What would happen if one of the greatest violinists alive, playing on a Stradivarius worth several million dollars, was plunked into the sterile environment of a Washington D.C. metro station at the height of morning rush hour? Would anyone stop to listen? Would anyone recognize the genius, the soaring beauty of the playing?
Gene Weingarten, a Washington Post staff writer, was determined to find out.
The idea was born two years ago, when Weingarten left a crowded metro station and noticed a ragged-looking man playing the keyboard. The musician was quite good, but he was receiving virtually no notice. Looking at the amorphous mass of humanity rushing by, Weingarten felt a surge of anger. The thought crossed his mind that even the greatest of musicians wouldn't be able to touch these rushing creatures. But he decided to test his hypothesis before indicting the public.
The result was an intriguing social experiment. Weingarten approached Joshua Bell, one of the finest classical musicians in the world. Bell, 39, is a consummate violinist who plays before awe-struck crowds across the globe. His instrument is a violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1713, at the end of the Italian master's career. Bell purchased the violin at an auction several years ago, for 3.5 million dollars. Bell and his violin are musical mastery at its absolute height.
Bell acquiesced to the request with surprising ease. Finding a venue proved more difficult, as metro laws forbid busking, but Weingarten overcame this obstacle when he discovered a station with an indoor arcade owned by a private company. The owner graciously agreed to allow the experiment to take place. The stage was set.
On Jan. 12, 2007, at 7:51 on a Friday morning, Bell, dressed in jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a Washington Nationals baseball cap, opened his violin case, threw a few dollars in as seed money, and began to play. The pieces he performed were not popular, well-known ditties. They were complex, breathtaking masterpieces that have endured for centuries. Bell put his heart and soul into his music, coaxing pristine, resonant notes from his instrument. He played six pieces in 43 minutes.
During that time, 1,097 people walked by the virtuoso.
Only seven stopped to hear the music for more than a minute.
Twenty-seven tossed in some money while hurrying on.
The rest rushed by in oblivion.
Weingarten wrote up the results of his experiment early April in the Washington Post, two days before Joshua Bell accepted the Avery Fisher Prize, the greatest honor a classical musician in America can receive.
Cry for the rush of life which sucks up the essence of life itself.
And the reactions poured in. "This story got the largest and most global response of anything I have ever written, for any publication," remarked Weingarten. Over 1,000 comments came from around the globe. More than ten percent of the readers wrote that the article made them cry. Cry for the deadened souls that couldn't stop to appreciate the beauty that surrounded them. Cry for the lost moments, the opportunities that slip through our hands never to return. Cry for the rush of life which sucks up the essence of life itself.
Like the vast majority of readers, I found myself contemplating how I would have reacted had I been at the L'enfant Plaza station in D.C. that Friday morning. Surely, I thought, I would have noticed the brilliant music, even if I was rushing past on my way to work. How could I not have been one of the select few who grasped that this musician, this music, was different?
I didn't have long to ponder. A pressing doctor's appointment pulled me away from my computer screen. I gathered up my jacket and purse, and raced half a block to catch the next bus. Rushing down the familiar street, I was surrounded by the tantalizing beauty of spring. To my left, an apple tree was just beginning to bud, the small sapling crowned with a shower of delicate white blossoms. Further along, a garden boasted irises in full bloom, their deep purple heads nodding in the soft breeze. Above, fluffy clouds raced each other on a blindingly blue sky.
But, in my haste that morning, I saw none of it. I was deaf to the music surrounding me on all sides.
(89) Anonymous, December 24, 2012 4:02 PM
I heard the most hauntingly beautiful music...
... in the NYC subway. I did stop and listen. I wish I'd bought his CD. The cavernous subway station did wounderful things to the music!
(88) Pleasant jaymz, February 12, 2012 4:54 PM
I usually stop.
Which is probably why I am sometimes late. Perhaps because I almost died at 5 years? Maybe not, though. I was like that before, and after. I am one who notices the details others miss.
(87) Kabi, February 7, 2012 10:00 PM
Ministering angels in our mist.
(86) charlot, February 7, 2012 8:28 PM
A wake-up call! If we don't choose to be recptive to what is in our path, and choose the good and the beautiful, we become automotons, and prey to what is neither good nor beautiful.
This is a reminder that if we walk in the world with ears and eyes and hearts closed, we become locked into the solitary cranium where each one walks alone.
(85) Joyce Oxfeld, February 7, 2012 3:22 PM
I've met Joshua Bell and have heard this story
It made the Philadelphia news media. I'm not surprised at this, as amazing as it seems, even from such an artist on a valuable violin. It's called brusking and I did some of it years ago in Philadelphia on violin. I not as talented and my violin isn't as good. I made money and got a summer job, but wouldn't repeat this again.
(84) Tana Hemingway, February 6, 2012 11:00 PM
not everyone was oblivious
When I first read of this event, there was mention of a small boy who held his mother back as long as he could to listen.
(83) Emily, February 6, 2012 9:00 PM
wonder of surroundings
Often we don't notice the beauty around us until it is too late. That is why it has been said: "We must take time to smell the roses."
(82) Johnnyodee, February 6, 2012 2:30 PM
Food for the soul?
