In recent developments within the video game industry music community, acclaimed composer and vocalist Laura Intravia has publicly addressed unauthorized sales of her work, bringing to light possible copyright infringement involving prominent industry figure Tommy Tallarico.
The controversy centers around a sheet music arrangement written by Intravia for the renowned Video Games Live (VGL) concert series, specifically the "Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley." Laura Intravia, whose credits include major video game franchises such as Destiny 2, Mortal Kombat, and Darksiders 3, arranged and orchestrated the medley for VGL in 2011, also performing a memorable flute solo during live performances.
Video Games Live, produced by Tommy Tallarico, is known for its orchestral renditions of iconic video game music, including beloved Nintendo classics. Intravia's concerns surfaced through a statement on social media, where she highlighted that her Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley has been performed by various orchestras despite a lack of proper authorization.
She remarked that these groups "had every opportunity to do the right thing and pull it from their program, but decided not to," noting that some had even transcribed her flute solo by ear in the absence of official sheet music rights. When pressed about the ongoing sales issue, Intravia clarified, "Multiple people have asked me who's selling it—it's exactly who you assume," alluding to Tallarico but not mentioning him directly.
Addressing the legal dimensions of the dispute, Intravia stated, "Unfortunately, I have no doubt that the individual distributing the music is presenting orchestras with a different account.
The reality is that I never signed any agreement granting exclusive rights to the sheet music, and I would not have consented to such terms." Tommy Tallarico, founder of Video Games Live and former president of Intellivision, has faced increased scrutiny following his departure from Intellivision after challenges launching the Amico console, a platform targeting retro gaming audiences.
Attempts to bring the Amico to market have been unsuccessful since its initial reveal, and Intellivision as a brand has since faced commercial setbacks. The current sheet music dispute marks another chapter in recent controversies surrounding Tallarico, whose public profile includes notable appearances and claims of industry achievement.
It underscores ongoing challenges related to intellectual property, content licensing, and the recognition of creative contributions in video game music—issues that resonate broadly in an era where live video game music performances, such as those featured on the Nintendo Switch via eShop promotions or during high-profile Nintendo Direct presentations, are increasingly popular. As of this publication, neither Tallarico nor Video Games Live have issued an official statement in response to Intravia’s assertions, and no legal action has been publicly disclosed.
The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent rights management and respect for artistic ownership in the rapidly evolving field of game music.
The controversy centers around a sheet music arrangement written by Intravia for the renowned Video Games Live (VGL) concert series, specifically the "Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley." Laura Intravia, whose credits include major video game franchises such as Destiny 2, Mortal Kombat, and Darksiders 3, arranged and orchestrated the medley for VGL in 2011, also performing a memorable flute solo during live performances.
Video Games Live, produced by Tommy Tallarico, is known for its orchestral renditions of iconic video game music, including beloved Nintendo classics. Intravia's concerns surfaced through a statement on social media, where she highlighted that her Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley has been performed by various orchestras despite a lack of proper authorization.
She remarked that these groups "had every opportunity to do the right thing and pull it from their program, but decided not to," noting that some had even transcribed her flute solo by ear in the absence of official sheet music rights. When pressed about the ongoing sales issue, Intravia clarified, "Multiple people have asked me who's selling it—it's exactly who you assume," alluding to Tallarico but not mentioning him directly.
Addressing the legal dimensions of the dispute, Intravia stated, "Unfortunately, I have no doubt that the individual distributing the music is presenting orchestras with a different account.
The reality is that I never signed any agreement granting exclusive rights to the sheet music, and I would not have consented to such terms." Tommy Tallarico, founder of Video Games Live and former president of Intellivision, has faced increased scrutiny following his departure from Intellivision after challenges launching the Amico console, a platform targeting retro gaming audiences.
Attempts to bring the Amico to market have been unsuccessful since its initial reveal, and Intellivision as a brand has since faced commercial setbacks. The current sheet music dispute marks another chapter in recent controversies surrounding Tallarico, whose public profile includes notable appearances and claims of industry achievement.
It underscores ongoing challenges related to intellectual property, content licensing, and the recognition of creative contributions in video game music—issues that resonate broadly in an era where live video game music performances, such as those featured on the Nintendo Switch via eShop promotions or during high-profile Nintendo Direct presentations, are increasingly popular. As of this publication, neither Tallarico nor Video Games Live have issued an official statement in response to Intravia’s assertions, and no legal action has been publicly disclosed.
The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent rights management and respect for artistic ownership in the rapidly evolving field of game music.
