The lady at the end and the business man who leaned by the wall and clapped at the end made it for me ... even if two people were touched it is worth it.
the reason people didnt stop and appreciate it is because they are on their commute to work. why would they stop and risk the chance of being late to their train and being late for their schedule? I'm positive if he did this lets say in a different location where people arent in a hurry, people could stop and listen
I personally don't like monodical music. If there is only one person playing or singing, no matter how good the technique, it rather makes me wanna escape than stop and listen to it.
If Joshua Bell had brought some fellows to make up a quartet, I bet they'd make a fortune.
Our western ears are used to polyphonic, complex music, which is nothing to be ashamed of.
If I would have been honored to have been there I believe I would have stopped, listened the entire time and given him some money. What a beautiful experiment! Terribly unfortunate that it went the way it did
All these responses are missing the point of the experiment which was : ARE YOU MISSING THE BEAUTY IN LIFE BECAUSE YOU ARE IGNORING IT? It has nothing to do with the place or time of the experiment. It's about 1097 people intentionally ignoring what they are walking by. There is no doubt that the music, performer and instrument were flawless, therefore the only reason people didn't interact with this moment was because they ignored it.
I'm sure there would have been a different result had he played on perhaps a weekend. There are many things wrong with this "experiment." For one, it's during rush house at 730AM in the morning, where many people are trying to get to work on time. Second, I also believe it would have been different if he played during 5PM rush hour, when people go home. I don't think it's that people don't appreciate it, it is just that the experimenters chose a wrong time. Therefore this is a biased experiment.
@Dirxenxgrey There is nothing wrong with this experiment. The question asked was, "Can one of the nation's great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour?" Therefore the experiment is supposed occur during rush hour. Also, if those conducting the experiment purposefully chose a time when people would be more likely to stop and listen i.e. choose a "right" time, then that would in fact be introducing bias.
I don't like this experiment, as interesting as it could be, I think playing during rush hour at the metro is just asking to get this result. As beautiful as the music is, most of these people are on their way to work, and cannot honestly be expected to risk their livelihood to listen to some music. I think he should do this again, but this time somewhere where the majority people are not on their way to work, or another similarly pressing activity.
this is understandable, people are in a rush to go to work or where they have to be in. if people had the free time they would have stopped like many others that did in the video. look at these leaning by the wall... people do stop, its just that the amount is very little since people have to get somewhere...
I love me some classical music, but that shit would piss me off in the morning before I had my coffee, its loud and irritating especially when there is loud and irritating surrounding me at all times. Now if he was playing something a little quieter and soothing he might of gotten more than courtesy or guilt trip bucks.
Unfortunately most American's are so locked into our frenzied meaningless lives of working to pay the bills, and we are so conformed to the rush pace of our existence, it is socially easier to follow the herd than stand out. After all we're all in a rush to die!
Anybody can appreciate good music, you don't have to be rich. And I disagree that rich people don't take the metro. Many people are environmentally aware and choose the green option over their cars.
People pay a $100 a ticket to be seen at a seemingly "sophisticated" socially elite event, so maybe the true authenticity of this experiment lies in the fact that no one appreciates a man playing a violin.
Classical music is all about the atmosphere. This has no atmosphere to it. Have to admit, I'd have walked right past him as well, even though I enjoy classical music.
This is an example of how powerful an effect our media has over music's mass appeal. Without the context of TV, Mass print ads / articles, and radio, the artist stripped down to his or her's bare essentials is almost invisible in our society. Especially in America (oddly), we don't see the value in music or art for its' own sake, unless it's framed by mass media. I am a full time busker in Seattle and observe these things all the time.
I'm sure in Europe, somewhere in Austria or Italy, the experiment would have given different results, and people would have probably stopped and at least appreciated this music. In USA, the majority of people are IGNORANT of classical music, and do not have a delicate taste for it to appreciate it. It is true. Don't try to deny the fact. It was like that 100 years ago in USA, it is like that now.
@AliyaMussina i would not be so sure that it would have given different results here in Italy..
however i think the problem is that people are too much involved in their affairsto worry about a violinist, and this is not a very good thing... the new society of the world prevent us from appreciating what is around us like nature or music and other art forms.. it's just about the period of the world we are living in..
@AliyaMussina People are ignorant everywhere. Just because people are in a hurry to get to work (you know, so they don't get fired and end up homeless) doesn't mean they might not appreciate that music if they had the time. If you were on the way to work and passed a Picasso that had been slapped on a wall that usually has band posters on it, would you notice? And by the way, Bach's music is Baroque-not Classical. Who's ignorant now?
@pyookface Baroque is a style of Classical :) I agree that people don't have time to notice things when they are going to work. But if there is a SuperBowl and Rachmaninov concert on the same day in some US city, the Rachmaninov concert tickets will be undersold.
@AliyaMussina Incorrect. Both "Baroque" and "Classical" refer to musical periods. Baroque was from 1600-1750 and was followed by the Classical period (1750-1830), followed by the Romantic period (where Rachmaninoff would fall). Calling all symphonic music "classical" is like calling all cola "Coke." And your Superbowl reference is completely pointless because the same thing would happen with a world cup match anywhere else in the world.
@AliyaMussina I disagree with your assertion. I think that a majority of people in the USA are perfectly aware of classical music and its beauty. To claim that you know what it was like in the USA 100 years ago is an ignorant statement itself. I find it unlikely that you were here in the USA in 1912. IF you were here in 1912, then surely you would have been present from 1917-1918 during World War 1. If you were here then, you would know that we helped end war in Europe.. Is that ignorance?
@AliyaMussina no, more like there are much more variety of music to listen to now, that most people, especially younger teens/adults, are not into classical. If you went to any country and randomly asked people on the street to name a current famous violinist, you would only get blank faces. Not to mention it is the dam metro, homeless people playing at subways are a dime a dozen, no one cares. Maybe if he played at the millionaire's club he would have gotten recognized.