I believe that whether or not anyone would notice the playing of any musician in the street depends a lot upon whether that individual has music in their soul. Surrounded as we are today by so much low-grade pop which is designed to be heard a couple of times and then discarded with the trash, we are in danger of being de-sensitized to anything of quality. I live in Ireland, where buskers perform quite often in our cities. Whenever I hear music being played, something in me causes me to want to hear more, and I have often been rewarded by some of the finest performances I could wish for. Worth far more than the few euro I toss their way. It is all part of what makes life worth the living.
(81) James, February 6, 2012 12:59 PM
People aren't taught to recognize it
Very few Americans have had much exposure to good classical music or can even recognize it when they hear it. For many people, when a virtuoso musician seems to be playing a difficult piece effortlessly, they think it really is effortless. Our schools overuse the word "talent", which leads people to think that musical and other ability just comes to people. They therefore don't realize the striving and effort that have led to Joshua Bell's achievement. So, besides being in a hurry, the majority of the people walking by probably didn't think there was anything remarkable going on.
(80) ruth hoysman, February 6, 2012 11:59 AM
when violins play
The interesting part of this piece is that the author actually Did experience the beauty of her surrounds because her words at the end are redolent and eloquent with the beauty of that spring day somehow 'recorded' and not missed. It is true people are rushing and that not nearly enough stop to inhale. We lose what might be of greatest importance while striving so hard to keep our commitments. It is an old 'saw': take time to smell the roses!
(79) Shira Cavendish, February 6, 2012 11:47 AM
A precious moment lost
I was in Israel a few months ago, and while racing down Ben Yehuda St., I noticed an artist sitting with his work on display. I glanced as I walked by, but didn't say anything to the artist. When I was too far away to do anything about it, I realized that my lack of sensitivity, sat like a dead weight in my chest. Sometimes, saying nothing is just as bad, if not worse, than saying something negative. I watched for him the next few times I was in the area, and when I saw him again, I made a deliberate stop, to look at his work, and compliment him on it. I couldn't afford to buy anything, as I was on a tight budget, but words of appreciation, are free. We never know how desperate someone is to hear even a single word of praise. We never know when that single expression will inspire someone, who otherwise might give up, to continue the struggle to create beauty, and add more beauty to our world. While it's true that most people on the subway are usually in a rush, if they're waiting for the train anyway, they usually can stop to listen to the music, depending on where they have to wait, at least until their train comes. Unfortunately, we sometimes have a prejudice about the people that play on the streets, because of their dress and because we associate them with homelessness or people down on their luck, or even as people that couldn't "make it" in their chosen profession. Perhaps, if we change the way we look at those people that try to earn a few dollars, or hope to be recognized by someone that can further their career, and view them as the next future virtuoso, we might actually be encouraging them to continue a struggle that they might otherwise give up, and deprive the world of a talent that is unique to them. Thank you for this article. As someone that stops to smell the roses, it hurts me when others don't.
(78) TMay, February 6, 2012 12:53 AM
Yes
When I was living in San Francisco and doing a walk by the Marina in the evening, on any old evening, I noticed the most fantastic fireworks. The majority of people did not stop doing anything they were doing, to watch. They even turned their back to the display and kept on walking. A few of us really enjoyed it. It turns out the fireworks were done for a Hollywood movie and a photographer was grabbing footage and the context in the film would be July 4th as background for a couple talking. A couple of million dollars on fireworks was spent that night. I felt that I could be friends with the people who were standing around me watching.
(77) Alan S., February 5, 2012 9:17 PM
Here is another very interesting side to this story that shows the power of marketing or advertising. Had his subway performance been announced in the newspaper properly, there would have been hundreds of people there. If you didn't know what Mr. Bell looked like, you would think he was just another talented performer. If you knew what he looked like from his marketing machine, you might have stopped in the subway station when he started to perform regardless of whether a concert by him was announced. It truly shows the power of properly marketing a product (or person, in this case)..
(76) Yak Fatzko, February 5, 2012 6:08 PM
Many judgemental comments here....
Lets not condemn our fellow man. 1) Have you never been a busy commuter on a deadline? Most of us are running late nearly every day. There is no time to stop even if we wanted to. 2) Also today the ubiquity of music distribution means that we ALL are constantly bombarded with the virtuoso performances which are available at a click of a mouse or spin of the radio dial. Its not 100 years ago when only wealthy concert goers would hear tones like this. 3) Plus what percentage of commuters are actually plugged into their ipods and are already listening to something? Looks to me like 75% or more They would never even hear this as they pass by. Very poorly designed experiment.
(75) Anonymous, February 5, 2012 2:50 PM
here's the link to his subway concert
for those who haven't seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw
(74) hank hirsh, January 31, 2008 6:52 PM
no surprise
i am a very good, professional saxophonist. i have played my horn on the street in many cities in the US. i have made money and connected with some people, but in comparison to Japan or some European countries Americans are crude, insensitive people.
i want to tell Chava that, as a street player and a human being, i would want you to stop and listen to what i have to say even if you don't have money to give to me. the human connection is what it is all about anyway. Besides, if you stop someone will stop to see why you have stopped. someone will have some money to offer eventually.
peace
(73) chava, January 6, 2008 11:04 AM
afternoon would be better
In the morning rush hour, we're on someone else's time. In the afternoon, it's our own time (sometimes) and therefore our own choice. People often listen as they rush by -- you don't have to stop in order to listen. Also,I feel it's unfair to stop and enjoy when I don't have money to give the musician. It's kind of like stealing. But I slow down and enjoy the music as I walk away.
