--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Generally, the best recording is the…" description: "\"Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with them.\" — Stephen Sondheim" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg" --- # Generally, the best recording is the original cast… ![“Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with them.” quote by Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg) > “Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with them.” [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Original cast recordings capture the work as it was conceived, preserving its integral character. **In simple terms:** Original casts keep the piece authentic. Key Takeaway Prefer original cast recordings for authenticity. Themes authenticity theatre recording Mood nostalgic reflective Type critical appreciative When to use this quote - listening to theatre - studying musical scores - archiving performances Key Concepts integral composition performance fidelity Questions to Reflect On - How does cast affect your experience of a musical? - Would you trade authenticity for higher production quality? A Different Perspective Original casts may lack technical polish compared to modern productions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Best Recording](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/best-recording-1352335/) [Grew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grew/) [Grew Integrally](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grew-integrally-5149004/) [Original](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/original/) [Original Cast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/original-cast-1837147/) [Recording Original](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recording-original-5149003/) [Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way/) ## Related quotes > [The best recording is the one you bring with you in your mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/enda-kenny/the-best-recording-is-the-one-you-bring-with-you-in-your-mind/) [Enda Kenny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/enda-kenny/) > [I danced in a company of 'West Side Story' when I was very young. It was most of the original cast - Larry Kert,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/teri-garr/i-danced-in-a-company-of-west-side-story-when-i-was-very-young-it-was/) [Teri Garr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/teri-garr/) > [I haven't done a movie without a member of the original cast of 'Zombieland' - they've all been in every movie I've done.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruben-fleischer/i-haven-t-done-a-movie-without-a-member-of-the-original-cast-of/) [Ruben Fleischer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruben-fleischer/) > [I remember seeing 'Les Miserables' with the original cast - this was in '87 - and I was blown away by it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-zahn/i-remember-seeing-les-miserables-with-the-original-cast-this-was-in/) [Steve Zahn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-zahn/) > [I've always wanted to be on an original cast recording. I grew up listening to them, and now to know that my voice is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-osnes/i-ve-always-wanted-to-be-on-an-original-cast-recording-i-grew-up/) [Laura Osnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-osnes/) > [I was in the original cast of 'Sunset Boulevard.' I played Betty. But I wasn't on the cast album.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-ripley/i-was-in-the-original-cast-of-sunset-boulevard-i-played-betty-but-i/) [Alice Ripley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-ripley/) > [I have thought about Happy Days made into a movie. As far as the original cast not being a part of it, wow, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-moran/i-have-thought-about-happy-days-made-into-a-movie-as-far-as-the/) [Erin Moran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-moran/) > [Blood Brothers! I've always wanted to play Linda and when I'm old enough, Mrs. Johnston. I would love it if Cameron Mackintosh brought back…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francesca-jackson/blood-brothers-i-ve-always-wanted-to-play-linda-and-when-i-m-old/) [Francesca Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francesca-jackson/) > [HBO is the original subscription video-on-demand company. We were repurposing first-run movies, and then we added original programming.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-bewkes/hbo-is-the-original-subscription-video-on-demand-company-we-were/) [Jeff Bewkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-bewkes/) > [I like that I am different, we don't need to be the same, because that wouldn't be Original and that is my name.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simone-munton/i-like-that-i-am-different-we-don-t-need-to-be-the-same-because-that/) [Simone Munton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simone-munton/) > [God is the original Mathematician](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frenchqueen/god-is-the-original-mathematician/) [Frenchqueen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frenchqueen/) > [Better a decent remake than a bad original, don't you think?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ram-charan/better-a-decent-remake-than-a-bad-original-don-t-you-think/) [Ram Charan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ram-charan/) > [Life is not a cliche - everything that's happening is completely original. No refunds, no exchange.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-not-a-cliche-everything-that-s-happening-is-completely/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [He brought a sensibility and a hard-edged reasonableness to operating restaurants that had a lasting impact on me and still affects how I run…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-bastianich/he-brought-a-sensibility-and-a-hard-edged-reasonableness-to-operating/) [Joe Bastianich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-bastianich/) > [I am pure and original from heart but dont judge my mind!!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dheeraj-puthran/i-am-pure-and-original-from-heart-but-dont-judge-my-mind/) [Dheeraj Puthran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dheeraj-puthran/) ## More by Stephen Sondheim > [I have, by nature, an analytical mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-have-by-nature-an-analytical-mind/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [“They all deserve to die. Tell you why, Mrs. Lovett, tell you why. Because in all of the whole human race Mrs Lovett, there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/they-all-deserve-to-die-tell-you-why-mrs-lovett-tell-you-why-because/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [It's not so hard to be married, I've done it three or four times.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/it-s-not-so-hard-to-be-married-i-ve-done-it-three-or-four-times/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I don't find my life that interesting. The shows, maybe. But not me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-don-t-find-my-life-that-interesting-the-shows-maybe-but-not-me/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [“Careful the things you say, Children will listen. Careful the things you do, Children will see. And learn. Children may not obey But children…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/careful-the-things-you-say-children-will-listen-careful-the-things/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [“Because in all of the whole human race Mrs. Lovett, there are two kinds of men and only two There's the one staying put…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/because-in-all-of-the-whole-human-race-mrs-lovett-there-are-two-kinds/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I love computers. I love writing on them. I love gadgetry. The thing is: I am a slow reader. So, if I am going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-love-computers-i-love-writing-on-them-i-love-gadgetry-the-thing-is/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I have inherited my father's sense of humour about myself. It's a lot more pleasant to make fun of yourself than when someone else…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-have-inherited-my-father-s-sense-of-humour-about-myself-it-s-a-lot/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I prefer neurotic people. I like to hear rumblings beneath the surface.