Author name: Kathiann M. Kowalski

Carnegie Hall in New York City ha d been f a mous f or it s wa r m,resonant sound since it opened in 1891. After ninety years, however, the hall needed a major makeover. When it reopened in late 1986, something was wrong. Musicians said the sound was harsh, hollow, brittle, and dead.The hall tried several fixes, but nothing worked. Nine years later, the mystery was solved. Somehow during the renovation, concrete had been laid under the wooden stage floor. That had dulled the sound, especially the bass notes. In a concert hall, even unseen det ails can make a huge difference.