(72) Herman Blumel, January 3, 2008 3:45 PM
Hearing Joshua Bell for the First Time
Joshua Bell played 6 Fantastic Solo pieces during the New Years Eve Concert by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra on Dec. 31st. The applause after each piece was tremendous. He will be my favorite modern classical solo violinist.He is a true virtuoso.
(71) Lutz Rath, January 2, 2008 6:30 PM
Bell without a bell
What esle can you expect from Washington DC "audiences" ! The experiment might have had more positive results in any other subway system in this country !
Rachel, February 6, 2012 3:58 PM
DC has plenty of classical music lovers
I agree with other commenters who've pointed out that 7:50 a.m. is not a good time for commuters who are almost all on their way to work. So many times I've heard lovely music or seen something beautiful and carried it with me into my workday, although I never stopped to watch because I had only a few minutes to get from the metro to my office. Very different when it's a Sunday afternoon and one has time to prepare, go to the venue, and then spend two hours caught up in the magnificent music....
(70) beata, January 2, 2008 2:23 PM
life is full of music - we only have to listen
Thanks for this article and experiment. What a brilliant idea. I wish people would realize their are free concerts all around us - for our enjoyment. No need to cue up and pay high prices.
(69) Susan, January 2, 2008 1:09 PM
I Stop ! First for the Man and Stay for the Music
A few seconds...not a long time in a day, but ample time to appreciate the music. I think that anyone stopping to hear the violonist for just a few seconds should have been counted. The people passing by without a nod have become lost in a world of their own. EVERYONE has 30 seconds to appreciate a gift.
I know I would have stopped. I always do. I don't always stop because of the music, but for the men or women who are performing. They are different from me and the other thousands passing by in public places.
While we go to concerts to hear the entertainment, The street musicians come to us. Uninvited. Those men and women interest me. Their music might be professional or amateur. But they are there for my pleasure, and I take great pleasure in their song. Play on....and I will always listen and appreciate you.
(68) Tania, January 2, 2008 11:36 AM
Open your ears AND eyes!
A moving account about an almost lost art, Bassi manages to stir our senses as she takes us on a journey of the feel of the violin, I imagined the smell of the arcade, as I savored the taste of the long ago popular music, so different to the nonsensical hip hop of today, and I visualised the excitement of Bell's movements as he held the violin in one hand and moved the bow in the other, while swaying to the rythm of the sounds he made.
How could it be that we've lost our ability to stand there for a moment and take in the sensory rush?
When we recite the blessing "Pokeach Ivrim"-thank you G-d for opening up the eyes of the blind-we are praying for sight that goes far beyond actual, physical sight, we are praying for opportunities like those moments in odd places, where magic happens infront of us, and all we have to do is behold it!
Yashar Koach, Bassi, stop and smell the coffee, and admire the flowers, that moment cannot be retrieved.
(67) tova younger, January 2, 2008 2:24 AM
mazal tov on gettinginto this top ten list!!!
i took the time to re-read the article even though i have so little reading times. again i felt something stir within.
here is my favorite line: Cry for the rush of life which sucks up the essence of life itself. a good scary wake up quote!
go mei chayil ad chayil. much continued hatzlacha and kol tuv.
(66) Sandy, December 31, 2007 6:50 PM
But you did notice God's splendor!
Perhaps you sell yourself a little short,Bassi! You DID see and appreciate the blossoms and the beautiful sky on your way to do that which HaShem led you to follow for people. As I did today; I have the good fortune to be a biologist who works outside and teaches people about this magnificient creation every day---the important thing is that you recognized the beauty and that you met your obligation to humanity, too.
(65) Vicki Sue, December 31, 2007 4:28 PM
wrong time--wrong results
I used to be stationed in DC. I used to ride the subway occasionally. I rode the bus every day to the Navy Yard. On the way to work I cannot stop. People all over the world depended on my help with their communications. But if I had heard him on the way home, in the afternoon or evening, I could have listened for as long as he played, and I would have.
(64) joclyn, December 31, 2007 1:12 PM
I hear the music in the subway
I always enjoy the musicians in the New York City subways & I do throw a dollar in the case. Recently I was in a Manhattan station with my 5 year old granddaughter Esti. I brought the music to her attention & gave her a dollar to put in the case. The musician was quite moved & smiled at her & said thank you. Esti was happy too.I also point out all the beauty around us to my children & grandchildren & say than you to Hashem.It is too bad people are so busy to stop & listen to the music all around us.
(63) verna m black, December 30, 2007 11:01 PM
Joshua Bell's artistic talents
I had the pleasure of meeting Joshua when I worked in the administrative office of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I also collect his fabulous cds. Talent and poise go together with this young virtuoso. How could one not take notice of the music pouring forth from his Stradivarius? Come to Jerusalem, Joshua and perform for me and the rest of the lovers of music, please!!!
(62) CRESENTHIA MARCINIAK, December 30, 2007 9:24 PM
music isn't all we causually pass-by.
why are we surprised that we walk right on by the best this world has to offer, when we so readily pass up the opportunity to know it's creator, day after day.