@AliyaMussina thats not true at all. but do you really think people riding the subway are going to be in the age group to listen and appreciate classical music? regardless of how talented this man it doesnt change the fact that people riding the subway are lower/average income individuals, most likely younger than older. I know I wouldnt stop to the world's best heavy metal guitarist. who cares? but i do agree with the europe comment
@AliyaMussina na, average UK people are just as ignorant to great music, people see it as 'outdated' it sickens me, its making it harder to get my music out there!
@MarkWellerMusic Whereas the truth is that music never outdates. Saying music outdates is like saying mathematics outdates...which is totally nonsense.
@AliyaMussina I worked in an office building here in the US where a grand piano was set up in the atrium for a party later that night. Passing by, a friend instinctively sat down and started playing, and people were drawn out of their cubicles above like the Pied Piper...they recognized Chopin, Beethoven, Ravel, Rachmaninoff,...they yelled down requests. Some listeners were near tears. As the article says, can we as passers-by pause enough to recognize and appreciate Mr. Bell's brilliance?
I had an equally amazing experience in Spain. A flutist and a soprano walked around a Moorish cathedral (well cathedral now) playing and singing. At any point in the cathedral the acoustics were perfect. The people I was travelling with wanted to go to some market, completely missing the magic of the here and now.
I think an addition component is that for those who do recognize (to SOME extent) the beauty and excellence (and value) of the performance, how many would even consider making the decision to alter their schedule?
I don't care that he be famous, I would have just walked by and farted out of spite and so would all yall, if that was Louis Armstrong though I would have jizzed in my pants
I'd have stepped over him, too. If I'm trying to catch a train, the last thing I want to do is stop and listen to someone playing the violin. And yes, he's good but I don't know enough about violin to tell the difference between this guy and Charlie Daniels.
@sametal847 That's just silly. $100 for a ticket isn't that much and plenty take metro. There is no connection. It is just something people aren't expected to see, therefore dismiss as impossible, although at the very end a woman has recognized him. So, some people taking metro are into violins.
It's a stupid experiment. If it's rush our people are trying to get to work on time. Survival states that if you're going to lose your job to stop and listen to beautiful music you'll get fired. I love classical music but I'm not going to stop if I'm in a rush.
The reason most people don't stop because they have places to go, if they stopped at everything remotely interesting we would never get where we are supposed to. Best do this again at a park or someplace people go when they are not expected anywhere.
The real ting to realize after this, is that a famous violinist playing, is not worth one single shit more, than some homeless person playing.
The problem is not that people didn't stop and appreciate him. The problem is that when people know he is famous, they will pay to watch him, regardless if he is good or not.
The thing is that people can't tell the difference between him playing and anyone else playing anyway. But if they know he is famous, they will think he is better.
@realisticHomeboy ----Speak for yourself Homeboy, their are many people here who can tell the difference between music and crap like rap. Also he wouldn't be famous if he sucked. Your arguments are all invalid rants of B.S.
1 - I said "most people". I did not say that you can't hear the differnce.
2 - Why are you talking about rap? I was CLEARLY talking about the difference between some world famous violinist playing classical music, or some unknown person playing classical music.
3 - I never said he sucked.
You didn't manage to get one single point of what I said, but managed to go completely off in unrelated irrelevant directions. Maybe the real world isn't for you.
Just shows how children are more in tune to their inner understanding than adults and that we have lost touch with the beauty of music in its purest of state even when it is free.
@oceanairman No, it doesn't show that. It shows that him being world famous doesn't mean shit, if people don't know it. His music is not worth one penny more than the music played by some unknown person. Most people won't recognize the difference without being told, and thus the difference doesn't matter.
People will go pay lots of money to see someone play, purely because they are famous, and not because their music actually has more value than someone else playing it.
...The same thing would go for if these people did see a well-known celebrity. They're still not going to have a chat with them, maybe a quick picture IF that, but they're not going to be late to work. This experiment would have been a better idea if it were conducted on a weekend, possibly in a park or square of some sort. And if that defeats the purpose of the experiment, well don't get indignant because people didn't want to lose their jobs or get written up for being late.
What some of these comments are and a lot of these comments aren't taking into consideration is that he was in a Metro station at 8:00 AM on a Friday morning. People are trying to get to work and school and simply don't have the time to stop to listen to a guy playing a violin. That's who he was to them: a guy playing a violin. Not Joshua Bell playing Bach. Even if they wanted to sit and watch, they have jobs to get to and "Sorry, I was listening to music" isn't an excuse for being late.
The thing is that Americans are completely out of touch with classical music as a whole. I don't know many people that can discern good performances of classical music from mediocre performances of classical music, let alone good performances from great ones. So, to draw any profound conclusions from this is almost akin to saying blind people don't like money after they don't react when you flash hundred dollar bills in their face.
@bronx43 "good" is a subjective term. It's not a good performance, just because of a bunch of technical stuff. It's a good performance if people enjoy it, for whatever reason they enjoy it. The fact is that most people couldn't tell the difference between some world famous person playing violin, and some unknown person playing. That does not mean something is wrong with people. That means that the difference simply does not matter. The blind person money analogy is good though.
I listen to Thrash Metal/Hardcore Rock style of music but if I heard him playing in a subway, I would have to stop and listen because this is real music, not today's hip hop singers.
@crestwoodplayer96317 No, it's not more real than so much other music. You should listen to what you enjoy listening to, and not listen to what other people have told you is proper music.
I do wonder if someone had recognized him and started taking photos, perhaps things would have changed. We all know how people are when they think someone famous is in the room.
He simply failed to choose right songs at the place. If he had to play Bach, he should have played Air on G, D.violin concerto 1st/2nd movement.
These guys are saying 'we, classical musicians, think this guy is the best musician and this is the best music. The general public didn't understand it and therefore they are missing something in life'.
