The good acoustics of the Semper Opera in Dresden Free

The Semper Opera in Dresden had, before burning down in 1945, a distinguished reputation, among other things for its acoustics. Before starting its construction recently, the essential characteristics were defined by means of an acoustical model. These were (a) the inner surfaces of the stage opening; (b) wide, shell‐shaped structures underneath the balcony fronts; (c) reduced depth of boxes, to obtain reflections from their rear walls; (d) a large, reverberant space above the fourth balcony. The reconstruction of the Opera house reproduces these characteristics almost accurately.