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December 23, 2002

Star Trek Soundtracks recently interviewed Ron Jones, who composed music for TNG during the first four seasons. In this interview, he is asked if he watches any new Trek, and refers to Rick Berman as "Stalin." Below is an excerpt of the interview:

Are there any aspects to doing a computer game score that are easier than a traditional TV/movie score?

In both cases, the composer has as his or her objective to create music that supports the story being told and to add a dimension of emotion not evoked by the picture alone. Music moves emotions, so I am in the moving business. Film is more demanding than games. In games you create basically a library of cues which will be arranged to be triggered by actions of the player as he interacts with the program. Game composers are in the wallpaper and decorating business.

[...]

Do you watch any modern Star Trek? If yes, what do you think of the direction of its musical scores?

Do you ever call your old girlfriend after you break up? Do you want to ride a tricycle after you’ve leaned to ride a bike? After I was assassinated I noticed that the scores sounded less melodic and more pad-like. Ricky Berman always considered music an intrusion, a necessary evil. I now can relate to the poor composers that were brought up before Stalin for being too creative. They were made to apologize for thinking out of the Party line. In Hollywood they just call someone else that will kiss ass bigger and better if you don’t agree. Sounds harsh, but it is really rough out there. Add money to egos and mix it with absolute power and you get something ugly. So, back to your question. Yes, sometimes I take a peek at the new stuff that Paramount manufactures so we will watch the commercials, but I have been underwhelmed by the efforts demonstrated. My dog can do pads.

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