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Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim Quotes

Composer

Stephen Sondheim, an American composer, was born on March 22, 1930. Renowned for his exceptional contributions to the musical theater genre, Sondheim's works are characterized by complex melodies, profound lyrics, and innovative narrative structures. His musicals, including 'West Side Story,' 'Company,' 'Follies,' and 'Sweeney Todd,' have had a profound impact not only in the United States but also globally.

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All Writing Song Ifs Stories Knows People Way Audience Musical Shows Want Art Casts World Children May Moments Pieces Play Sometimes

Famous Stephen Sondheim Quotes

“I don't write songs apart from theatrical pieces. I'm not interested in writing songs qua songs.”

Writing Song Pieces Not Interested Theatrical Writing Songs

Author:Stephen Sondheim

“I took piano lessons when I was 6. I didn't want to go on with it. I don't remember being moved by a piece of music.”

Want Remember Pieces Goes On Lessons Moved Piano Piano Lesson

Author:Stephen Sondheim

“In not-for-profit theater, you don't worry so much about how the audience is going to react. You want to make them absorb the piece.”

Want Worry Audience Pieces Theater Profit

Author:Stephen Sondheim

“Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with them.”

Way Pieces Grew Originals Casts

Author:Stephen Sondheim

“Bit by bit, putting it together... Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art. Every moment makes a contribution, Every little detail plays a part. Having just the vision's no solution, Everything depends on execution, Putting it together, that's what counts.”

Way Littles Art Play Moments Together Bits Vision Pieces Depends Solutions Details Contribution Works Of Art Execution

Book:Wordplays 5: An Anthology of New American Drama

Source: Wordplays 5: An Anthology of New American Drama

“The last collaborator is your audience ... when the audience comes in, it changes the temperature of what you've written. Things that seem to work well -- work in a sense of carry the story forward and be integral to the piece -- suddenly become a little less relevant or a little less functional or a little overlong or a little overweight or a little whatever. And so you start reshaping from an audience.”

Writing Wells Littles Stories Seems Lasts Audience Pieces Written Relevant Temperature Overweight Collaborators

Author:Stephen Sondheim