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December 30

I'm searching a musical bit, no matter which one, but it must be - well-known - and heavily based on intensive usage of the left strings of the violin.

i.e. much more frequently than the right strings.

Is there such a well-known bit? (I'm not a violinist). 185.120.125.16 (talk) 05:59, 30 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

That's not much to go on, but if you remember the actual theme you might try Musipedia--Shantavira|^{feed me} 19:11, 30 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks to your suggestion about "the actual theme", I understood I wasn't clear enough, so I changed the title in such way that nobody may think (from now on) that the "actual theme" is important. 185.120.125.16 (talk) 20:18, 30 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

The we were arrested at east Qatar cat sax cart after dad ate great ferret egg certs of the violin? Sagittarian Milky Way (talk) 21:34, 30 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Can you give me a link on youtube or wherever on the web? I'm not familiar with this song. 185.120.125.16 (talk) 23:44, 30 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

That's not a song that's a very left-side of the keyboard heavy phrase. Sagittarian Milky Way (talk) 23:49, 30 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, I got it now. So, back to your question, yes. However, as opposed to your phrase (I was not familiar with), I do permit usage of the right strings, yet I want it to be much less frequent than that of the left strings, in the musical bit I'm looking for. 185.120.125.16 (talk) 00:34, 31 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Apparently Hotel California can fit in 7 notes and the left half has a full octave inclusive plus 2 extra semitones so even if it doesn't fit you could transpose it so you never have to touch the right strings. Sagittarian Milky Way (talk) 01:09, 31 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

January 1

Is it bad to put speakers right next to a wall? (Home audio equipment.)

I want to buy a new three-piece speaker set for home, to listen to music and everything else. I'm asking Refdesk for advice on where to put these to get good accoustics.

I had the impression that it is somewhat bad to put a speaker right next to a wall, and better to leave some space behind the speaker. Now obviously I don't live in a mansion, so I won't have a huge room with a meter of empty space around my setup, but I do have at least a little bit of play with where to put the speakers.

So I'd like to know if this guideline is actually true, and how important it is. Is it better to put speakers not directly next to a wall? What is the distance scale? Does it matter also for the bass speaker, or only for the others?

I am not dedicated to get a very high quality sound system, so I'm going to buy not too expensive speakers, and won't rearrange everything in my home just to make it sound better. But if there's something I can easily do to improve the sound, then I will do it.

Let me describe the room where I'm going to install the speakers, in case it matters. This is a house made of concrete panels, so all the walls, including the interior ones, are solid concrete, there are no drywalls. I'll put the speaker in the smallest room, which I use as a work room with a computer. This room is 1.7 m wide left to right, and about 2.2 m deep front to back. Most of the back is occupied by a deep storage cabinet, except a little in the back right corner, which is cut off by a wall. On the left is a doorway that is permanently left open and leads to the larger bedroom. On the left half of the front door is a window (modern double-glass) in a recess (thinner part of the wall). At the entire width of this front wall is my immovable desk, 0.8 m and 0.7 m deep on the left and right respectively, with the computer monitor on it. On the right wall are 0.3 deep open bookshelves. I'm planning to put the right speaker somewhere on the bookshelves, where, if the speaker is 0.2 m sized, I can easily move it so it's 0.1 m away from the wall. The left speaker will either be sitting on the desk, or ideally attached to the left wall on the front side of the doorway somehow. I'm not sure where I'll put the bass speaker but it probably doesn't matter too much.

Let me also describe what inspired this question. Right now I'm listening to the 2021 Wiener Philharmoniker New Year's day concert live. The stage is densely packed with musicians, looks cramped even by pre-2020 standards. Because of this, the double bass players in the back are sitting right next to the back wall in these shallow cubbies. I presume on a high quality concert like this, they wouldn't let the musicians be that close to the wall if it hurt the accoustics.

– b_jonas 11:32, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

There's a lot of science and math involved in setting up a proper music environment! In short, for your purpose, the location of the sub-woofer is not that important. For one thing, low frequency notes are less directional -- that's why sub-woofers can be mono, thereby eliminating phase interference (edit: which should redirect to wave interference) from multiple sources. One reason not to put it next to a wall is as a courtesy for your neighbor (or kids sleeping in the next room). There is some consideration for standing waves, however; especially with concrete walls and glass windows; but bookshelves and furniture help dampen this.

