A poll for the 0%ers

[nesf]

Chamber music is easier, but it's highly dependent on where you live. For example: I am lucky enough, despite living in a musical wasteland for a few hours travel time around me each direction, to have a theatre in my town that hosts a steady number of recitals. But there isn't enough to even see something once a month. This March will be the first time I attend two events in a month, but even one of those was of only borderline interest and chosen for the sake of having something to go to.

Indeed. There's feck all chamber music happening in the city I live in but 40 miles out in rural West Cork there's a bloody yearly 9 day festival. It's quite annoying when one doesn't drive! 

[starrynight]

There are no doubt quiter a few reasons why people don't go to concerts.  Expense, time, convenience, choice of pieces (you can choose what you want at home), not being used to the rather public occasion (people see music as more private now)....

[DieNacht]

Rarely go to concerts, if so mainly when abroad.

I must say that I find it really hard to concentrate on the musical ongoings at live concerts, as opposed to listening to records at home. And the sound picture and performance is usually of poorer quality, though of course there are exceptions. Admittedly, it is probably also a matter of routine to focuse on the music making. And the timbre of the instruments/ensembles can be splendid, when the circumstances allow it.

Have enjoyed Baroque church concerts especially, particularly in Portugal, Czechia, France and Poland.

[Lethevich]

I must say that I find it really hard to concentrate on the musical ongoings at live concerts, as opposed to listening to records at home. And the sound picture and performance is usually of poorer quality, though of course there are exceptions.

With a venue you are familiar with, I have found it essential to gradually work towards finding the ideal seat section for X ensemble type. It can take a while of tinkering around -_- Working out the angle that a piano tends to be placed at is particularly important.

[starrynight]

With a venue you are familiar with, I have found it essential to gradually work towards finding the ideal seat section for X ensemble type. It can take a while of tinkering around -_- Working out the angle that a piano tends to be placed at is particularly important.

Most people would prefer that already done for them on a recording.  Indeed the focus could even shift, with the recording technology, during a piece between different instruments.

[Lethevich]

Most? If I had the opportunity and there were no excessive inconvenience involved, I would rather listen to the same musical piece live than recorded - I would hope that this isn't a minority position.