Video games have been around in one form or another for over half a century, and in that tenure they have infiltrated our culture more than many realize. Despite their mass appeal, one important aspect of video games often does not get much mainstream appreciation: the music. The performance by Video Games Live in Bethesda last Saturday challenged this and proved that music does not have to be thought less of just because it is found in a video game.
Video Games Live is a concert series co-founded by video game composers and musicians Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall. It consists of music from video games both popular and obscure performed by a full orchestra and complemented by eccentric lighting and game footage.
Saturday’s performance took place in the Music Center at Strathmore and marked the first appearance by Video Games Live in Maryland. The “Guitar Hero” tournament, the televisions set up to play multiplayer “Halo” and the various teenagers dressed for a costume contest gave the event the appearance of a miniature convention.
After the brief costume contest (won by a small child in a store bought Spiderman costume) and a short introduction to the orchestra conductor, Tommy Tallarico himself came out to host the event. Tallarico embodied everything about the spirit of Video Games Live: lighthearted yet dedicated. He wore jeans and various game-related t-shirts, but spoke with the confidence and humor of a master emcee.
The music itself started with a tribute to old classics such as “Super Mario” and “Tetris” and segments throughout the afternoon sampled everything from “Halo” to “Final Fantasy” to “Chrono Trigger.” Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Video Games Live is just how well they integrate sound and visuals. The meticulously placed lights were frantic and colorful while syncing to and complementing the music. This combined with a massive screen behind the orchestra upon which footage from the respective games was projected made for a unique experience that was sure to please video game fanatics and the uninitiated alike.
Video Games Live did not stop at simple integration, however. At two points in the show, Tallarico brought an audience member onstage to actually play the games while the orchestra provided the music. First up was “Space Invaders” with the musicians perfectly matching the iconic exponential pace of the theme, and next was Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” played on both guitar by Tallarico and “Guitar Hero” by a twelve year-old boy. These sections were the creative highlights of the show. Tallarico and his band reveled in the natural interactivity of their medium, proving that it can provide its own unique entertainment value while remaining artistically sound.
And artistically sound it was. Every artist on display was talented enough to do their music justice. It was hard to tell if they were gamers or musicians first, but their passion for both was clearly equal. Those unfamiliar with game music might be surprised by just how complex some of the pieces played were. Every one, even the humble “Tetris” theme, was given a grandiose treatment utilizing every instrument to its fullest. In fact, the “Tetris” theme provided one of the most impressive moments of the performance in the form of a spectacular operatic rendition.
“We want to prove to the world how culturally significant and artistic video games have become,” Tallarico said in his opening remarks. The statement was met with thunderous applause by a room that contained children, teenagers, college students and adults alike.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