As a violinist myself who usually play music for the general public, I feel anger for their arrogance. He should sometimes go outside big concert halls
the people who are familiar with Joshua will not be among the many commuters that have to use public services, instead they will be able to afford private transport and miss the hussle of life while the working classes scramble to make a pound of flesh, very misleading indeed. Class is an issue and with tickets to see Joshua for 100 dollars, I rest my case...
@cumbycritter I disagree, it's all about priorities. If somebody considered poorer values music highly in their life,, they would raise the money to see Joshua Bell. Is this person rare? Of course. But his concerts aren't out of reach of anybody willing to place the value of musical expression high in their lives.
@EGDekker not sure 100 dollars for a ticket would be priority for some less affluent individuals who see every penny as valuable. I take your point however that music is universal and indiscriminate, It would be interesting to see the experiment encompassing other elements, It would be like taking Sid Vicious to queen Elizabeth's lodgings and have her guests know all the words to 'my way' or even 'God Save the Queen', a little farfetched I'll grant you, but it strengthens my point.
Missed a great opportunity to watch Joshua Bell. I saw Lang Lang instead (which was JUST as amazing!) but I hope to see him one day in concert as well! I'm such a fan :) The video is very poignant and taught me a lot. Stop and hear the music. We need clarity in this fast paced crazy world of ours!
I am more shocked at these posts than the expected response of people in a hurry to get to work on time. Played too slow? He should have given to the homeless? Does anyone understand the experiment here?
Washing DC..right?? Huge homeless population. How many times did Joshua or the makers of this video stop on their way to GIVE some one a dollar????????????? Is is all about perspective.
To be honest i would not have stopped to look either - it's too messy and dramatic for that hour of the morning - he should have played something more rhythmic and happy!
Id say the worst part about this experiment is that no one recognized one of the best musicians in the world but I bet every person in that station would reconize snooki
But they would not have had a conversation with said celebrity, or gotten to know them, or stopped to appreciate them as a human being, which speaks to the superficiality of our current generation and the times, and us being "Human-doings" instead of "human beings".
The saddest part about this whole experiment is that 90% of the people who read the story and commented on this video still do not grasp that we miss things when we are too focused on "Me" and "I" and are constantly in a rush/hurry. The other sad part about this experiment is there is no true appreciation for classical music or the art of playing said instrument. If it had been some teen bop heart throb, people would have stopped for an autograph and bragging rights to their friends later on.
I would of stepped outside made my calls to whoever to let them know I'm running late and go back inside and enjoy the music. I learned along time ago that time is a very precious thing so I try not to waste it.
I would of stepped outside made my calls to whoever to let them know I'm running late and go back inside and enjoy the music. I learned along time ago that time is a very precious thing so I try not to waste it.
I think he was in a bad spot though because of the doors people are always in a transition to get to the otherside and they wouldn't normally pay attention
I don't think the intention of the experiment is how people are sheep. It's more about the nature of beauty and whether it's simply a social construct or if there is true absolute beauty. Is the Mona Lisa celebrated because it's beautiful or beautiful because it's celebrated? Towards the end of the piece, after one person stops to listen, at least 3 others began to stop as well. That individual person changes the spatial reality which affects how others perceive it as well.
@savvysearch The article I believe wanted to experiment about whether people in a common place environment would take the time to listen to something beautiful. It was a more an experiment about how if people couldn't stop for the caliber of someone like Joshua Bell what else are they missing in life.
When I used to get the Northern Line, there was a girl who looked like a strung-out, homeless, middle-aged goth, and she used to play The Four Seasons, stuff like that, note-for-note, perfect.
The whole point is just to show us that sometimes, we miss out on some wonderful things in life because we don't take the time to "stop and smell the roses".
How the hell are you supposed to notice if this guy is good or "great" if you don't play violin? It just goes to show you there is no intrinsic value in playing violin at this level.
I think most of the people are going to work. That's pretty important!! I'm a musician and understand real talen more than the "Moonwalk," put this guy in Venice and see who appreciates him. Or NOT during rush hour.
@nilotheking Nonsense. Most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between this guy, and any other violin player. The differences that are there, are simply not important.
People go pay shitloads of money, to watch someone play, purely because this person is famous, and not because they can actually hear the difference.
If I'd listened to this for a while, >5 minutes, I would have picked up that he was no ordinary street musician, even if it was just scales. Because the sound from the violin is mellow, sweet & high-quality, not from a typical street musician's violin. His skills & body language also tell me he is extremely trained. I would have thought that he was a professional & be shocked that he was playing in a subway.
Problem is, I wouldn't have 5 min to spare at 7:51am in a subway on a working day.
joshua is wonderful. however, the "test" is terrible. everyone is busy going somewhere. try the same at a local park where people are not busy and see what happens. lov josh.
Why is the lesson about appreciating beauty or the priorities of our lives. Maybe most people just don't like classical music. I acknowledge that the guy must be dedicated and skilled in his craft, but I don't share his taste. If you hate coffee, and someone offers you the most delicious and aromatic cup of coffee in the world, you might take the smallest sip out of curiosity, and then push it back and say "no thanks".
@jstricker8 I agree that you may not have a taste for classical music, and frankly neither do I, but it is about appreciating raw talent. I'm not a classical fan really, but I can still appreciate its beauty, and see how truly amazing it is, that is what should make someone stop.
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The people were busy, they had no time to stop, they had other places to be. Why would they needlessly stop to listen to him? Also, beauty is subjective. The violin is just an instrument that makes sounds. All this guy is doing is making noise. He's probably pissing everyone off making a loud racket when people have shit to do and jobs to go to to get income. Fucking rich luxurious bastard who gets to place music for a living. What the fuck is this self indulgent asshole trying to prove?
