Difference Between Soundtrack and Cast Recording

Music is the most indispensable part of a movie or any other art form that incorporates audio in it. Soundtrack and Cast recording are the other forms that are utilised in a movie and a TV show. Without audio, it would be difficult for us to comprehend a scene or a dialogue.

Soundtrack vs Cast Recording

The main difference between Soundtrack and Cast Recording is that the songs performed in a cast recording are the recording of the songs that are performed live and Soundtrack is the music in a movie that synchronises with a scene.

Soundtracks are audios that are recorded during pre-production or post-production. There are various types of soundtracks that are created for movies, books, podcasts and so much more. They are also the introduction music that you can hear in the movie. It is also the background music that plays in a movie.

Cast Recording are the recordings of music that are performed live before an audience. The word “Cast Recording” can be split into two Cast and Recording. The cast is about the musicians who can perform live and recording is done at the same time. There are also different types of cast recording that are done.

Comparison Table Between Soundtrack and Cast Recording

What is a Soundtrack?

The soundtrack is the audio that plays in the movies, various dramas, all the games, podcasts and in all forms of media. It incorporates video visuals. The main idea is that the soundtrack has to be in sync with the scene that currently plays. These are all pre-recorded in a studio.

The soundtrack is also recorded post-production of a movie,tv-series or other forms of media. In 1929 the term “soundtrack” came into existence. It was established by a magazine called “Photoplay”. In the 1940s is when soundtracks became so popular. The soundtrack albums also came into existence during this period.

The soundtracks that are recorded on the CD are called OST which means Original Soundtrack. The soundtrack is different from the dubbing track. The dubbing track deals with the voiceover of the characters whereas the soundtrack is the background music or the music that is played in a film or other media.

There are different types of Soundtrack as well. A movie and television soundtrack is the songs and bgm of a film. A video game soundtrack is the sound effects that you hear in the game that keeps you engaged. Theme park and event soundtracks make the events more thrilling. Book soundtracks exist for example the GOT, Harry Potter and so much more.

What is Cast recording?

Cast recording is the music performance on a live show or the music that is usually pre-recorded in a studio. It is also the recording of the songs as they were performed on the show and releasing it with some adjustments and glossiness. There are also various types of cast recordings.

There is another term called original cast recording. These recordings are done by the cast of the original show they belong to. These Cast recordings are predominantly recorded in the studio rather than a live performance. Cast recording is a replica of live performances. It is recorded without the noise of the audience.

The cast recordings were first-ever done by the British. The cast recording comprises the recordings of live performances, musicals and broadway shows. The first cast recording to release was the bandwagon. Some huge companies and brands release these. The best selling albums were released by Decca 

Labels such as ABC were famous during the 1960s. Disney records were also very popular for the movies Tarzan, Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Hercules and so much more. The original cast is a company that puts out private theatre recordings and off-Broadway tracks. Deca, Capitol, RCA Victor, Columbia were some of the famous companies in this field.

Main Differences Between Soundtrack and Cast Recording

1. The soundtrack is the music that has to be in sync with the scene that plays in a movie. Cast Recording is the recording of the music during a live performance without the noise of the audience.
2. The soundtrack is pre-recorded in a studio. This music has to be created and sung which synchronises with the movie. Cast recording is the replica of the live performances on stage that is recorded.
3. The first Soundtrack was released in the year 1937 in a Disney movie. The first Cast Recording was released in the year 1931.
4. There are various types of soundtracks for movies, games, events, theme parks and more. The various types of Cast Recording are musicals, Broadway shows and live performances.
5. Soundtracks are generally established in a movie, gaming and other media forms. Cast recording is generally established as songs.

Conclusion

Audio and video are important for an audience to relish the full experience of watching a movie or various media forms. Music is very important in everyone’s lives as it keeps you calm when you want to focus and motivated when you want to be. Soundtracks help a scene to be conveyed more efficiently in a movie as a bgm. It can change the entire meaning of a scene.

Cast recording makes the live music sound much better with all the edits and perfection that is created in the music studio. Both are essential for any media form.

References

1. https://nyuscholars.nyu.edu/en/publications/paris-commune-original-cast-recording
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10509207609360969