Acclaimed classical violinist Lara St. John, an Ontario native who has lived in Toronto, knows a thing or two about the importance of good music. And, as the owner of Ancalagon Records, she also knows that when there's an opportunity to employ a bona fide professional musician, we should. So, when she heard that the venerable HBO network skimped out on the soundtrack for their runaway hit Game of Thrones, opting for computer-generated cello instead of the real thing, well, she was miffed. And, in an open letter on her website, she let them know about it. And, provided a couple of videos to illustrate her point. We tracked her down in Florida to ask her all about it, and included a video of the song in questions played with live cello, as well as a glimpse of the talented St. John doing her thing. 

 

So, tell me why this is so important to you?

I am a huge fan of the Song of Ice and Fire books. I think the mind of Mr. Martin is prodigious in wit and breadth. Also, being, from a tender age, a reptile enthusiast, anything which features dragons is riveting to me. I have my own little dragon (a four-foot iguana) and he likes to watch flying versions of himself as well. The larger question, however, is why this is happening so often in television and film. Although I used GoT as an example for the above reasons, one could also point to the preposterous decision Dancing with the Stars made to replace their live band with electronics (which I believe they recently reversed), and countless other TV themes and films. This could, if a budget is tight, say, or there is simply no time, be borderline understandable,  but neither issue can possibly be a factor for Game of Thrones, now entering its fourth season.

Are you a fan of the show? 

Well, I certainly would be, if I hadn’t stopped watching out of principle. I think it’s extraordinarily well cast (especially Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke), beautifully and hauntingly shot and an incredible production nearly all around. 

What is your theory as to why they are cheaping out on the soundtrack?

I think they (the honcho types) actually just don’t care. They may have wanted to cut corners (with that sort of success and profit, I’m not sure why), and the first thing to go is always the music. What they don’t realize is that the music makes the show. Imagine Star Wars with a sampled orchestra, as they have done here. Gahhh! And then imagine how much better that awesome Thrones theme could be, were it real.

And, have you heard from HBO, or do you hope to?

Not yet!  But all I want is for them to re-record the opening theme with real musicians. That’s what I hope for — so that I can start watching again! At this point, I imagine Daenerys’ and my dragon(s) are about the same age.

And, finally, when are you coming back to Toronto to play?

I performed there three times last year. No immediate plans just this moment, but it’s never long that I’m away from Toronto.
 

Rubin Kodheli, cello

 

Lara St. John plays live in Studio Q