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-prefer-neurotic-people-i-like-to-hear-rumblings-beneath-the-surface/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I'm sure many writers have these strange, tiny little habits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-m-sure-many-writers-have-these-strange-tiny-little-habits/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [Musicals are, by nature, theatrical, meaning poetic, meaning having to move the audience's imagination and create a suspension of disbelief, by which I mean…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/musicals-are-by-nature-theatrical-meaning-poetic-meaning-having-to/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [Nowadays, there are sometimes more producers than there are people in the cast, because it takes that much money to put a show on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/nowadays-there-are-sometimes-more-producers-than-there-are-people-in/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [Perpetual anticipation is good for the soul but it's bad for the heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/perpetual-anticipation-is-good-for-the-soul-but-it-s-bad-for-the-heart/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I was watching him crawl, Back over the wall-! Then bang! Crash! And the lightning flash! And- well, that's another story, Never mind- Anyway...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-was-watching-him-crawl-back-over-the-wall-then-bang-crash-and-the/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) > [I'm always conscious of what I'm writing, conscious of what the actor may ask me. I have a defense for nearly every line in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/i-m-always-conscious-of-what-i-m-writing-conscious-of-what-the-actor/) [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) [Explore all 228 Stephen Sondheim quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) ## More Grew quotes > [Where I grew up, learning was a collective activity. But when I got to school and tried to share learning with other students that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-giroux/where-i-grew-up-learning-was-a-collective-activity-but-when-i-got-to/) [Henry Giroux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-giroux/) > [I grew up in the middle class.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-scaramucci/i-grew-up-in-the-middle-class/) [Anthony Scaramucci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-scaramucci/) > [I grew up in Synagogue in the boys' choir. We didn't listen to music in the house; only at temple. Then I went to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mandy-patinkin/i-grew-up-in-synagogue-in-the-boys-choir-we-didn-t-listen-to-music-in/) [Mandy Patinkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mandy-patinkin/) > [The teacher is one who makes two ideas grow where only one grew before.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elbert-hubbard/the-teacher-is-one-who-makes-two-ideas-grow-where-only-one-grew-before/) [Elbert Hubbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elbert-hubbard/) > [I'm a strange mixture of my mother's curiosity; my father, who grew up the son of the manse in a Presbyterian family, who had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rupert-murdoch/i-m-a-strange-mixture-of-my-mother-s-curiosity-my-father-who-grew-up/) [Rupert Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rupert-murdoch/) > [I grew up in Mumbai.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fareed-zakaria/i-grew-up-in-mumbai/) [Fareed Zakaria](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fareed-zakaria/) > [I think anyone that grew up in the '70s and '80s grew up with Bob Barker and Wink Martindale and I think that was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/guy-fieri/i-think-anyone-that-grew-up-in-the-70s-and-80s-grew-up-with-bob/) [Guy Fieri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-fieri/) > [I got to meet some of the best people I've ever met, and we all grew as people and as entertainers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carrie-underwood/i-got-to-meet-some-of-the-best-people-i-ve-ever-met-and-we-all-grew/) [Carrie Underwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-underwood/) > [Once my family grew bigger I loved Portland more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rasheed-wallace/once-my-family-grew-bigger-i-loved-portland-more/) [Rasheed Wallace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rasheed-wallace/) > [Grew up in a small town where there was only one crazy guy. He didn't even go insane doing anything good, like going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-posehn/grew-up-in-a-small-town-where-there-was-only-one-crazy-guy-he-didn-t/) [Brian Posehn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-posehn/) > [I grew up with a religious background.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-caruso/i-grew-up-with-a-religious-background/) [Alex Caruso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-caruso/) > [I have to say, I grew up with fashion because my mother was a seamstress, and she had an atelier. She would cut the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donatella-versace/i-have-to-say-i-grew-up-with-fashion-because-my-mother-was-a/) [Donatella Versace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donatella-versace/) > [This role is more visible, and I grew up without a lot of that sort of modeling so I'm relieved and proud to have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wentworth-miller/this-role-is-more-visible-and-i-grew-up-without-a-lot-of-that-sort-of/) [Wentworth Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wentworth-miller/) > [I grew up on a set and saw my family doing it and thought, 'I can do that too.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rory-culkin/i-grew-up-on-a-set-and-saw-my-family-doing-it-and-thought-i-can-do/) [Rory Culkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rory-culkin/) > [My dad's Israeli. He was born in Baghdad to Iraqi Jews. Then, at age two, his parents wanted to move to their homeland and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elliott-yamin/my-dad-s-israeli-he-was-born-in-baghdad-to-iraqi-jews-then-at-age-two/) [Elliott Yamin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elliott-yamin/) [Browse all 6,016 Grew quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grew/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with them.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Stephen Sondheim" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/generally-the-best-recording-is-the-original-cast-because-that-s-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Grew" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/generally-the-best-recording-is-the-original-cast-because-that-s-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/091/stephen-sondheim-1556_grew_generally-the-best-recording-is-the-orig_1439809.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with…” — Stephen Sondheim", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Stephen Sondheim", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Generally, the best recording is the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/generally-the-best-recording-is-the-original-cast-because-that-s-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-sondheim/generally-the-best-recording-is-the-original-cast-because-that-s-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```