Speaking about culture, an interesting experiment

[David Thornton]

In a hurry? Come on, we're not talking the bucket boys during rush hour on Friday.

I would want to think we had more appreciation for and the ability to recognize such talent.

David

[Rex_Tremende]

Well, people like and appreciate different things. How many of those commuters would shell out $10 to see Joshua Bell in recital, to say nothing of $100? It may not matter how beautifully he played on such a magnificent instrument, some people think solo violin playing is like fingernails on a chalkboard.

If this was the "experiment's" only test case, the experiment was flawed. How many would stop to read 5 pages of the latest best seller, if it were on a pedestal waiting for people to just stop and read it? How many would drop $5 in the hat if two stars of fantasy wrestling decided to hold a match on the platform? How long would commuters stand and contemplate the beauty and relevance of a Caravaggio painting and donate $1 to the museum that lent it to the DC Metro?

I believe this story speaks more to the assumptions and biases of the people reacting to the story itself than it does the priorities of the commuters depicted in it, but that's just my take on it.

Regards,
Rex.

[davedove]

In a hurry? Come on, we're not talking the bucket boys during rush hour on Friday.

I would want to think we had more appreciation for and the ability to recognize such talent.

David

Have you ever been on the Metro on a workday? Most people wouldn't stop unless you were handing out free money. And everyone is definitely in a hurry.

I know that I tend to focus on the mission. If I'm on my way somewhere, I don't concern myself with things like that. And, I suspect like most people, wouldn't have known who it was. I would have noticed the violin player, probably thought it was some nice music, then quickly moved along.

[Bugbear]

They should have had him dressed in traditional, eighteenth century clothing (Bach garb and wig), then it would have worked out.

[Kilt TN]

After listening to the small bit at the link.... I know I couldn't have walked pass without stopping and listening. I wonder if muzak had any effect on an individual’s perception, we are so conditioned to back ground music in department store and public places.

[ForresterModern]

I agree that a metro station was probably not the most valid place to do this "experiment" due to the nature of its transient inhabitants----rushing to and from somewhere with this location only being a thruway for them on that path. Had this been a shopping mall, street corner in a major shopping district, street corner near several outdoor restaurants I think there would likely have been more folks taking the time to enjoy a moment of beauty.

Being raised by an ardent musician and music educator, my father, I was blessed with an ear that can pick out quality music, regardless of style, instrument, or location, from the background noise, and recognize it as such. And when I do find this it makes me stop for a moment to appreciate it, regardless of where I am going or what I am doing. Just something my father taught me in the way of how to appreciate music as art and beauty, among the rest of the often not so beautiful world. I feel lucky that way.

[Bugbear]

... 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..... How many other things are we missing? ...

I see what Rex means. That is a very subjective conclusion.

The same question, (how many beautiful things are being missed?), could be asked of those putting together this so called experiment.

And where is the control group in this experiment?

[WClarkB]

Lilting now the timbred notes are coming,
as if someone disembodied sings.
Pierces over noise of rapid rushing,
burrowed masses of the deafened throng
who are then too rushed to hear the player
who it is that conquers note and time,
to release the ardent jinn of music
from its page, lofts it to the dark
gray and sooty ceiling of the concourse
thence rebounding to the throng below.
May it be that Bach's immortal music
though it seems it sheets off turn'ed backs
Nonethelss, it soaks a bit within-ward
to anneal the harsh life that is had.

[kiltedwolfman]

My grandad taught me a slogan years ago, he said " if you are in that much of a hurry then you should have left earlier!" I have noticed on my daily commutes that people seem to find out exactly how uch time it takes them to get somewhere, and then leave absolutely no time for anything else. Remember the cliche " life is a journey not a destination"? Most people forget that. They get stuck in the ritual mundaneness of daily life that to think of stopping for a mere moment to enjoy, or appreciate, or even notice something outside their own space is almost impossible.
As to enjoying the music and the muscian playing it, hmmm perhaps buskers have become just as common as our daily routines that the act of ignoring them is as much so. Maybe many people see street performers as people unwilling to get "real jobs" and feel that supporting them in any way only maintains them and whatever negative habits some might feel fit to assume they have. Then again maybe people just don not care about beautiful things anymore, or only when appreciating that beauty is convenient. Who knows?

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

As someone who is musically challenged, but enjoys most facets of music (blues, rock, folk and many more), anyone that can play any form of instrument has a talent that I am jealous of and should be applauded...