Kilted in the Concert House

[Rex_Tremende]

I've seen photos of that concert hall before, and the arrangement of some of the seating behind the orchestra is one of its innovations. It's a view that I've had many times from being in choral ensembles, such as with the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus and the CSO and Cincinnati Pops. The auditorium and stage were not designed for the benefit of the on-stage performers sitting in risers, however. So, I'm curious how was your experience as a spectator, in a seat in a hall designed in such a way that pleasure should be gained from behind the scenes?

Regards,
Rex.

[GG]

The auditorium and stage were not designed for the benefit of the on-stage performers sitting in risers, however. So, I'm curious how was your experience as a spectator, in a seat in a hall designed in such a way that pleasure should be gained from behind the scenes?

Regards,
Rex.

It was for the first time that I experienced a concert from that angle and I always thought that it should not be very attractive. However, I didn’t realize that the sound was deteriorated or unbalanced in any way, which had been my first concern and the advantage is that you can see the conductor’s face – like when you buy a DVD or look at a TV transmission. Also you are quite close to the orchestra when sitting beside or even behind the orchestra; at least it is the case in Copenhagen (and in the Berlin Philharmonie which might have been the inspiration when designing the concert house in Copenhagen).
So it was a positive experience in every respect.

Greg

[Highlander31]

Sounds like a wonderful time. You look well put together.

[MartinGrenoble]

Not really a new seating arrangement. I remember attending various performanes oin the London Festival Hall in the early 60s.
We had to queue a month in advance to get these cheap seats at the back of the stage, which were perfect for piano recitals (choosing the place carefully, it was just right to see both the soloists face and his hands), and for chamber concerts (the Brandenburg concertos, watching the conductor moulding the music with his hands -- wonderful).
On another occasion, I remember being in the main general audience and falling asleep ... That would not have happened with the musicians at ones feet!

Martin

[LoftGuy]

I didn’t realize that the sound was deteriorated or unbalanced in any way, which had been my first concern and the advantage is that you can see the conductor’s face – like when you buy a DVD or look at a TV transmission.

Greg

Excellent point, many conductors are truly inspiring to watch as they totally throw themselves, both physically and mentally, into their conducting. Their baton becomes a blurr, facial expresions and body language all combine to inspire the muscians to achieve their highest level of performance while leaving the conductor totally spent, and drenched in perspiration.

Depending on the work being performed, I believe being seated behing the performers can be a distinct advantage.