Acoustics: Teatro di San Carlo

The Teatro di San Carlo in Naplies Italy is the oldest working opera house in Europe.  It is also a great example for acoustics in architecture, and successfully creating a space that works for live performances.

The theatre is arranged similarly to most other opera houses in Italy.  It is horseshoe shape with six levels of tiered balconies. 

Acoustically this theatre is quite effective.  The theatre is quite well-suited for Opera because of the exceptional clarity of sound that is projected throughout the theatre.  However, for symphonies, this means a separation of sounds and a lack of blending for the audience, making it a far more effective Opera house than a symphony hall.

 

Photos and information from Acoustical Society of America, http://www.acoustics.org/press/135th/maffei.htm

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