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xr3druM 41 minutes ago
The lady at the end and the business man who leaned by the wall and clapped at the end made it for me ... even if two people were touched it is worth it.
crystaaaahl 1 hour ago
:)
Diamondsky66 1 hour ago
If it were at 8AM when I'm still half asleep, the last thing I would pay attention to is a violinist, personally.
yonjooheero 2 hours ago 3
the reason people didnt stop and appreciate it is because they are on their commute to work. why would they stop and risk the chance of being late to their train and being late for their schedule? I'm positive if he did this lets say in a different location where people arent in a hurry, people could stop and listen
ZoomZip 4 hours ago 5
I personally don't like monodical music. If there is only one person playing or singing, no matter how good the technique, it rather makes me wanna escape than stop and listen to it.
If Joshua Bell had brought some fellows to make up a quartet, I bet they'd make a fortune.
Our western ears are used to polyphonic, complex music, which is nothing to be ashamed of.
WienerArt 5 hours ago
I would have robbed that 3 million dollar violin from him
MengSeeMengDo 6 hours ago
If I would have been honored to have been there I believe I would have stopped, listened the entire time and given him some money. What a beautiful experiment! Terribly unfortunate that it went the way it did
kingfeeble1 9 hours ago
should have done it in nyc
RockabillyPinstriper 12 hours ago
u call this rush hour o_o??
MusicFantasia 17 hours ago
wow ... he sounds great too!
MyRecordLabel 17 hours ago
sounds like a cat dying
TheChombers 18 hours ago
All these responses are missing the point of the experiment which was : ARE YOU MISSING THE BEAUTY IN LIFE BECAUSE YOU ARE IGNORING IT? It has nothing to do with the place or time of the experiment. It's about 1097 people intentionally ignoring what they are walking by. There is no doubt that the music, performer and instrument were flawless, therefore the only reason people didn't interact with this moment was because they ignored it.
tradrockrat 18 hours ago 9
This is really beautiful music, but I don't think your boss will care when you're explaining why you're late
stragest 19 hours ago 4
For the same reason concerts are not a 3;pm work days.... Dah!
abelardonewhaven 20 hours ago
What if this performance had taken place in a proper public place?
misterviet 21 hours ago
@misterviet 'Proper Public Place'? It doesn't get more 'proper public' than this.
6crimson6 14 hours ago
lol that woman was funny at the end XD
emexremi 22 hours ago
I'm sure there would have been a different result had he played on perhaps a weekend. There are many things wrong with this "experiment." For one, it's during rush house at 730AM in the morning, where many people are trying to get to work on time. Second, I also believe it would have been different if he played during 5PM rush hour, when people go home. I don't think it's that people don't appreciate it, it is just that the experimenters chose a wrong time. Therefore this is a biased experiment.
Dirxenxgrey 23 hours ago 3
@Dirxenxgrey There is nothing wrong with this experiment. The question asked was, "Can one of the nation's great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour?" Therefore the experiment is supposed occur during rush hour. Also, if those conducting the experiment purposefully chose a time when people would be more likely to stop and listen i.e. choose a "right" time, then that would in fact be introducing bias.
XzenXzaneXzix 20 hours ago
I don't like this experiment, as interesting as it could be, I think playing during rush hour at the metro is just asking to get this result. As beautiful as the music is, most of these people are on their way to work, and cannot honestly be expected to risk their livelihood to listen to some music. I think he should do this again, but this time somewhere where the majority people are not on their way to work, or another similarly pressing activity.
DF12776068 23 hours ago 4
There's a time and place for everything.
zleepertt 23 hours ago
Guy who paid $100 to see his concert says, "WTF, you mean I could have heard him play for FREE?!"
stolenrims 1 day ago 2
this is understandable, people are in a rush to go to work or where they have to be in. if people had the free time they would have stopped like many others that did in the video. look at these leaning by the wall... people do stop, its just that the amount is very little since people have to get somewhere...
yudy92 1 day ago
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I love me some classical music, but that shit would piss me off in the morning before I had my coffee, its loud and irritating especially when there is loud and irritating surrounding me at all times. Now if he was playing something a little quieter and soothing he might of gotten more than courtesy or guilt trip bucks.
CrassMufumbu 1 day ago
Unfortunately most American's are so locked into our frenzied meaningless lives of working to pay the bills, and we are so conformed to the rush pace of our existence, it is socially easier to follow the herd than stand out. After all we're all in a rush to die!
tommygunn109 1 day ago
I would have gone up to him and listened until he was finished :)
DonatelloMigiatchi 1 day ago 3
The first minute gave me chills. Where's Lil Wayne? People would have stopped for him right? Sad. Truly sad.
Onedreamtolive 1 day ago
@pyookface You're American
39915111 1 day ago
They would have stopped for Hip Hop.
jandarmor 1 day ago 2
If this was in Paris, France, there would have been a huge crowd
LittleLulubee 1 day ago
@sametal847
Anybody can appreciate good music, you don't have to be rich. And I disagree that rich people don't take the metro. Many people are environmentally aware and choose the green option over their cars.
LittleLulubee 1 day ago
Honestly I would not go to the Metro unless I needed to go somewhere. And If I need to catch a train I simply would not have the time listen.
D0rcus 1 day ago
People pay a $100 a ticket to be seen at a seemingly "sophisticated" socially elite event, so maybe the true authenticity of this experiment lies in the fact that no one appreciates a man playing a violin.
then3v 1 day ago
I don't know who this person is but I would've definately noticed that his playing is different from the average street musician.
frysebox1 1 day ago
Someone did recognize him so it was not as if he went completely ignored.
Trambinator 1 day ago
Classical music is all about the atmosphere. This has no atmosphere to it. Have to admit, I'd have walked right past him as well, even though I enjoy classical music.
