Albert Hall Acoustics

Abstract

THE changes made to house the recent season of Promenade Concerts have affected the appearance more than the acoustics of the Albert Hall. The subject has been discussed periodically ever since the Hall was built, but the oval ground plan and the great height are insuperable difficulties with reflecting surfaces. Most of the changes proposed, including that of Bagenal and Wood illustrated on p. 65 of their “Planning for Good Acoustics”, showing the source of sound placed far above ground–level, attempt to preserve the full seating capacity of the Hall. Recently conditions have changed considerably. For some time pugilists and politicians have been the chief users of the full capacity of the Hall. But now there are a number of recognized sporting–centres in London and politicians can address even larger audiences through the radio. Musicians have, however, lost the Queen's Hall and other concert halls.