In your case, unless you intend to play music at substantial volume with a good sound system, you need not worry too much. If you can tweak setting on your sound card, you can get noticeable improvement that way.

As to seating arrangement for orchestra, see this diagram. (note that the location of the double-bases allows for the greatest distance to the opposite wall). Low frequencies travel farther with less distortion -- that's why foghorns are low-frequency (and why those annoying cars with music blaring, what you hear is "thumpa-thumpa-thumpa..." as they drive by). - 2603:6081:1C00:1187:F56C:2E68:F36C:509C (talk) 19:13, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

As for orchestra seating, I sort of assumed that double bass and drums and choir singers are in the back just because they're tall and would block the view otherwise. – b_jonas 20:11, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

That's partly the reason, note also that the flutes & piccolos are near front/center. Is there an article related to orchestra seating arrangement? That is an interesting topic (e.g. the "Stokowski shift").^[1] See also: antiphony, which also applies to orchestral arrangements. 2603:6081:1C00:1187:F56C:2E68:F36C:509C (talk) 20:31, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

As far as I can tell, no, we don't. It's referred to in a few places, and we have some images @ commons ([2]), but that's all. A rather surprising omission. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 15:02, 2 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Location of ballet in 2021 Wiener Philharmoniker New Year's day concert

I'm listening to the 2021 Wiener Philharmoniker New Year's day concert live. As usual, it has a track where the video shows a ballet dance. This time it was for Johann Strauss sohn, Spring voices (Frühlingsstimmen) waltz op. 410. In which small castle and its garden was the ballet located. – b_jonas 12:05, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

That's Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna's 9th district. I can report that the weather is currently not quite up to that in the video... --Wrongfilter (talk) 12:52, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for the quick answer. – b_jonas 12:54, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Red pin badge on lapel of conductor Riccardo Muti in 2021 Wiener Philharmoniker New Year's day concert

I was just listening to the 2021 Wiener Philharmoniker New Year's day concert live. The conductor of the orchestra, Riccardo Muti, was wearing a small round red badge pinned on his suit. What is this badge and what does it mean?

– b_jonas 12:47, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

I haven't seen the concert to which you're alluding, but what you are describing seems like the "rosette" of the French "Légion d'honneur", worn by recipients in place of the more showy medal. Google "légion d'honneur rosette" for examples. I can confirm that Riccardo Muti was a recipient of the légion d'honneur in 2011 (List of Légion d'honneur recipients by name (M)). Xuxl (talk) 14:05, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Ah! Thank you for the answer. – b_jonas 14:12, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Interestingly the badges and ribbons displayed under c:Category:Insignia of the Legion of Honour don't look similar to that round red button badge. But then I didn't get a good look at the badge during the concert, and I'm not too familiar with such insignia of orders of merits so I might not recognize normal variation. – b_jonas 18:40, 1 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

All the pictures there are of the full display versions that would be worn on the left breast of, for example, a Dress uniform or Evening dress at formal occasions or official functions. The 'everyday' buttonhole rosette worn on the left lapel that Xuxl mentions is not shown there, but various examples can be seen here. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 2.122.56.237 (talk) 16:30, 2 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

This is the best image of Muti and his badge that I could find (click to zoom-in). I'm not sure that it resembles the Legion rosette, shown here. Perhaps the Order of the Rising Sun is a better fit? Muti received his in 2016. [3] Alansplodge (talk) 16:53, 2 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

A little closer, but I don't think it's that either, Alansplodge. Nor (as far as I can tell) does it resemble any of the rosettes of the other orders his article lists.