0ester 1 day ago
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This is an example of how powerful an effect our media has over music's mass appeal. Without the context of TV, Mass print ads / articles, and radio, the artist stripped down to his or her's bare essentials is almost invisible in our society. Especially in America (oddly), we don't see the value in music or art for its' own sake, unless it's framed by mass media. I am a full time busker in Seattle and observe these things all the time.
autumdiver 1 day ago
I'm sure in Europe, somewhere in Austria or Italy, the experiment would have given different results, and people would have probably stopped and at least appreciated this music. In USA, the majority of people are IGNORANT of classical music, and do not have a delicate taste for it to appreciate it. It is true. Don't try to deny the fact. It was like that 100 years ago in USA, it is like that now.
AliyaMussina 1 day ago 49
@AliyaMussina i would not be so sure that it would have given different results here in Italy..
however i think the problem is that people are too much involved in their affairsto worry about a violinist, and this is not a very good thing... the new society of the world prevent us from appreciating what is around us like nature or music and other art forms.. it's just about the period of the world we are living in..
ZioBilly94 1 day ago
@AliyaMussina People are ignorant everywhere. Just because people are in a hurry to get to work (you know, so they don't get fired and end up homeless) doesn't mean they might not appreciate that music if they had the time. If you were on the way to work and passed a Picasso that had been slapped on a wall that usually has band posters on it, would you notice? And by the way, Bach's music is Baroque-not Classical. Who's ignorant now?
pyookface 1 day ago 2
@pyookface Baroque is a style of Classical :) I agree that people don't have time to notice things when they are going to work. But if there is a SuperBowl and Rachmaninov concert on the same day in some US city, the Rachmaninov concert tickets will be undersold.
AliyaMussina 1 day ago
@AliyaMussina Incorrect. Both "Baroque" and "Classical" refer to musical periods. Baroque was from 1600-1750 and was followed by the Classical period (1750-1830), followed by the Romantic period (where Rachmaninoff would fall). Calling all symphonic music "classical" is like calling all cola "Coke." And your Superbowl reference is completely pointless because the same thing would happen with a world cup match anywhere else in the world.
pyookface 1 day ago
@AliyaMussina Because everyone in the world is better than Americans. Thanks bro, and fuck you
AnTastySammich 1 day ago
@AnTastySammich your words, not mine.
AliyaMussina 1 day ago
@AliyaMussina
>make an ignorant statement about how you are not ignorant.
...
Way to go!
FireTacoProductions 1 day ago
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maj528 1 day ago
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@AliyaMussina I disagree with your assertion. I think that a majority of people in the USA are perfectly aware of classical music and its beauty. To claim that you know what it was like in the USA 100 years ago is an ignorant statement itself. I find it unlikely that you were here in the USA in 1912. IF you were here in 1912, then surely you would have been present from 1917-1918 during World War 1. If you were here then, you would know that we helped end war in Europe.. Is that ignorance?
maj528 1 day ago
@AliyaMussina Have you heard of Aaron Copland?
hackinracist 23 hours ago
@AliyaMussina I dont think its ignorant. I find music lame. This, in fact would annoy me if I heard this on my way to work.
hyetalian1 22 hours ago
@hyetalian1 The point is if you cant at least appreciate the music, you ARE ignorant.
daziac 20 hours ago
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@hyetalian1 The point is if you cant at least appreciate the music, you ARE ignorant.
daziac 20 hours ago
@AliyaMussina cool ethnocentricity bro
ChrisDSingh87 14 hours ago
@AliyaMussina no, more like there are much more variety of music to listen to now, that most people, especially younger teens/adults, are not into classical. If you went to any country and randomly asked people on the street to name a current famous violinist, you would only get blank faces. Not to mention it is the dam metro, homeless people playing at subways are a dime a dozen, no one cares. Maybe if he played at the millionaire's club he would have gotten recognized.
lilkev098 11 hours ago
@AliyaMussina thats not true at all. but do you really think people riding the subway are going to be in the age group to listen and appreciate classical music? regardless of how talented this man it doesnt change the fact that people riding the subway are lower/average income individuals, most likely younger than older. I know I wouldnt stop to the world's best heavy metal guitarist. who cares? but i do agree with the europe comment
TheShittyCommittee 8 hours ago
@AliyaMussina na, average UK people are just as ignorant to great music, people see it as 'outdated' it sickens me, its making it harder to get my music out there!
MarkWellerMusic 8 hours ago
@MarkWellerMusic Whereas the truth is that music never outdates. Saying music outdates is like saying mathematics outdates...which is totally nonsense.
FlyDan11 7 hours ago
@AliyaMussina Thats funny because Joshua Bell is American born...
FlyDan11 7 hours ago 3
@AliyaMussina You obviously never took the metro in Europe :)
matu4251 7 hours ago 4
@AliyaMussina shut the fuck up faggot.
ZoomZip 4 hours ago
@AliyaMussina I worked in an office building here in the US where a grand piano was set up in the atrium for a party later that night. Passing by, a friend instinctively sat down and started playing, and people were drawn out of their cubicles above like the Pied Piper...they recognized Chopin, Beethoven, Ravel, Rachmaninoff,...they yelled down requests. Some listeners were near tears. As the article says, can we as passers-by pause enough to recognize and appreciate Mr. Bell's brilliance?
chrisheadrick 1 hour ago
@AliyaMussina I Live in Vienna and i totally agree you..it s different here :)
viennacalling85 1 hour ago
agreed VancouverMagic...if he were to play in a park i think the results would differ.
jaybo819 1 day ago
Sametal...You are an idiot!
tommytangles1 1 day ago
Location, location, location.
VancouverMagic 1 day ago 4
I had an equally amazing experience in Spain. A flutist and a soprano walked around a Moorish cathedral (well cathedral now) playing and singing. At any point in the cathedral the acoustics were perfect. The people I was travelling with wanted to go to some market, completely missing the magic of the here and now.
