2. misc-audio
  3. 194453-3130

??? My First Classical Concert,What Can I Expect ???

 In my 65 years I've been to somewhere around 1000 rock/blues/reggae concerts..I've seen them all at one time or another,Led Zepp,The Stones,The Who,Pink Floyd,Carlos Santanna,SRV,BB King,Marley,Tosh,Cliff & on & on..
 But in all those concerts,I've never been to a Classical Concert..Well I decided to change that & am going to my first one in early June..Nothing big time,our small town symphony performing Bachs Brandenburg  Concerto's  at one of the bigger churches of about 500 seats..
 We'll be 6 rows from the stage,second & third seats in from center isle..In all the concerts I've ever been to,I don't ever recall listening for imaging or staging or micro detail or any of the things I sometimes listen for at home..I'm curious what I can expect regarding the Acoustics & if I get into critical listening mode what to look for as far as the technical aspects of the performance..
 Am I overthinking this adventure,should I just sit back & let the experience flow whatever direction it takes?What are your thoughts?

freediver
sns
3,733 posts
 

All good advice above. You will hear natural sound staging, not this over precise image placement we hear with so many recordings. Natural timbre, micro and macro dynamics should also impress.   Hearing non amplified instruments with little or no sound reinforcement provides a unique perspective and may provide a new reference for what one is seeking with their home system.

dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
188 posts
 

From an audiophile standpoint, you will be amazed at how NOT BRIGHT a live orchestra is. ;-)  I think unamplified symphony concerts are very good for training your ears toward a more natural sound.  On a musical level, you'll be thrilled by the sound of a massed orchestra.  On a few occasions I've had the amazing experience of performing as a voice artist in front of a symphony orchestra.  The experience was indescribable!  Finally, you will love the Brandenburg Concertos.  Tuneful, danceable, moving and uplifting music.  Enjoy!

ghdprentice
7,720 posts
 

@dogearedaudio 

+1

horn13
8 posts
 

If you can, I would sit back in the hall a little further.

vetsc5
59 posts
 

Hello Freediver, first let me congratulate you on the decision to expand your live concert genre.  One suggestion is to avoid "overthinking" this new experience.  The most notable and most obvious contrast will be that you'll hear the purity of the artists,the instruments and the music.   No electronic enhancements such as amps, equalizers, mixers, dynamic lighting, speakers, etc. Also be prepared for a much lower SPL than you've encountered at rock concerts where the SPL averages 90 to 120 dBs.  Live classic concerts SPL averages around 70-90dBs (much less stressful on the ears) with a few loud passages approaching 100 dBs.  I enjoy every musical genre but especially so when the musicians are truly talented.  Arrive early and take you seat so that you can listen to the artists warm up.  This will also help prepare you for a marvelous first time experience.  Enjoy the music.

 

More to discover