The low stage put the orchestra players sitting on full display. The musicians’ passion can be felt vividly, and the string section’s notes in particular can be heard in perfect detail, because of their close proximity. The atmosphere is similar to a piano recital. Musicians perform as if playing just for you.
In these seats, the orchestra members and the audience are at eye level. A panoramic view of the orchestra can be seen, and this is also the most ideal place to enjoy the full sound of the music. For piano recitals, the power of the music can be felt directly with an unhindered listening experience.
This area overlooks the whole orchestra from right above the double bass section. All of the conductor’s subtle movements can be seen and experienced from this vantage point. These seats also afford a rarely seen side view of the brass section. For piano recitals, this seating shows the front of the pianist. However the piano lid may hide the player’s face from some of the seats, so please be careful when you choose the seating.
The back side of the orchestra can be seen and it almost makes one feel like they are a member of the orchestra. The performance will be held in front of this area and it would overwhelm you. These seats will allow you to see what the orchestra members see, and is the ideal place to watch the conductor in action. For piano recitals, this seating is very close to the pianist and it makes for a personal experience. However the volume is a little lower because of the position of the piano lid.
This location is the common view on TV programs and DVD’s etc. that overlook the stage from behind the violins. Although the view of the orchestra isn’t as complete in the back row, the sound is clear and full. Guests in these seats would be able to watch all of the musicians’ preparations between pieces, and have an intimate view of the orchestra. For piano recitals, keyboard and active arm movements can be observed but from the back side of the pianist.
From this location, nearly the whole stage can be seen and heard in a well balanced orchestral sound. Rich low toned strings, cello and double bass, face toward this area. The notes from the brass and percussion sections can be heard clearly, and the conductor’s movements can be easily observed as well. For piano recitals, these seats afford a complete view of the keyboard*, as well as the performer’s technique.
* This article describes a regular piano concert. However the piano position depends on the pianist and the style of the concert.
From this seating, the orchestra can be seen clearly because there are fewer seats on the first floor. These are special seats that overlook entire orchestra. The player’s expressions can be observed and every note can be heard clearly. Even in piano recitals, the raw sound can be heard directly.
Even from the back row, the 7th row of block 2CA, you won’t feel far from the stage. These seats are at an angle from the stage, and therefore the conductor’s baton and eye-contact with the orchestra players can be clearly seen. All of block 2CA seats give the best balance of “watching” and “listening”. It is the same for piano recitals.
The whole orchestra’s sound can be heard vividly. The players’ expressions can be observed, especially those who sit in the stage left violin section. For piano recitals, the pianist’s face can be seen very clearly and a bright sound can be heard. This area is one of the very best points to “listen” and “watch” the performers.
This area shows the whole stage, and offers an ideal sound balance. Because these seats are in front of the stage, delicate music at nuances can be felt. Indeed, these seats put you right in the action. For piano recitals, a rich sound also can be enjoyed. The angle of the left and right sides varies slightly, so please be careful when choosing these seats.
These seats, which are directly in front of the stage, offer a perfectly balanced. The rich acoustics of the hall can be enjoyed whether it be a solo performance or an entire orchestra. Though not as close to the stage as the 2C section, these seats are closer than 2nd floor seats in most large halls.
In this location, the acoustics are very clear. 30% of the stage is obscured by the front handrail. For piano recitals, the pianist can be seen from above and a mellow sound can be heard. Blocks 3RB, 3RA, 3LA and 4RB require guests to observe the stage from above, so we don’t recommend these seats to guests with a fear of heights.
The pipes of the organ are directly next to this section and the orchestra can be seen well from these seats. The acoustics from this point allow the music to reverberate strongly from the soundproofing. For piano recitals, the pianist’s face and emotions are easily observed.
The sound quality from this point is excellent due to the clear reverberations around the concert hall. 30% of the orchestra is obscured, however the conductor and his immediate surroundings are fully on display. These seats offer superior sound quality at an affordable price. For piano recitals, the pianist would be observed from directly above. From the back row, 40%of the stage is obscured as well.
From stage left the whole orchestra is spread out in a fan shape, the view of the 1st violin section in the back row is obstructed. The raw sound from the stage rebounds clearly off the soundproofing. For piano recitals, a rich sound can be enjoyed and the pianist and the piano can be seen together.
In this seating, not only the stage, but the atmosphere of the entire hall can be experienced. The direct sounds from the stage, and the whole of music makes the guest feel as if the hall itself is singing. For piano recitals, the sound is a little quieter, but subtle tones can also be heard easily. All of the 4C block seating has angled seats., so please be careful when choosing these seats.
In this location, the ceiling is right above the guest’s head, and these seats are the farthest from the stage. The acoustics and soft sounds are just as clear as the front row of the 1st row of the block 4C. Surprisingly, the subtle nuances can be felt even in this seating. For piano recitals and chamber music concerts, guests must listen carefully to hear all the music’s subtleties.
［Information］
These photos were taken during the rehearsal of Tokyo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hubert Soudant. The rehearsal piece was “Rapsodie Espagnole” composed by Maurice Ravel. Triple woodwind orchestra with percussions and harps were spread out on the stage.
Note Information of divided violin seating plan
This article explains orchestra concerts and piano recitals. For violin, cello and the other instrument recitals and chamber music concerts, I recommend closer seats to the stage because the music volume isn’t as loud. And the singer’s solo recitals and chorus concert, center blocks, 1C, 2CA, 3C and 4C, can get the musicians’ direct voice, therefore the musicians face these blocks.
Some conductors and orchestras use the “divided violin seating plan” recently. In that case, the 1st and 2nd violin section are divided between the conductor, one section on his left and the other on his right. The double bass and the cello section are moved to the opposite side from the standard seating plan. Therefore the stage view and sound will be different. It is very rare to get the seating plan in advance. We should predict the seating plan from our experience, check the classical music magazines’ photos and ask the each orchestra office is the final way to solve this problem.
