the support cast was commendable, including the violinist Qin Fen , the Professors Zhang and Hu and especially the visiting conductor Fei She-er. I really enjoyed the Chinese version of Stresemann (Fei She-Er) . Not as eccentric but again, within the context of this version, I felt this character was a reliable and responsible version of Stresemann. I liked the Japanese version Stresemann but I often felt like smacking him because his treatment of the leads was so hapazardly, selfish even immature.

There was a small irritating point. When the characters played their instruments, their actions sometimes do not match the music but that's flaw noticeable in a lot of other chinese dramas.

This was definitely much better than the Korean adaptation though not quite comparably to the Japanese version. Acting of this series was mellow because of the suppressed comic elements.

MUSIC :
I was dissatisfied with the choice of music used in the show. This and the performances in the Japanese version decidedly outshone this Chinese version. I strongly believe the music has always been the soul of this story which would be why I would rated this lower than the Japanese version. However, this show would still be a 4* on my personal ranking scale.

I was not impressed by the OST as well.

REWATCH :
Definitely rewatchable with some skipping. Want to buy my own copy.