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Shhh! Europe Law Forces Orchestras to Tone It Down

Noise legislation means musicians are playing musical chairs, the real game

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Apr 19, 2008 9:46 PM CDT

(Newser) – A new law in Europe to protect employees from ear-damaging noises is stifling a surprise industry—orchestras. Conductors are taking it down a notch to comply, in one case canceling a world premiere because it exceeded the allowable decibels in rehearsal, the New York Times reports. At the Royal Opera House, musicians have to wear earplugs—akin to telling a "race-car driver they have to wear a blindfold," said one oboist.

The law was designed to protect construction workers, but it applies to classical musicians as well, and studies have proven them vulnerable to hearing problems. The logistics of complying involve changing repertoires, rotating seats, and adding noise-absorbent panels. Still, one musician prefers to "shove my fingers in my ears for a few bars" if Mahler's symphonies get too loud.

A cellist of Donetsk Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra rehearses before Salt Symphony in this file photo.
A cellist of Donetsk Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra rehearses before "Salt Symphony" in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
In this photo provided by the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra, Martha Argerich rehearses with the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra in this file photo.
In this photo provided by the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra, Martha Argerich rehearses with the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
Mstislav Rostropovich leads the London Symphony Orchestra in a three-concert Shostakovich series in this file photo.
Mstislav Rostropovich leads the London Symphony Orchestra in a three-concert Shostakovich series in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
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