(61) Tammy Ashley, December 30, 2007 4:13 PM
Oblivious to the music
I am one of those stop and smell the roses kind of person so I probably would have noticed this mans music right away. If I had had a couple of loose dollars I most likely would have tossed them in his case. I live in Minneapolis and there are often self proclaimed artists playing their instruments in the skyway system downtown. Most people are bustling through the skyways on their way to or from some other building and may toss in some change or a dollar or two as they pass by but don't really have the time to stop and listen. Even though I may not always have the time to stop and listen I do appreciate these people. They make life so much richer, weather its a cornet, a violin, a guitar or a saxaphone. Whatever, I just pray they never stop coming and playing.
(60) anonymous, December 30, 2007 3:39 PM
My grandfather played street corners with his violin to help support his family.
In a large city, , in the 1920's, my grandfatehr played his violin for money that was used to help support his family. He was a school boy, and whiel hsi parents insisted he finish high school- they needed teh money that strangers threw into his case. After high school, he becasme a violinist with a major symphony orchestra. I still treasure his soloist recordings, although he died 30 years ago. Maybe the world was a littel slower paced , back then. Maybe strangers were softer hearted toa teenager. I dont' know, but this brought back memories of his retelling that to me.
(59) Cheri Lewis, July 27, 2007 1:43 PM
Different music for different souls
I just reread this article and a thought came to mind. Though I have no doubt the music of this stellar violinist was magnificent, it would not have entered my soul and grabbed it. Not because it was classical, but because other music grabs my soul, sets my knees to weakness and clutches at my insides like the cold hand of death. Some music warms me, holds me still to listen, can stop me in my tracks, but it is not the music of this talented violinist. Its the guitar of BB King when he sings Sweet Little Angel, or the piano of the late Donny Hathaway, hitting chords nobody can even find again in This Songs For You. Its the lonliness in the voice of Aretha when she implores him to Call Me.
So when you think of some people passing this man up without stopping to enjoy it, remember me, and millions of others his music doesn't touch, because if his was the only music, we'd have never heard the likes of the polka, or Liberace, or the voice of Luther Vandross. So be glad, his is not the standard for grabbing everyones attention, but the standard for those select souls he does grab.
(58) Anonymous, June 7, 2007 8:39 AM
Obviously, Bassi doesn't live in the Southern US!
Basi might enjoy more fresh veggies, flowers, fruits, wildlife, etc by moving to the South!
(57) Michael Berg, June 4, 2007 8:37 PM
Classical Music
It is possible that most of the audience of the subway automatically rejected classical music. Even if they liked the music, they could not stop because part of their definition of themselves includes a rejection of classical music in favour of other genres.
(56) Bruce Tillson, May 19, 2007 3:03 PM
I wonder......
I wonder if a performance by a popular musician or group (James Taylor or U2) would gather more attention. I, as a musician, am saddened by the lack of interest and it hurts my soul deeply that such a world renowned artist was simply ignored.
(55) Anonymous, May 13, 2007 12:55 AM
I loved the Violinist Story. I know I would have stopped to listen as I do love music. However, if you are rushing to work, I can see why people would rush by and not stop for long. I think this is due to our corporate culture and not the fault of their employees who may be in trouble if they are late to work.
(54) Cheri Lewis, May 12, 2007 12:01 AM
Rushing past the cry for life
I too, am sorry the crowd was too hurried to enjoy a great talent and beautiful musice, but that is why there are Grandparents, that aren't too busy to watch a child feel grass under his bare foot for the first time, or discover birds, and dirt and little crawly things their parents don't have time for. That is the life we rush past in youth but not when that grandchild comes. Ah, then you really get to discover life for the first time, the color of dandylions, and squeeky floors to skid on after the bath, and a gummy smile, when that precious face is turned up to be kissed. Thats when you hear the music. It's so worth waiting for, do not despair, Bassi.
(53) Mr D M Baker, May 11, 2007 11:50 PM
Thank you, for letting me take notice of your words on my pc.
I have in the past taken time to stop and listen to artists in The London underground stations. I was born in north London. grew up there.
I'm sixty now and only last Tuesday I was doing my walk in the Lee valey Hertfordshire, north on London.
I took notice of the wind in the trees, sound of birds,sun light, warmth, coolness,ripples on water, distent trafic, and many others. I try to make good use of my sencess that God gave me.
(52) Colleen H, May 11, 2007 9:48 PM
I have the same trouble with my children. I love to watch nature, people, the world around me and know how and why it works. Frustration sets in however as I try to instill this into my kids. Our children's minds are so full of electronic mumbo-jumbo, they don't seem to have time for anything else...
(51) Robin L Poe, May 11, 2007 9:02 PM
Sad But True
Our society has lost the ability to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Being caught up or, consumed, by the desires of our busy lives. I wonder if more of us were to take the time to notice the simple yet masterful pleasures that surround us, would we live in a less violence prone society?
(50) Frank, May 11, 2007 6:50 PM
I heard good and bad in the subways in NYC - mostly good
Riding the Lexington line was always a treat. I heard some of the greatest performers playing for effectively, "chump change". One guy, a violinist who's name I can't remember (sorry, Dude), had his big break winning a busking contest, and appeared on Johnny Carson's show - and ended up with a recital in Carnegie Hall. I always would toss a fiver in his case, because he'd always stop what he was playing and play Paganini for me. Talk about chops!!!!!
