Where's the best seat in the house at the symphony?

Hantra · « **on:** 21 Aug 2003, 02:33 pm »

All:

My wife and I have been to the local symphony a few times, but we usually sit down in the right front of the orchestra section. It just works out that way.

So, if you were going to get season tix, which seats sound best?

Carlman · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Aug 2003, 03:16 pm »

I'm not a huge orchestra go-er but, to the dozen or so I've been to in my life, I've realized some seating preference...

I prefer front seats in the mez. You're ear-shot to all the instruments and close enough to see things. However, I like sitting anywhere there's not heads directly in front of me... like where there's a break in seating. The only downside is that people will sometimes walk by during the performance but, it's a minor distraction to be able to hear (and see) the whole orchestra a little better. I don't like the balcony because sounds get compressed a bit and I can't see anything so, I might as well listen at home.

The one time I sat really close was very cool as well. I felt like the conductor and sounds came from distinct locations. I still prefer the orchestral sounds to gel together a bit better so, I still like to sit back a bit. I guess it depends on what you like.

mojoman · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 04:32 pm »

Hantra, is this Meymandi. I've sat all over that place and must say I prefer the first couple of rows of the lower balcony. But with that said, this is a fantastic hall and there aren't any bad seats really. I don't really like the upper balcony because you're just so high up and far from the stage but the sound is good there. Center section of the orchestra is great too but you can see better from the lower balcony.

Hantra · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 06:08 pm »

Actually, it's Greensboro. .

mojoman · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 06:31 pm »

Can't help you there although I agree with Carlsman that I like to sit back a little where the sound comes together.

John Casler · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 06:42 pm »

Entirely dependant on the "venue" (sounds like us talking about our rooms), but generally I think recordings are engineered to be 5th - 7th row center, but I'm sure this varies also.

Tyson · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 10:38 pm »

I usually like anywhere from the 10th to 20th rows, depending on the hall, dead center of course.

cyounkman · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Aug 2003, 01:35 am »

Every hall has its unique signature. Sometimes the front rows are a great way to get direct, up-front sound, at the expense of the 'hall sound' and complete integration of the orchestral sound. At other times, if the stage is too high, sitting in the front rows simply feels like the sound is going right over your head. I generally try to site midway back in the orchestra section, or at the front of the mezzanine.

hifitommy · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 07:39 pm »

" generally I think recordings are engineered to be 5th - 7th row center"
-casler

a great deal of the time the mics are hung above the conductor, perhaps to represent what he hears. this may explain why the imaging is pinpoint sometimes and this is railed as not being realistic.

from the audience position, the imaging is rather diffuse, and in surround systems, even dynaquad passive, that is the effect produced. adding the room reflections dilutes the pinpoint imaging heard by the conductor.

the best seat may be not a seat but where the conductor stands, after all, he balances the sound of the entire orchestra from there.