Piano concerto recordings better than live performances ?

[Robin L]

Absolutely! Davies Hall has decent sound in the first 10 rows and then it dies quickly. The Steinway piano technician from LA Phil has been working with them to tweak the hall. I think I have been to that church you mention for two different guitar recitals with Xuefei Yang. Great sound

I worked at the Musical Offering - a combination CD store (almost entirely classical) and cafe, close walking distance to First Congo. The Musical Offering was at 2430 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. Sometimes I'd roll my equipment cart to the church to record a concert, roll it back to the M.O. for the post-concert reception.

 

[Vuki]

Your reference contradicts your assertion. Section V is about the relative strength and timing of the direct sound vs the reverberant sound, not total perceived loudness.
View attachment 337768

View attachment 337770

It seems that Barron's G list closely matches Beranek's concert halls top list. Even here- louder is better.