Musicians struggling with noise regulation

LONDON, April 20 (UPI) -- Musicians throughout Europe are attempting to create their music while still obeying a new European noise regulation, industry members say.

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra manager Trygve Nordwall said was forced to cut composer Dror Feiler's "State of Siege" from his program after the orchestra's rendition of the piece violated European noise-at-work regulations, The New York Times reported Sunday.

"I had no choice," said Nordwall, whose orchestra reached 97.4 decibels during the piece. "The decision was not made artistically; it was made for the protection of the players."

The European noise regulations mandate employers to limit potentially dangerous noise levels from work environment to help protect their employees.

The Times of London said bagpipe bands are also facing tough times under the new regulation, which limits noise exposure to 85 decibels.

Ian Hughes, who heads up a bagpipe band in Scotland, said the regulation could ultimately spell doom for the traditional instrument, which can reach 122 decibels in band form.

"These limits are far too low. If we have to go with these regulations, pipe bands won't exist," he told the British newspaper. "Every pipe band in the world will be above the maximum volume level."