FWIW, it resembles to me a flower with four white, red-edged petals overlapping each other widdershins, and with a central horizontal gold bar or similar. Clearly, we need input from an expert on international Awards. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 2.122.56.237 (talk) 19:22, 2 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

I have posted an appeal for help at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Awards. Watch this space (hopefully). Alansplodge (talk) 16:37, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

I'm watching, yes. – b_jonas 21:13, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

January 3

Orchestra seating arrangements (article access)

Resolved

– 14:24, 3 January 2021 (UTC)

Related to query above, does anybody know how to access the Chicago Tribune article from March 24, 1940, p. 139 titled "New Note in Symphony Who Sits Where" -- this link should work, but doesn't for me: archives.chicagotribune.com/1940/03/24/page/139/article/new-note-in-symphony-who-sits-where -- Thanks, 2603:6081:1C00:1187:35FD:8CA2:FCB4:6A8B (talk) 02:20, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Consider asking that in Wikipedia:WikiProject Resource Exchange/Resource Request, where you may get better answers. – b_jonas 04:22, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, thanks. To avoid duplicate effort, please respond here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Resource_Exchange/Resource_Request#Chicago_Tribune_archive_access -- 2603:6081:1C00:1187:35FD:8CA2:FCB4:6A8B (talk) 05:21, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

For those interested, a clipping can be found here: [4] --2603:6081:1C00:1187:5D59:514C:3115:6008 (talk) 14:44, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Given name of tennis player Pinek

Frohes Neues! What was the given name of the Czechoslovak tennis player Pinek, who lost the double in the Tennis King's Cup final against Wolfgang Popp and Eric Jelen in 1983? Mentioned in United Press International: West Germany captured the King's Cup indoor tennis trophy.--Bluemel1 (talk) 09:07, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

I found it. It is Libor.--Bluemel1 (talk) 09:23, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Courtesy link: Libor Pimek (correct spelling of his last name). Xuxl (talk) 14:01, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

C-Block - The Future Is So Bright

Every music video for C-Block - "The Future Is So Bright" that I find in the internet is cut from the beginning (by about 4 seconds), starting with "every day and night" instead of "the future is so bright" (all apparently coming from a single source). Is there a full version anywhere? I'm interested in the video itself, that is excluding live performances, extended mixes, etc. Thanks. 212.180.235.46 (talk) 17:59, 3 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

January 4

Which The OC episodes are all of these Julie Cooper images from?

Which The OC episodes are all of these Julie Cooper images from? :

https://twitter.com/maticaps/status/1285378119122268162

Futurist110 (talk) 21:07, 4 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have DVD's of the episodes? ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 22:12, 4 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

No. I do have this link, though: https://series9.biz/series/7541-the-oc/seasons/1/episodes/21 Futurist110 (talk) 00:45, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

January 5

Who are the gods and goddesses of television actors?

My criteria are that the person must have starred in the greatest number of successful series, say those that ran for at least five seasons. I can come up with various actors with two to their credit, e.g. Bob Newhart (The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart), James Garner (Maverick, The Rockford Files), Andy Griffith (The Andy Griffith Show, Matlock), and Griffith's one-time co-star, Ron Howard (The Andy Griffith Show, Happy Days), but only one man and one woman come to mind with three: Michael Landon (Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven) and Lucille Ball (I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy). Is there anyone else who can match or surpass them? Or are they the unchallenged Zeus and Hera of the boob tube? Clarityfiend (talk) 00:22, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

David Boreanaz seems to be on his way (Angel, Bones and the not-quite-there SEAL Team). Clarityfiend (talk) 00:28, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Ted Danson: Cheers, Becker (TV series), and 5 seasons in a starring role in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation RudolfRed (talk) 01:08, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think CSI qualifies. The article states he was a regular for only four seasons (12-15), plus in a large ensemble cast, was he one of the big stars? It's not a show I watched much, but I thought that distinction belonged to William Petersen. Close though. Clarityfiend (talk) 09:50, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Seinfeld (1989–1998), The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006–2010), and Veep (2012–2019). PrimeHunter (talk) 10:26, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Since British television hasn't been specifically excluded I'll suggest David Jason, star of six series of Still Open All Hours (following on from four series of Open All Hours), seven series of Only Fools and Horses, and fifteen series of A Touch of Frost. --Antiquary (talk) 11:49, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Maura Tierney should qualify with the fantastic NewsRadio, plus ER and something called The Affair. --Wrongfilter (talk) 12:21, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Another 3-fer: Carroll O'Connor for All in the Family, Archie Bunker's Place, and In the Heat of the Night. --Jayron 32 12:25, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Another 3-fer: Betty White for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland. Plus, if you count non-acting roles, she was a regular on many of the highly popular panel shows of the 1950s and 1960s. In fact, if you asked me, given her LONG career in the medium in various roles, which beside her acting and non-acting screen roles also include producer and writer and others, she'd be my first shot for "Queen of Television". --Jayron32 12:35, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
- Hell, just cut to the chase and install her as President immediately. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 21:26, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Harry Morgan should get an honorable mention. He was on TV pretty much continuously for 4 decades, playing Pete Porter on a series of CBS sitcoms in the 1950s and 1960s including December Bride and Pete and Gladys, plus Bill Gannon on the 1967 revival of Dragnet and Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H. In between all of those, he also played in a number of less successful series. --Jayron 32 12:47, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Ted McGinley should also get an honorable mention. He was never the star, but he was on a number of very successful series, including The Love Boat, Happy Days, and Married... with Children and has never seemed to be without work in 40 years... --Jayron 32 13:03, 5 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

