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How do they MIC a symphony?

I'm not a big classical fan but what I like I love. Mostly I'm into solos but I just listened to the Classic 45 series of Beethoven's "Violin Concerto (in D)" - Heifetz/Munch with the Boston Symphony and the recording was incredibly airy. I thought there was static on the LP at first but then I realized it was the rustling of a shirt and the whistling of a nose from (I assume) the conductor breathing and since many instruments were playing I'm assuming it wasn't from a single musician (unless a very overweight triangle player.) Whoa! (Am i hearing things, btw?)

I've heard similar personal sounds on Beehoven's "Moonlight Sonata" (Serkin) and Bach's 6 suites for cello (Casals) but these are solo pieces and the sound was coming from the players which makes sense.

How do they mic a live symphony? How do they mic a recorded one? Where do the engineers try to place the home audience?

Hope those questions aren't too basic but I'm fascinated by this now and would love to know.

Thanks
kublakhan

Showing 1 response by kublakhan

kublakhan OP
717 posts
 
Rcprince... impressive response! all of them; thanks guys.

btw, anyone know if the Beethoven i was listening to is considered to be a special recording or am i just finally getting to hear details from vinyl with my new setup (thanks to twl.) This copy is the Classic 45 series from the original living stereo rca red seal...or, rather, from the master recording they used for that rca copy (i assume.)

If someone has this i'd like to know if they hear the guy with the nose whistle problem on the first track or if i'm really in trouble this time ...mentally.

Whoo-hoo!
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