Bloefeld2002 1 day ago
I think an addition component is that for those who do recognize (to SOME extent) the beauty and excellence (and value) of the performance, how many would even consider making the decision to alter their schedule?
youmaycallmeken 1 day ago
35 people walked by..
l33tKoa 1 day ago
I don't care that he be famous, I would have just walked by and farted out of spite and so would all yall, if that was Louis Armstrong though I would have jizzed in my pants
BobbyJohnson11 1 day ago
Who's snooki?
browneye77 2 days ago 4
@browneye77 A loud annoying Oompa Loompa/human hybrid.
At least...I THINK there's human in there.
SmilingPlatypus 2 days ago
To me that sounds horrible, but im sure all those "who know better then the rest" say im an idiot cause of that, to bad.
Zymern 2 days ago
*sigh* If only there were more of this on the radio..
empressKasumi 2 days ago
I'd have stepped over him, too. If I'm trying to catch a train, the last thing I want to do is stop and listen to someone playing the violin. And yes, he's good but I don't know enough about violin to tell the difference between this guy and Charlie Daniels.
fooddude3500 2 days ago
Lesson: People that take the metro aren't into violins. The people that paid $100 for a ticket at the concert probably don't take the metro!
sametal847 2 days ago 114
@sametal847 That's just silly. $100 for a ticket isn't that much and plenty take metro. There is no connection. It is just something people aren't expected to see, therefore dismiss as impossible, although at the very end a woman has recognized him. So, some people taking metro are into violins.
whatZ84 1 day ago
@whatZ84 :just havin' a laugh, chill :)
sametal847 1 day ago
@sametal847 Talent is talent.. People dont stop to appreciate whats in FRONT of them.
TheTonyMastodon 1 day ago
@sametal847 that is a genius conclusion
lilkev098 11 hours ago
I was the guy who stopped! Check out my videos.
DanielDickeyDotCom 2 days ago
So much intonation carelessness...
spiggildywiggildy 2 days ago
It's a stupid experiment. If it's rush our people are trying to get to work on time. Survival states that if you're going to lose your job to stop and listen to beautiful music you'll get fired. I love classical music but I'm not going to stop if I'm in a rush.
coolhandchuck 2 days ago
It's almost like playing the game 'the sims' on fast forward mode. But I admire his talent.
dullemen 2 days ago
@realisticHomeboy You don't recognize the talent it takes to play some of his pieces
nilotheking 2 days ago
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Rephuze 2 days ago
I would have stopped!
arihouie 2 days ago
The reason most people don't stop because they have places to go, if they stopped at everything remotely interesting we would never get where we are supposed to. Best do this again at a park or someplace people go when they are not expected anywhere.
katulobotomia 2 days ago
The real ting to realize after this, is that a famous violinist playing, is not worth one single shit more, than some homeless person playing.
The problem is not that people didn't stop and appreciate him. The problem is that when people know he is famous, they will pay to watch him, regardless if he is good or not.
The thing is that people can't tell the difference between him playing and anyone else playing anyway. But if they know he is famous, they will think he is better.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago 3
@realisticHomeboy ----Speak for yourself Homeboy, their are many people here who can tell the difference between music and crap like rap. Also he wouldn't be famous if he sucked. Your arguments are all invalid rants of B.S.
oceanairman 2 days ago
@oceanairman Learn to read.
1 - I said "most people". I did not say that you can't hear the differnce.
2 - Why are you talking about rap? I was CLEARLY talking about the difference between some world famous violinist playing classical music, or some unknown person playing classical music.
3 - I never said he sucked.
You didn't manage to get one single point of what I said, but managed to go completely off in unrelated irrelevant directions. Maybe the real world isn't for you.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago
Just shows how children are more in tune to their inner understanding than adults and that we have lost touch with the beauty of music in its purest of state even when it is free.
oceanairman 2 days ago 2
@oceanairman No, it doesn't show that. It shows that him being world famous doesn't mean shit, if people don't know it. His music is not worth one penny more than the music played by some unknown person. Most people won't recognize the difference without being told, and thus the difference doesn't matter.
People will go pay lots of money to see someone play, purely because they are famous, and not because their music actually has more value than someone else playing it.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago
...The same thing would go for if these people did see a well-known celebrity. They're still not going to have a chat with them, maybe a quick picture IF that, but they're not going to be late to work. This experiment would have been a better idea if it were conducted on a weekend, possibly in a park or square of some sort. And if that defeats the purpose of the experiment, well don't get indignant because people didn't want to lose their jobs or get written up for being late.
dinosaurdinosaur 2 days ago
What some of these comments are and a lot of these comments aren't taking into consideration is that he was in a Metro station at 8:00 AM on a Friday morning. People are trying to get to work and school and simply don't have the time to stop to listen to a guy playing a violin. That's who he was to them: a guy playing a violin. Not Joshua Bell playing Bach. Even if they wanted to sit and watch, they have jobs to get to and "Sorry, I was listening to music" isn't an excuse for being late.
dinosaurdinosaur 2 days ago
Almost 3 minutes long! I don't have that kind of time.
mdcuellar 3 days ago 2
The thing is that Americans are completely out of touch with classical music as a whole. I don't know many people that can discern good performances of classical music from mediocre performances of classical music, let alone good performances from great ones. So, to draw any profound conclusions from this is almost akin to saying blind people don't like money after they don't react when you flash hundred dollar bills in their face.
bronx43 3 days ago 3
@bronx43 how delightfully condescending of you!
nothingtodowithhalo 2 days ago
@nothingtodowithhalo How is it condescending? It's simply an observation.
bronx43 2 days ago
@bronx43 "good" is a subjective term. It's not a good performance, just because of a bunch of technical stuff. It's a good performance if people enjoy it, for whatever reason they enjoy it. The fact is that most people couldn't tell the difference between some world famous person playing violin, and some unknown person playing. That does not mean something is wrong with people. That means that the difference simply does not matter. The blind person money analogy is good though.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago
I listen to Thrash Metal/Hardcore Rock style of music but if I heard him playing in a subway, I would have to stop and listen because this is real music, not today's hip hop singers.
crestwoodplayer96317 3 days ago
who's to say hip hop is not "real music"?
wjcoe 2 days ago
@crestwoodplayer96317 No, it's not more real than so much other music. You should listen to what you enjoy listening to, and not listen to what other people have told you is proper music.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago
He would have had better luck in NYC subway - there are always crowds of people gather around musicians!
far1ander 3 days ago
I do wonder if someone had recognized him and started taking photos, perhaps things would have changed. We all know how people are when they think someone famous is in the room.
whirlystarfly 3 days ago
I would've camped right there! GORGEOUS music!
