Composer Christopher Tin has picked up the first ever Grammy Award win for a video game theme at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.
His track, "Baba Yetu", the opening theme to strategy title Civilization IV, won the award for 'Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist', beating the likes of "Baby" by Roger Treece and "Based On A Thousand True Stories" by Vince Mendoza.
The arrangement features the Soweto Gospel Choir & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and was originally created for the Firaxis release back in 2005. It then featured on his album "Calling All Dawns" in 2009.
Tin also won the Grammy for 'Best Classical Crossover Album' for Calling All Dawns, conducted by Lucas Richman. The classical/world fusion CD features over 200 musicians from around the world singing in 12 different languages with "Baba Yetu" serving as the album's opening track.
Tin has contributed music to other video games, such as World of Cars Online and Fantastic Four: The Rise of The Silver Surfer. He's also composed music for films (e.g. X2: X-Men United) and advertisements, working with clients like Apple, Microsoft, Puma, and Verizon.
While I am happy for him, and for the recognition that game music should be getting awards (about time!), shouldn't the award have gone to something written in 2010? I thought that was how it worked?
They don't give out Oscars to movies released prior to the year in question. Is it different in the Grammies?
The composer spoke in depth about his music from Civilization IV in an interview with Gamasutra at http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25344.
They don't give out Oscars to movies released prior to the year in question. Is it different in the Grammies?
Baba Yetu certainly deserves some prizes and praises.