This is a video clip of Joshua Bell playing Bach incognito in a Washington DC Metro Station. Here is one of the best musicians in the world playing one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $US 3.5 million dollars. Approximately 2,000 people passed him. Very, very few took any notice. One recognised him.
What do we miss in our ordinary days?
h/t the Lobster Pot
very soothing…constructive chaos
Thanks for reminding us to be mindful. How much of life do we miss because we rush by for something we deem urgent, causing us to miss the immediate.
Just goes to show you how busy we are that we cannot enjoy God’s good creation of music. I know I am even guilty as a pastor of rushing just like the people in the metro. I miss the times to just sit, relax and listen for God’s presence in the world. May God help us!
There are so many messages in this scene, but the biggest one for me is that God puts everything I need in front of me almost all the time. Now whether I see them is another question…
Thanks for posting!
In New York, there would be at least a small admiring crowd of listeners who would applaud when he finished his piece. Just tells me again how special New York and its residents are and how we really appreciate gifts like this.
It is unfortunate that people are so self-absorbed, self-involved that they’re unable to notice something of such beauty being freely given.
I cried. How productive we have become and yet we miss so much. What is really important?
It tells me that the majority of people aren’t engaged by this type of music/experience. So it doesn’t matter how well it is done if it’s not what makes people stop what they are doing and listen.
How many churches on Sunday mornings need to learn this lesson? They keep pouring money and effort into mediums that don’t engage the majority of people around them. I know plenty of churches with a million dollar pip organ, a wonderful organist to play it and nobody new who is willing to stop and listen.
The same message applies to how we do liturgy, sermons, etc.
Joshua Bell rocks. A café I worked at had him with (iirc) the Prokofief violin concertos. Those, by the way, are incredible pieces.
When one begins to think of all the wonderful music, that so so few have heard …
There is a reason no one notices, in big cities people don’t start out that way, they learn to steer clear of beggars and random people trying to draw you in, as it’s unsafe.
People would probably notice if he was in a park and not in a train metro station where everyone is in a rush to begin with.
I believe it’s an unfair situation. It would be like me complaining that you didn’t notice my new suit when you’re being greeted by hundreds of people.
People will notice if it’s in the appropriate place and a small metro station is definitely not the appropriate place. This was very biased.
I think it’s unfair that this video makes it seem like people are jerks and can’t notice beauty, as it is not the case. This was setup in the wrong place where reactions were almost certain and definitely obvious.
If you want to prove an idea, at least present the situation fairly. This is not a fair situation and casts a biased point of view from start to finish.
If you’re in a rush and behind on time, you don’t notice much or you’ll be late. We learn that from experience. Next time, they should not choose a place where everyone is in a rush to make the train and be somewhere.
I’m surprised you even went here with your blog post.
Sadly, I ve seen this many times and with the visual arts as well. As a painter I’ve participated in sidewalk art shows in charming seaside towns on beautiful sunny Saturday mornings and in larger venues, city/state parks etc, as well, and it’s always disheartening to see so many people walk right past the art all around them without even a glance. The majority of folks just walk right by and show no interest at all. Sad.