I also heard a lot of almost popular and famous people, courtesy of the City of NY. Lynn Thigpen comes to mind immediately. She would be on the platform at GCT at least once a month. Awesome pipes!!!
I don't work in the city anymore, but those mini concerts are what I miss most.
Frank
(49) Lance Landon, May 11, 2007 6:24 PM
A Most Brilliant Article!
Coast to Coast AM provided the link to your site & article. It was brilliant, simply brilliant. More to come, I hope . . .
(48) Brian Fahey, May 11, 2007 3:33 PM
Of course they will walk by.
The problem with this 'test' is that it doesn't take into account various factors. Do the people walking by enjoy the style of music? Do they enjoy hearing solo violin? (I don't). Was there enough time in the people's schedules to allow them to stand and appreciate the music, if they did enjoy the style? As to facial recognition, I've not seen Mr Bell's photo in 20 years. Wouldn't know him if I bumped into him.
Before anyone slams what I've written, I truly enjoy classical music, and play it as well. (Piano & Organ). I've always disliked the violin. To me it is akin to the brakes of those subway cars.
(47) Jerry Gardner, May 11, 2007 10:55 AM
Personality?
I wonder if this speaks more of personality differences than of the loss of value of aesthetic things. Some people are driven by beauty, whereas others are driven by success. I think it would have been fascinating to have questioned those who stopped; find out a bit more about their drives. Brilliant experiment that speaks volumes on the human condition.
(46) Alison Garrison, May 11, 2007 9:44 AM
I think this is a judgmental piece. People who go through the drudgery of life should not be dismissed as soul-less. We all wish we could slow down and enjoy the world around us. That's just not reality. It takes a truly shallow human to dismiss the masses as uncreative beasts.
(45) Alison, May 11, 2007 9:30 AM
Interesting
I would argue humans tune out the world around them because we devote a significant part of our lives to things we do not enjoy. Work, guilt, and loneliness (even in a crowded house/room). Yesterday, I was driving home and I heard a song I had not heard since I was very young... and I started crying. I realized then that I hadn't cried in more than a year. It felt good.
(44) Anonymous, May 11, 2007 8:07 AM
The question is not "Who does God talk to?"... But rather, "Who listens".
Everything speaks of God... the Truth truly is...."Out There"
(43) Sarah Schiller-Hofmann, May 10, 2007 7:40 AM
What a big heart
I was so very touched by this article. To do an experiment like this on a place like this, it showed me what a big heart Weingarten and Joshua Bell have. To do something to touch the peoples heart, but as so often, it is only the remnant who tries to listen. May they never give up to do the exceptional.
(42) Anny Matara, May 10, 2007 4:04 AM
WE'RE UNAWARE OF OUR BLINDNESS
HOW TRUE !! WE LIVE AN INDIVIDUALISTIC LIFE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TAUGHT TO STOP, LOOK AND SEE AND ONLY WHEN SOMEONE TEACHES YOU HOW BLIND AND DEAF YOU ARE, YOU BECOME AWARE OF YOUR LOSS. iT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE LEARNIND "CREATIVE WRITING" OUR LECTURER TOLD US TO THINK OF A "RED LETTER DAY" IN OUR LIVES. i HAD TO DIG DEEP INTO MYSELF AND THINK, STOP AND THINK, ONCE YOU'VE ACHIEVED IT IT NEVER LEAVES YOU HOWEVER HARRASSED I AM AND NOWADAYS, BEING OLD, i DO HAVE THE TIME NOT TO LET ANYONE HARRASS ME I TRY NOT TO LET THE WORLD GO BY I STOP MYSELF AS I CAN'T DO IT TO THE WORLD!! BUT I TRIED TO TEACH MY CHILDREN AND THEIRS TO SEE NOT JUST LOOK, BUT I MUST ADMIT I WOULDN'T HAVE STOPPED TO LISTENED TO MUSIC IN AN UDREGROUND OR TRAIN STATION NOT BECAUSE I'D BE IN A HURRY BUT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF PLACE AND I COULDN'T DISCERN THE GREATNESS OF THE ARTIST IN ALL THAT NOISE AROUND ONE. MUSIC IS TOO BEAUTIFUL NOT TO BE HEARD BUT THERE'S NO DOUBT-HUMANITY HAS NO TIME BUT THE MATRO IS CERTAINLY NOT THE PLACE YOU'D THINK OF DISCOVERING OR HEARING A GENIOUS.UNDERGROUNDS ARE NO PLACES TO STOP WE USE THEM TO GHET FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER MAYBE THE EXPERIMENT WERE HELD IN A PARK
THE OUTCOME MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE SAME BECAUSE PEOPLE RUSH AND FORGET TO SEE OR HEAR
ANNY MATAR, ISRAEL
(41) Jean Hannah, May 10, 2007 3:15 AM
..Record my lament ; list my tears on you scroll... Psalm56v8
Some things feed the physical body, others stimulate the intellect....then there is the realm of the soul. This article touched my very soul as i pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
#Shalom dear friend - Jean #
(40) Natam Silver, May 9, 2007 6:17 PM
Good on you Daniel B.
