Decor of Baroque halls absorbed low frequencies, balancing the room’s acoustics.

Evidence

In many cases, much of the required absorption can be achieved by using materials that fit naturally in the room. For example, much Baroque music was performed in the halls of mansions, which had a balanced acoustic due to the extensive use of wood paneling in their decoration. This paneling acted as an effective low-frequency absorber and, in conjunction with the flags, drapes, and tapestries that also decorated these spaces, provided the necessary acoustic absorption. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 2068

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the book’s broader claim that a room’s sounding character is a product of its surfaces. — connects to: Wood paneling and tapestries absorbed sound well enough to balance baroque music rooms — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 2113
• SEED: Angle: period instruments sound ‘right’ partly because period rooms swallowed bass — architecture as an uncredited member of the ensemble.