I like to hear the orchestra as close to what I hear in a live performance as possible, not “congealed.” At symphonic concerts we sit in orchestra level seats 12-18 rows back, just above stage level. We get a good sense of instrument placement, both for sections (e.g., woodwinds, brass, cellos, violins, percussion, etc.) and for soloists and solo parts by orchestra members. Our audio system and listening room can’t match the acoustics of a hall, but on good recordings the imaging gives a good sense of width and depth, while allowing us to sense the location of soloists and orchestra sections.
The congealed effect, in my opinion and experience is a function of your seating position in a hall and the venue’s acoustics. Sitting in the back of the orchestra level under a balcony is typically a place where it happens. Also in corners, too close to side walls, too high in a multi-level venue. We visit three different concert halls, one our favorite, and the acoustic characteristics of each are noticeably different from the others. One is just more clear, almost regardless of position, and with a wider, deeper stage and hall provides a better sense of separation between instrument groups. It also has curved side walls and ceilings.
For chamber music we attend a smaller hall that seats about 400, sitting 9 rows back. The acoustics in this hall are excellent. On good recordings of chamber music (and small jazz groups) our listening room and audio system, while again not recreating the recording venue’s acoustics, make it easier to sense the separation and location of instruments, including their height, than when listening to orchestra recordings.
