In this presentation we discuss the influence of acoustics on temporal aspects of performance for different instrument constellations. In a concert hall with mechanically variable acoustics, professional soloists and ensembles each performed a programme of 3–4 pieces at three trials throughout the same day in the presence of an audience of experienced musicians–researchers. The instrument settings included solo instruments, chamber ensembles and a chamber choir. The trials were recorded for later analysis. The microphones were placed so as to minimize audible differences in acoustics between the recordings.

For the solo instruments musicians tended to use slower tempi and allow themselves more agogic freedom in larger acoustics. A similar tendency, though less marked, was observed in conducted ensembles. For ensembles without conductor, the acoustics did not seem to influence the chosen tempi.

When playing in larger acoustics, performers tended to feel more comfortable and relaxed – and more satisfied – which was often reflected in the choice of slower tempo as well as in a greater degree of tempo fluctuation. The listeners in the hall, on the other hand, did not always share the performers’ preferences. A different picture emerged in the evaluations of the recordings: here musicians viewed recordings made in drier acoustics, often using faster tempi with less fluctuation, in a more positive light. For some pieces in slow tempi, however, performances in larger acoustics were preferred. Generally, the preferences of musicians and listeners were more in agreement for the recordings than for the live performances.

The results show that the room acoustic in many cases does seem to influence tempo and agogics, but also that this influence varies considerably between different instrument settings (especially solo vs. ensemble) as well as between individual pieces in different tempi and styles. Performers’ preferences may vary considerably between the live situations and listening to recordings.