Concert halls with strong lateral reflections enhance musical dynamics
Abstract
The concert hall conveys orchestral sound to the listener through acoustic reflections from directions defined by the room geometry. When sound arrives from the sides of the head, binaural hearing emphasizes the same frequencies produced by higher orchestral-playing dynamics, thus enhancing perceived dynamic range. Many studies on room acoustics acknowledge the importance of such lateral reflections, but their contribution to the dynamic responsiveness of the hall has not yet been understood. Because dynamic expression is such a critical part of symphonic music, this phenomenon helps to explain the established success of shoebox-type concert halls.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1319976111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.4409P