In a fit of sense, our own Occupational Safety and Health Administration has generally refrained from trying to protect symphony orchestra members from the noise of the bass trombones, trumpets and tympanies in their midst. Not so in the European Union, where a newly promulgated rule “reduces the allowable sound exposure in the European orchestral workplace from the present 90 decibels to 85. The problem is, a symphony orchestra playing full-out can easily reach 96 to 98 decibels, and certain brass and percussion instruments have registered 130 to 140 at close range.” (James R. Oestreich, “The Shushing of the Symphony”, New York Times, Jan. 11)(via Arthur Silber). See Mar. 8-10, 2002 (bagpipes); Dec. 22-25, 2000 (military bands). More: “Mindles H. Dreck” at Asymmetrical Information has further commentary and a BBC link.
Related posts
In Europe; music and musicians; workplace
No Mahler for Europe
Overlawyered.com: Regulating workplace noise — in orchestras In a fit of sense, our own Occupational Safety and Health Administration has generally refrained from trying to protect symphony orchestra members from the noise of the bass trombones, trump…
The sweetest sound is silence, that I’ve ever heard…
Okay, I know I’m a philistine, lacking in both the intelligence and subtle taste necessary for the appreciation of ‘true art’, But could someone explain this to me? The BBC is to broadcast a live radio performance of an orchestra…
I Could Be Sued!
Yes, really. Heather the former music major (trumpet - betcha didn’t know that) has made some serious noise in her band career. At the expense of others! Just look what Walter from Overlawyered has to bring us today. Not so in the European Union, where…
UK roundup
Sainsbury’s, the British grocery chain, says it will have to go back on a plan to sell Christmas puddings with “lucky sixpences” inside because of health and safety regs under which they are regarded as…