Just curious about your preferences. The vast majority of concerts I've played, the section is relegated to the Stokowski "stage right" position (at times behind the celli; and at other times behind the second fiddles). I've never played stage left, although I think the natural inclination of the instrument and playing posture makes more sense that way.
A couple of seasons ago for the Verdi Requiem, our director placed us in the operatic or Vienna Phil style arrangement, in an elevated row across the back of the orchestra, behind the woodwinds, which I really loved—great head-on view of the conductor, and it gave the sense that we were washing the bass sounds over the whole orchestra. The downside is being distanced from the other strings. (On an earlier occasion, we were seated similarly, except behind the horns—with bells pointing right at us, blasting us the whole time. Hearing protection definitely required—terribly frustrating and fatiguing, and I hope not to be put in that arrangement ever again.)
What's your preference for seating arrangement in the orchestra?
A couple of seasons ago for the Verdi Requiem, our director placed us in the operatic or Vienna Phil style arrangement, in an elevated row across the back of the orchestra, behind the woodwinds, which I really loved—great head-on view of the conductor, and it gave the sense that we were washing the bass sounds over the whole orchestra. The downside is being distanced from the other strings. (On an earlier occasion, we were seated similarly, except behind the horns—with bells pointing right at us, blasting us the whole time. Hearing protection definitely required—terribly frustrating and fatiguing, and I hope not to be put in that arrangement ever again.)
What's your preference for seating arrangement in the orchestra?
