Warm-Up: Berlin Philharmonie Virtual Tour

http://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/philharmonie/virtual-tour/

White and bright—that’s what strikes me when I go through the virtual tour of the Berlin Philharmonie. Although the ambiance will probably change during the evenings, it is interesting that the “public face” of the building is one that is light and gives the impression of being full of life (I didn’t find any evening pictures/tours on the site). I expected a darker and more somber appearance as I always thought the Western classical music was viewed as no-nonsense, serious business over in Germany.

Contrast this to Benaroya Hall. I have only ever been there in the evenings, but white and bright do not describe the building interiors during those times. Around here (the US), classical music seems to carry with it a sense of sophistication. Perhaps not surprisingly, the general ambiance of Benaroya Hall matches that found in a dim-lit, expensive restaurant.

It is entirely possible that during the evenings, the Berlin Philharmonie possesses the same ambiance as Benaroya Hall, but a big question mark still floats above my head as to why the website shows off the building as it does. Along with a concert schedule that makes me salivate, this question provides yet another reason for me to go and attend a performance there.

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As a side-note, the following quote is taken from the website:

“Wildly controversial at first, today universally regarded as an emblem of the city of Berlin: Hans Scharoun’s Philharmonie. In 1956 the architect’s design won the competition for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s new concert hall, but his modern, visionary conception also unleashed a great hubbub. The building went up (1960-63) in the face of great resistance.”

With a description like this, the building seems worthy of mention in Brian Ladd’s “Ghosts of Berlin.” Is controversy really that important a trait for buildings to have in the once-divided city?

I know that correlation does not mean causation…but I can still wonder, yes?