Interesting observation on human nature

[CaptJ]

Kind of interesting... snopes verified it.

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning. A man with a violin plays six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people passed through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again , but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin valued at $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theatre in Boston where the price of seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made... what else are we missing?

[willy]

Very interesting, one of those things that makes you go Ummm

[joe7670]

Proves that we as a society need to slow down. In Miami it feels like we are always rushing... including me!
Don't have an answer as to how to accomplish it though.

After having kids I make the effort to avoid "missing" time with them.

[whale]

I found this rather intriguing and was able to find the Washington Post article about it. There is also video of him playing.

It is a very long article but an interesting read.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...040401721.html

[Road King Cole]

After reading the article, I thought that I would at least stop to listen for a spell. I have been trying to perfect playing the guitar for almost 40 years now and appreciate musical talent. However after watching the video and more importantly listening to it, I wouldn't necessarily realize that the person playing was a master. I bet most people there, like myself, are ignorant to classical violin music. It***8217;s not my "cup of tea" in the first place so why would I stop to listen to something that doesn't "tickle my fancy".

Just because many people pay big bucks to see something, it doesn***8217;t mean that I have to like it too.

[CaptJ]

Originally Posted by Road King Cole

After reading the article, I thought that I would at least stop to listen for a spell. I have been trying to perfect playing the guitar for almost 40 years now and appreciate musical talent. However after watching the video and more importantly listening to it, I wouldn't necessarily realize that the person playing was a master. I bet most people there, like myself, are ignorant to classical violin music. It’s not my "cup of tea" in the first place so why would I stop to listen to something that doesn't "tickle my fancy".

Just because many people pay big bucks to see something, it doesn’t mean that I have to like it too.

I had the same exact thought Road King. Then I took a step back re-thunk it. Maybe I shouldn't be so closed minded and only listen to what I like or have always liked. If I stopped for a few and listened to a subway performance it may open other doors.
I found the article interesting.

[Road King Cole]

No doubt, I try not to be closed minded and try to appreciate new things. That's why I took a real long listen to the audio track from the article. It has the full 45 minute recording of his performance.

[spareparts]

ya'll have hit apon the same thing I was thinking. I appreciate classical music, but I guess I'm not snobbish enough to recognize the composer or violinist. It is wonderfull music, but to declair it the best music played by the best musician? Thats a matter of opinion to the person asked. That being said, what do you think would have happened if say Bruce Springsteen was sitting there strumming a few strings, or Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, (fill in the name of your favorite artist)or any number of recent musical artist, take one of the American Idol winners and have them stand there singing. Do you think they would have attracted a bigger audiance? I think its more a statement of current musical taste. Ya'll remember the concerts held on the roof(started with the Beatles, coppied by many), they allways seemed to draw a crowd. Plus, do you really think the subway was a good place to do this? Most of the people on the subway are going from one place to another, usually on a schedule, it would be like expecting me to stop on the freeway to listen to someone playing the violin, I'm usually headed some where, on a schedule. It just looks to me like some snob(whoever came up with the idea) wanted another reason to be snobbish to people that didn't have the same taste that they did and come up with something else to complain about.

[bradford]

Stick Eddie Van Halen out there and I'll stop to listen.

[CaptJ]

My favorite band of all time Van Halen with David Lee Roth!!!!!!! You wouldn't get anyone to leave the subway!