@crustycoot , I grew up in Newton, just outside of Boston and my dad had season tickets at the BSH supposedly one of finest in the world. As a child I doubt I appreciated the hall acoustics, I just loved the music. I do think I prefer open air venues like Tanglewood.
Sat front row at the symphony...
Yesterday, I got to sit in the front row to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony do Beethoven's Piano Concerto no 1 and the Shostakovich Symphony no 10. I know we all talk about audio gear here, but I have to tell you, sitting in the best seat in the house (Heinz Hall) was an amazing audio experience. I'm not sure the best audio gear in the world can quite match it. Maybe I'm wrong, but I was mesmerized by the acoustics of the hall and the dynamics of one of the world's best orchestras.
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I had the same experience lately as the OP. I don’t get out much so I haven’t seen a live show in a LONG time. One of my friends plays the accordion in a polka band. Now I’m not into polka (If I was I wouldn’t tell anyone!). However, I’m not opposed to going out for a beer and a meal. After maybe 15 years of his insisting I came out to hear them play. He was playing at a local watering hole called the Leather Corner Post. In short I was absolutely blown away at the quality of the music! The three men playing are all professional musicians and the acoustics in the place were decent. I had a great time/ I’ve heard great Hi Fi rigs but none did what live music in a good venue can do. I’m going back! They play the third Thursday of every month at the Leather Corner Post in Orefield, Pa. Join me if you are in driving distance. Bring your Boomba!! Joe |
The best sounding seats really depends on the hall design. The classic shoebox hall is generally considered the best sounding, but its limited seating capacity is a problem for new construction projects. The better sounding seats in a shoebox are reported to be two-thirds back near the center. Clearly personal preference comes into play. If you want more distinction between the orchestra sections, then seat closer. A strong argument can also be made for the front rows of the balcony. Better sight lines and the orchestra's sound is projected upwards. I think this would also apply to many fan shaped halls. The vineyard style hall is confusing, at least to me, and I'm not sure what generalizations can be made. |
@mikeydee You were good enough to share your experience of attending a live symphony concert. It only took about three posts for the conversation to largely change to - that wasn't the best seat in the house, let me tell you what is the best seat in the house. Classic Audiogon 🤣 |
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