Slovenská hudba, Vol. 47, No 3, p.251-271, 2021

Acoustic Properties of Concert Premises of Selected Slovak Synagogues in Prešov and Košice

This study deals with the acoustics of sacred objects (namely synagogues) which have been transformed to concert halls, or their original function has been expanded to embrace this purpose. It explains the reasons and process of transformation of sacred objects into concert halls. It accentuates the importance of the auditorium acoustics research within the preservation and maintenance of intangible cultural heritage. The author describes a specific method of measurement of acoustic attributes in closed spaces for concert purposes. He summarizes a wider social, urban, cultural and historical context of the construction of the studied objects. The study documents the architecture of the objects and its influence on their acoustic attributes. The author dedicates an increased attention to specific measurements in particular researched objects and to the evaluation of measured data. Finally it offers recommendations concerning an appropriate choice of music production in each particular object.