I totally agree with Daniel Broniatowski. Incidentally i have heard him play on his fabulous violin and he's excellent! Also, Mazel tov to him and his fiancee :-)
(39) Amy, May 9, 2007 4:36 PM
Hold on now...
I live here in DC and take Metro everyday. And everytime I encounter a musician, I always throw money in the pot, catch their eye and say "thank you." Then go on my way. It is not about dead souls. It is that time is money, and time is time. If I miss one Metro by a second, I have to wait another 25 minutes for a bus. Now I am nearly a half-hour later picking up my kids, getting homework done. All a very delicate ballet to be sure. But to think, someone stopped to take the time from *their* day to fill the air with music. Now my commute will be that much sweeter. Please dont judge or cry. Sometimes even the smallest bit of background music is a blessing.
(38) Didier Schott, May 9, 2007 10:19 AM
Do we have time to love ? ?
Time for Love
An ethics professor at Princeton Seminary asked for volunteers for an extra
assignment. Fifteen students showed up. He divided the group of fifteen into
three groups of five each. He instructed the first group of five to proceed
immediately across the campus to a certain spot; if they didn't get there in
fifteen minutes their grade would be affected. A minute or two later he
instructed the second group to proceed across the campus to the same spot;
but they were given forty-five minutes to get there. After they left he
instructed the last group to go across the campus to that spot too; but they
were given three hours for the trip.
Now, unknown to any of these students, the teacher had arranged with three
students from the Drama Department to meet them along the way, acting as
people in great need: the first one they met covered his head with his hands
and moaned out loud as though in great pain; the second, a little bit
further along the way, was on some steps lying face down as if unconscious;
the third, on the very steps of the destination, acted out an epileptic
seizure. You know what the ethics professor discovered? Not one of the first
group stopped, two of the second group stopped, and all five of the third
group stopped. What the experiment tells us is that when we are too busy,
with tight schedules and impossible deadlines, there is no time for love.
(37) Anonymous, May 9, 2007 9:28 AM
Mo- I guess oblivious is it
The ears hear music, yes. But, normal human beings LOOK toward the source of music, as a result of hearing it.
Hearing is not a choice- the most uninterested rat racer HEARS the music as he/she is rushing by.
If you weren't sure what the article added, perhaps a second read is in order. That's part of stopping and smelling the roses too. Reflection, and an attempt to understand. Best of luck.
(36) j, May 8, 2007 9:04 PM
pop
if it were pop music, people would've oohed and ahhed.
(35) Abraham Avi Gewirtz, May 8, 2007 6:54 PM
Stop, breath, slow down....
...and don't tailgate. We - including me - need to slow down and appreciate the space we are in - the moment we are experiencing - unplug our hearing canal and listen to the sounds around us - stop looking at the other side where the grass is greener - because our territory is something we are unfamiliar with and need to learn who we are and what is happening around us at every minute of every hour of every day.
(34) Andy, May 8, 2007 3:28 PM
experiment under suspect conditions make the results meaningless
At 7:51 am people need to get to work. If one was taking a person in distress to the hospital would you claim it sad they did not stop to appreciate the music. Try it uder different conditions. A truer test would be at 8pm or on a Sunday
(33) Meira Sanders, May 8, 2007 11:55 AM
Mrs. Gruen is a wonderful writer!
Mrs. Gruen is a wonderful writer!
(32) Daniela, May 8, 2007 10:18 AM
I agree with Mark, Fred and Dvirah !
I thought this was quite unfair. I say, do the experiment again when people have the time to stop, like on a weekend or on their way home. Like Sh'lomo HaMelech said, there is a time and a place for everything.
(31) Paul W, May 8, 2007 12:41 AM
In ref' to Daniel B. Comments
The fact that the music was different is why I would have stopped.(time permitting) I have, while traveling stopped to enjoy very talented street performers, that I felt were wasting there time, for so few noticed. I agree that we are bombarded with what passes for music today. I beleave one can enjoy a wide range of music, classical, blues, jazz, and even some rock, if it is well performed. But to enjoy, you must take time to listen.
(30) Celia Leal, May 7, 2007 9:24 PM
The Melody
When reading this wonderful article,I felt that how many times people and even us can overlook the beauty around us or the soul of a person, due to our closeness within ourselves, our lives or our problems at this special moment.
Not only the speed of our time and age are the reason for this neglect, but mostly it is a selfish feeling that this century and late 20th. century led us to live.
Thank you for the beauty of music. I wish I could have such an experience of seeing.
(29) Rivka, May 7, 2007 8:44 PM
could it be because we are so sure that the beauty will still be there tommorow? what if today was the last and only chance to appriciate such beauty? what if the people passing at the station knew the rarity of such an occasion?
(28) will Kahane, May 7, 2007 3:35 PM
count and name your days
We count the days during the Omer and we name each one. this is an important life lesson. The budhist tradition teaces us the same thing; We must remain mindful of our surroundings. In the great classic film "A thousand Clowns" Jason Robbards as Murray tells his "successful " brother, "you have to own each day, and name em, and that's not just for weekends, kiddo" We should ytake these teachings to heart. Stop and smell the flowers every chance we get.
(27) Joe, May 7, 2007 3:01 PM
Thank You
Thank you for writing this. The end of your article made a fantastic point.