Barcafanatic1 3 days ago
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He simply failed to choose right songs at the place. If he had to play Bach, he should have played Air on G, D.violin concerto 1st/2nd movement.
These guys are saying 'we, classical musicians, think this guy is the best musician and this is the best music. The general public didn't understand it and therefore they are missing something in life'.
As a violinist myself who usually play music for the general public, I feel anger for their arrogance. He should sometimes go outside big concert halls
masamusic123 3 days ago
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masamusic123 3 days ago
People at bus stations usually are on a schedule. Not many of them are getting on the transit because they have no where to be.
mjtwelve 3 days ago
Interesting, I wonder how many subway musicians I've passed without a second glance who were also extremely talented and well-known...
alabelleetoile 3 days ago
the people who are familiar with Joshua will not be among the many commuters that have to use public services, instead they will be able to afford private transport and miss the hussle of life while the working classes scramble to make a pound of flesh, very misleading indeed. Class is an issue and with tickets to see Joshua for 100 dollars, I rest my case...
cumbycritter 4 days ago 3
@cumbycritter good point
Freedish911 3 days ago
@cumbycritter I disagree, it's all about priorities. If somebody considered poorer values music highly in their life,, they would raise the money to see Joshua Bell. Is this person rare? Of course. But his concerts aren't out of reach of anybody willing to place the value of musical expression high in their lives.
EGDekker 3 days ago
@EGDekker not sure 100 dollars for a ticket would be priority for some less affluent individuals who see every penny as valuable. I take your point however that music is universal and indiscriminate, It would be interesting to see the experiment encompassing other elements, It would be like taking Sid Vicious to queen Elizabeth's lodgings and have her guests know all the words to 'my way' or even 'God Save the Queen', a little farfetched I'll grant you, but it strengthens my point.
cumbycritter 3 days ago
you need to see the whole
thing
dynamitefilm1 4 days ago
Missed a great opportunity to watch Joshua Bell. I saw Lang Lang instead (which was JUST as amazing!) but I hope to see him one day in concert as well! I'm such a fan :) The video is very poignant and taught me a lot. Stop and hear the music. We need clarity in this fast paced crazy world of ours!
8182570 5 days ago
if I was hearing that I would rush to work.......
seaveiw 5 days ago
I am more shocked at these posts than the expected response of people in a hurry to get to work on time. Played too slow? He should have given to the homeless? Does anyone understand the experiment here?
gr8skpz 5 days ago
@gr8skpz guess not.
dynamitefilm1 4 days ago
Washing DC..right?? Huge homeless population. How many times did Joshua or the makers of this video stop on their way to GIVE some one a dollar????????????? Is is all about perspective.
callmechief23 5 days ago 2
To be honest i would not have stopped to look either - it's too messy and dramatic for that hour of the morning - he should have played something more rhythmic and happy!
Songsforkosenrufu 5 days ago
Id say the worst part about this experiment is that no one recognized one of the best musicians in the world but I bet every person in that station would reconize snooki
immapanda1 6 days ago 51
I wonder if the song was to slow so that no one caught enough to pay attention.
Simon85ot 6 days ago
@Simon85ot Right. Fucking Bach was always just writing music that was too damn slow. That's the problem. I mean, we're in a hurry here.
KraftwithaK 6 days ago
....and we are the swine, Sir.
I am not exactly musically inclined. No talent in the area, but I recognize it, and understand.
Amazing and telling of the human condition. Thank you, Joshua, for the experiment. Good #*%$ for the soul :-)
runryul 6 days ago
But they would not have had a conversation with said celebrity, or gotten to know them, or stopped to appreciate them as a human being, which speaks to the superficiality of our current generation and the times, and us being "Human-doings" instead of "human beings".
amlswimmer13 1 week ago
The saddest part about this whole experiment is that 90% of the people who read the story and commented on this video still do not grasp that we miss things when we are too focused on "Me" and "I" and are constantly in a rush/hurry. The other sad part about this experiment is there is no true appreciation for classical music or the art of playing said instrument. If it had been some teen bop heart throb, people would have stopped for an autograph and bragging rights to their friends later on.
amlswimmer13 1 week ago 3
sounds excellent even in a not so high quality video. what more in a live performance
arcopizzicato 1 week ago
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This experiment is flawed. He should have played at a place where people are actually waiting and not passing by. e.g. subway stop or bus stop.
RotogripRocks 1 week ago
I think that's not Joshua Bell?
SoulGUardianXaQw 1 week ago
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I would of stepped outside made my calls to whoever to let them know I'm running late and go back inside and enjoy the music. I learned along time ago that time is a very precious thing so I try not to waste it.
ace526050 1 week ago
I would of stepped outside made my calls to whoever to let them know I'm running late and go back inside and enjoy the music. I learned along time ago that time is a very precious thing so I try not to waste it.
ace526050 1 week ago
чтото музыка не цыпляет
fillnfs 1 week ago
I think he was in a bad spot though because of the doors people are always in a transition to get to the otherside and they wouldn't normally pay attention
yeon723 1 week ago
I don't think the intention of the experiment is how people are sheep. It's more about the nature of beauty and whether it's simply a social construct or if there is true absolute beauty. Is the Mona Lisa celebrated because it's beautiful or beautiful because it's celebrated? Towards the end of the piece, after one person stops to listen, at least 3 others began to stop as well. That individual person changes the spatial reality which affects how others perceive it as well.
savvysearch 1 week ago 32
@savvysearch I agree that this is the intention of the experiment...
but isn't the painful conclusion that we are not only sheep, but also unappreciative of beauty?
runryul 6 days ago
@savvysearch The article I believe wanted to experiment about whether people in a common place environment would take the time to listen to something beautiful. It was a more an experiment about how if people couldn't stop for the caliber of someone like Joshua Bell what else are they missing in life.
