Page 23 - Imagination Comes To Life

the popular series of novels that inspired the show.

Game of Thrones is set in medieval times with a knights-and-ladies sort of kingdom, and a
wider, exotic world around it. This world, where seasons last for years, is ineptly ruled and
a struggle for power is about to erupt. Over the sea, the heir of the previous dynasty,
Viserys Targaryen, is struggling to win back his crown by marrying his sister Daenerys off
to a powerful nomad chieftain. In the north the Starks are reluctantly drawn into a web of
politics and plots. Further north, the ubiquitous otherworldly forces of evil are gathering.
As the story expands, the subplots branch out and intertwine with increasing complexity,
and the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into the tale. Martin's story is intricate, gripping
and original, but his greatest strengths are his memorable characters and a rich, assured
writing style.

[excerpted from L.A. Times]

Suite from Video Games Live…………………………………………………….…....Ford

There is a new kid on the block. It is called "video game music." There is a similarity
between game music and film music, and both have been reviled by those who are used to
"classical" music. One difference is that film music can follow the plot, as John
Williams' music usually does. Video games don't have a plot in the usual sense
because as you play them unexpected things happen, and the action is frequently
controlled by the game player.

Some games, like Tetris, have no plot, so the music need not follow the action. There are
films like that, which have background music unrelated to the action. The idea is to sell
the soundtrack in the form of singles. Many games, such as Mario Brothers, have simple,
repetitious tunes, but more dramatic games have full symphonic background music. The
composer must create music that fits the mood of the game and anticipates possible
player-caused events. Some composers are pretty good at this, but the nature of video
games prevents very much dramatic variety.

It was inevitable that video game music should come on to the mainstream
marketplace. Games are enormously popular, and not only with the teenagers. Just as
film-goers like to be reminded of the drama by listening to soundtracks, video-gamers like
to relive moments of their games by listening to soundtracks, especially when they are
combined with rock-concert effects.

The difference between audience reactions to video game music as compared to
standard classical fare is evident by the live concerts. Where concert-goers usually are
annoyed by coughing or babies crying during a Brahms symphony, the audiences of