(26) mo, May 7, 2007 2:59 PM
am i oblivious
I read the article "pearls before breakfeast" in the WP and really enjoyed it. I'm just not sure what Ms. Gruen has added to that article or why people like her brother LBurnham are so complimentary saying things like "I too walk by beautiful music without so much as a glance!" when music is heard not seen ?
(25) Henny, May 7, 2007 2:25 PM
I find most of your articles very interesting, please carry on the good work, looking forwars to it.
(24) LeeZee, May 7, 2007 1:59 PM
Sad commentary; perhaps wrong location.
NYC,with its headlong rushing multitudes would have stopped to listen & appreciate. I know, because I have experienced it. DC, the center of political life, is deadened in its soul and has left no room for beauty, only pragmatism. Do they even notice the cherry blossoms. Good observation, but bad conclusion. Don't indict the rest of us. Many do stop to smell the roses and hear the music.
(23) fred, May 7, 2007 10:55 AM
Reality
We don't know how many people did in fact recognize the artistry in passing, but reluctantly passed it up because, for example, the fact that one chose to listen to the music and get fired is not an excuse that the Yeshiva will accept for not being able to pay the tuition.
Nice little trick played by those who have the time upon those who don't - it's a variation on "let them eat cake!"
(22) Anonymous, May 7, 2007 10:38 AM
WOW
One of the most incredible and unfortunately true articles I have ever read. And I read alot. Life flies by far to fast nowadays.
(21) Daniel Broniatowski, May 7, 2007 9:22 AM
Not surprised
I'm not surprised that people didn't stop, let alone recognize it was Joshua Bell playing.
Due to the constant barrage of MTV's dirty and loud music, many have forgotten how to listen to music. Rather, music and many sexualized songs have been forced upon us through loud boom boxes, movies, and store loudspeakers.
As a professional violinist, I see it as my mission to change people's attitudes. There is much quality music out there that has to be better publicized.
(20) shulamit Beigel, May 7, 2007 12:34 AM
How sad
Yes, what can one say knowing that life nowadays, running so fast, has made us sort of robots...and we dont see, we dont hear, we are like the Golem...but not everybody is like that...
(19) Anonymous, May 7, 2007 12:20 AM
Some of the happiest times Haschem gave me were in Jerusalem as i danced in the streets to glorious Hebrew music played by a violinist on ben yehuda street...another time the music was coming from a cd being played from a vendor on the street....once from a passing car...I AM so thankful and look forward to the same thing happening this year in Jerusalem when i come back!!!
(18) Anonymous, May 6, 2007 11:33 PM
Busking ...
I have often stopped for buskers, amazed at their musicianship. Salzberg, Baltimore, New York, Washington (DC) -- it doesn't matter where you are. I do stop to listen, and usually contribute to the musician's 'kitty.'
Thanks for a perceptive article.
(17) Geoff Cass, May 6, 2007 10:38 PM
Just goes to show what fools most of us are
Just because he did not have a hige sign reading "I usually get paid a few thousand dollars for a hour of my time" or something similar, no-one want's to know. Nothing new in that.
(16) lrstromberg@comcast.net, May 6, 2007 9:00 PM
How true it is
Thought you enjoy
(15) Leiby Burnham, May 6, 2007 8:59 PM
What a Powerful Story!
Wow! Masterfully written. First the article had me aghast at those who didn't stop, but then it made me realize how often I too walk by beautiful music without so much as a glance!
(14) Susan, May 6, 2007 6:56 PM
Bravo! Outstanding experiement.
My daughter plays viola. Knowing what goes into it, I surely would have stayed to listen and would have cried while there. I love Symphony, Chamber and Orchestra music, but appreciate it more knowing the years of sweat and love that goes into it. If she never played, I too would have rushed on not appreciating it at all. Sad isn't it?
(13) Paul Slaton, May 6, 2007 4:55 PM
What are our values?
Peeople would have been more likely to notice if it had been a basketball or
football player just standing there.
(12) ruth housman, May 6, 2007 2:21 PM
a beautiful wake-up call
I found this article piercingly sad. What would I do if I passed a musician of this calibre playing in the streets during a rush to get to wherever? I would like to think that I would stop. I was transfixed several years ago by a young woman who stood by the Piazza San Marco in Venice and sang. I have never heard anything this beautiful in my life. People stopped in their tracks to listen. Sometimes people do stop and it's like hearing the music of angels. What could be more important than this: an exultation of larks!
(11) mark, May 6, 2007 1:51 PM
Flawed Social Experiment
The experiment was fundamentally flawed. Those who take Metro to work in DC are primarily employees of government and business. Very, very few can afford to lose their livelihoods for being late to work. Had the experiment been carefully considered in advance, it would have taken place during the evening rush hour, rather than the morning. Then, those who were inclined would have been able to pause and listen without the risk of being late for work or, even worse, for court. No one enjoys great music more than I do, but I, who own several Joshua Bell recordings and am self-employed as an attorney, would not have risked being late for court for the pleasure of hearing this gifted artist. This flawed experiment exemplifies the worst kind of garbage science that is often used to "prove" a pre-conceived notion.