I searched the out-of-date IMDB raw data files that are still available at ftp.fu-berlin.de, and looked for TV series where the same actor or actress appeared 50 or more times, excluding appearances as himself or herself. The greatest number of different TV series with 50+ credits each for one actor or actress was 27 different series for Frank Welker, including 198 credits on The Smurfs, 140 on The Real Ghostbusters, and 118 on Garfield and Friends, and so on down. If I excluded voice performances, then the champion was Hilda Bernard, with 50+ credits on 21 different series, all apparently in Spanish, including 311 credits on Chiquititas, 272 on Malevo, 255 on Se dice amor, and so on down. Most other people with large numbers of credits on large numbers of different series also have names that appear to be Spanish. --174.95.161.129 (talk) 08:15, 6 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]

January 6

@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 *[[Harry Morgan]] should get an honorable mention.  He was on TV pretty much continuously for 4 decades, playing Pete Porter on a series of CBS sitcoms in the 1950s and 1960s including ''[[December Bride]]'' and ''[[Pete and Gladys]]'', plus Bill Gannon on the 1967 revival of ''[[Dragnet (1967 TV series)|Dragnet]]'' and Sherman Potter on ''[[M*A*S*H (TV series)|M*A*S*H]]''.  In between all of those, he also played in a number of less successful series.  --[[User:Jayron32|<span style="color:#009">Jayron</span>]][[User talk:Jayron32|<b style="color:#090">''32''</b>]] 12:47, 5 January 2021 (UTC)
 *[[Ted McGinley]] should also get an honorable mention.  He was never the star, but he was on a number of very successful series, including ''[[The Love Boat]]'', ''[[Happy Days]]'', and ''[[Married... with Children]]'' and has never seemed to be without work in 40 years... --[[User:Jayron32|<span style="color:#009">Jayron</span>]][[User talk:Jayron32|<b style="color:#090">''32''</b>]] 13:03, 5 January 2021 (UTC)
+* I searched the out-of-date IMDB raw data files that are still available at ftp.fu-berlin.de, and looked for TV series where the same actor or actress appeared 50 or more times, excluding appearances as himself or herself.  The greatest number of different TV series with 50+ credits each for one actor or actress was [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919798/ 27 different series] for [[Frank Welker]], including 198 credits on ''[[The Smurfs (TV series)|The Smurfs]]'', 140 on ''[[The Real Ghostbusters]]'', and 118 on ''[[Garfield and Friends]]'', and so on down.  If I excluded voice performances, then the champion was [[Hilda Bernard]], with 50+ credits on [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0076241/ 21 different series], all apparently in Spanish, including 311 credits on ''[[Chiquititas]]'', 272 on ''[[Malevo (TV series)|Malevo]]'', 255 on ''[[List of Argentine telenovelas|Se dice amor]]'', and so on down.  Most other people with large numbers of credits on large numbers of different series also have names that appear to be Spanish. --[[Special:Contributions/174.95.161.129|174.95.161.129]] ([[User talk:174.95.161.129|talk]]) 08:15, 6 January 2021 (UTC)
 = January 6 =