(10) Dvirah, May 6, 2007 1:43 PM
Don't Judge Too Soon
Ms. Gruen in the last line of her article claims to have been "oblivious of the music surrounding me on all sides" - yet she remembered the details of her walk vividly enough to describe them minutely in her article. Clearly she was less oblivious than she realized. Which brings me to the point I want to make: just because a person does not stop it does not necesarily mean that person has not noticed or appreciated the music or beauty passing by. After all, the appointment or connection he/she is hurring to is important to him/her; we are also taught that it is required to be punctual. So perhaps the person may not have time to stop, but until you know what's going on in his/her head, don't always be too sure of his/her "oblivion." After all, Ms. Gruen saw and remembered three full sentences of beauty.
(9) Chaya, May 6, 2007 1:19 PM
Musicians
Here in Israel maybe thousands of musicians from the former Soviet Union give us free concerts every day - on organs, clarinets, violins, etc. And, yes, most people just walk by. Some do stop to listen and even fewer give them money. It is so sad that they have been reduced to this!
(8) Gidon, May 6, 2007 11:55 AM
LIFE ITSELF
I think these articles . specificaly written and presented so well by Bassi Gruen raise the powerful point of the direction our lives take us in. Being really alive could very well mean the ability to use and harness the experiences and environments of the world. If we dont then what is life may be this message is life itself . I have been lifted and sent on many journeys buy many aish articles as this has enevotably done . Thankyou
(7) debbie, May 6, 2007 11:44 AM
wrong venue
I live in the Washington area, and frequently take the metro. From my own experience, I can tell you that Mr. Weingarten's experiment, to see whether people can appreciate musical beauty, was inherently flawed.
Firstly, his experiment took place during rush hour. When I am on my way to work, I am usually running to get there on time. No matter how much I may want to stop, my time is not my own - I must be in the office by a certain time, or I risk losing my job. In Ms. Gruen's situation, most doctor's offices will cancel your appointment if you are more than 15 minutes late, and you still have to pay for it. Taking into account possible traffic snarls and difficulty finding parking, there may not be extra time to stop.
Although I was not in the station where Mr. Bell was playing, when there is a talented musician playing in the Metro station, I will take the time to stand on the escalator and appreciate it (instead of my usual headlong rush), but I cannot take more time than that. Although the original article notes that the music was audible 75 feet away on the escalators, there was no way to count the people who paid attention and appreciated the music while they could.
Secondly, the experiment measured how much money Mr. Bell made. Many, many people do not carry any cash at all, especially on the Washington Metro where you can purchase your tickets using a credit card, and many people also have what is called a SpeedPass for parking and riding the Metro.
I think that most people can still appreciate beauty when they see it - they just might not be able to stop and do so for as long as they would like. But that does not mean that they don't file the experience in their minds, to review and savor when they do have the opportunity.
(6) Anonymous, May 6, 2007 10:11 AM
a most inspiring article
the article about the violinist Josh Bell is most inspring teaching us a great lesson as you have put it so wonderful it touched the bottom of our heart. many thanks
(5) MOSHE GEWIRTZ, May 6, 2007 10:11 AM
IS THERE ANOTHER SIDE TO THIS COIN?
HOW MANY ONLOOKERS SIMPLY WATCHED AS THOUSANDS OF RETCHED HUMAN BEINGS WERE BEING MARCHED TO THIER DEATHS DURING THE HOLOCAUST? DID THEY FEEL ANY EMOTION? COMPASSION? DIGUST? HATRED? DID THEY FEEL ANY SHAME FOR THEIR COMPLACENCY?
LETS HAVE MORE EXPERIMENTS OF THIS NATURE. ALL OF US COULD USE A LITTLE STIMULATION OF OUR SENCES.
(4) Anonymous, May 6, 2007 9:51 AM
True, but...
Defitely true, and beautifully written. However, I must say, that when ppl are in a train station, many are focused on their goal of getting to work on time, to an appt, a meeting, etc. Also, maybe this is b/c my experience of subways is in NYC, but to stop to listen to the music there is kind of asking for pickpockets, strange ppl, etc. In NYC, you mind your own business, and keep going. I'd rather stop to listen to the music of my son relating to me a fact he learned even as I'm rushing to prepare supper... or to the music of my baby learning to roll over for the first time... As for music in the subways..., I'm afraid I'm conditioned not to, I think for good reasons.
(3) Anonymous, May 6, 2007 9:26 AM
very touching!
What a great metaphor for all the goodness of our lives that goes unappreciated or under-appreciated.
Thanks Bassi.
(2) Dr David Cowan, May 6, 2007 9:09 AM
An inspired experiment and a great opportunity missed to hear a supreme artist!
It does not surprise me that such little notice was taken when Joshua Bell performed in such surroundings.
The things that could/SHOULD inspire us both physically and spiritually are being ditched for a different sort of "instant" gratification. A new generation is growing up knowing nothing about classical music and its relevance to how we interact with the World and our deeper selves. In our synagogues the rich liturgy is also being eroded because - whilst it may have kept us focused through many centuries of persecution - it is no longer perceived as "cool" to be inspired by a chazzan and a choir!Instead we are sadly left with mechanical "let's get it over with as fast we can" type tephillos - timed to perfection in this digital age.
(1) Abe, May 6, 2007 8:35 AM
Dead from the neck up!
I suppose most subway riders, during the early morning rush, just awakened and on their way to another tedious day, are unable to tune into what is truly beautiful music being played by a virtuoso. Do that experiment in the New York subway system with some rappers doing their thing