LookB3hindU 1 day ago
9gag :))
ZombieProductions09 2 weeks ago
yeah...i hope some of tham, ho walk near him, will remember that morning & sorry that they even not look at him for a moment =)
adiadrianify 2 weeks ago in playlist Більше відео від користувача powervisionboard
Looks like he was immersed in his music.
ukannukutty 2 weeks ago
I bet if Brittany Spears was in that station it would be different, lol
paulanthonydavenport 2 weeks ago 3
A Great Artist is rarely ever known by the masses.
paulanthonydavenport 2 weeks ago
ARTIGE anyone?
TheNichoBK 2 weeks ago 36
Awyeah!
Toolongtobeprounound 1 week ago
reminds me so much of the sims
SkaterKirkby 2 weeks ago
we did this in school! it was very funny and also horrific to see how the people react.
silasaltan99 2 weeks ago
When I used to get the Northern Line, there was a girl who looked like a strung-out, homeless, middle-aged goth, and she used to play The Four Seasons, stuff like that, note-for-note, perfect.
BobbyMcBob23 2 weeks ago
The whole point is just to show us that sometimes, we miss out on some wonderful things in life because we don't take the time to "stop and smell the roses".
sunnyskiesabove 2 weeks ago
Umm it's a metro, people are trying to get somewhere on time. Do this experiment in a park and i'd assume you will get far different results.
TheZombieJC 2 weeks ago
How many of those people, who pay 100$ for the classical concert, use the metro?
jdvfin 2 weeks ago 5
@jdvfin In DC? I think you would be surprised.
binkleybloom 2 weeks ago
How the hell are you supposed to notice if this guy is good or "great" if you don't play violin? It just goes to show you there is no intrinsic value in playing violin at this level.
Scolecite 2 weeks ago
@Scolecite its fucking common sense. thats how you make the difference
misterzeerow 2 weeks ago 2
I think most of the people are going to work. That's pretty important!! I'm a musician and understand real talen more than the "Moonwalk," put this guy in Venice and see who appreciates him. Or NOT during rush hour.
quantum494 2 weeks ago
a man at 1:31 stood and listened :)
MadMatic 2 weeks ago
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Rephuze 2 weeks ago 78
@Rephuze no its real dummy.
1gummyipod1 2 weeks ago
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Rephuze 2 weeks ago
@Rephuze haha......
1gummyipod1 2 weeks ago
@Rephuze and then put one of their agents to comment and unveil the real experiment just to see how many will believe it.
parakmi1 1 week ago
@Rephuze a random violin player wouldnt be able to play what this guy was playing. if youre going to be ignorant atleast be smart about it.
nilotheking 3 days ago
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Rephuze 2 days ago
@Rephuze You can be both smart and ignorant. They are not contradictions, although a smart person tends to be good at getting past ignorance.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago
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Rephuze 2 days ago
@nilotheking Nonsense. Most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between this guy, and any other violin player. The differences that are there, are simply not important.
People go pay shitloads of money, to watch someone play, purely because this person is famous, and not because they can actually hear the difference.
realisticHomeboy 2 days ago
No waaay >-< I would recognize him! Please try this in here too! haha
ViviLovesIceCream 2 weeks ago
However, I would bang my head against the wall if I realise that I was one of the passers-by.
--_____-- No kidding. I'm glad that the lady at the end of the video recognised him.
XXzincXX 2 weeks ago 2
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If I'd listened to this for a while, >5 minutes, I would have picked up that he was no ordinary street musician, even if it was just scales. Because the sound from the violin is mellow, sweet & high-quality, not from a typical street musician's violin. His skills & body language also tell me he is extremely trained. I would have thought that he was a professional & be shocked that he was playing in a subway.
Problem is, I wouldn't have 5 min to spare at 7:51am in a subway on a working day.
XXzincXX 2 weeks ago
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XXzincXX 2 weeks ago
joshua is wonderful. however, the "test" is terrible. everyone is busy going somewhere. try the same at a local park where people are not busy and see what happens. lov josh.
ashazaria 2 weeks ago 3
Why is the lesson about appreciating beauty or the priorities of our lives. Maybe most people just don't like classical music. I acknowledge that the guy must be dedicated and skilled in his craft, but I don't share his taste. If you hate coffee, and someone offers you the most delicious and aromatic cup of coffee in the world, you might take the smallest sip out of curiosity, and then push it back and say "no thanks".
jstricker8 2 weeks ago
@jstricker8 I agree that you may not have a taste for classical music, and frankly neither do I, but it is about appreciating raw talent. I'm not a classical fan really, but I can still appreciate its beauty, and see how truly amazing it is, that is what should make someone stop.
TREXRAWRRRxbl 2 weeks ago
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jstricker8 2 weeks ago
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The people were busy, they had no time to stop, they had other places to be. Why would they needlessly stop to listen to him? Also, beauty is subjective. The violin is just an instrument that makes sounds. All this guy is doing is making noise. He's probably pissing everyone off making a loud racket when people have shit to do and jobs to go to to get income. Fucking rich luxurious bastard who gets to place music for a living. What the fuck is this self indulgent asshole trying to prove?
BoxxyFan 2 weeks ago
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jdk033 5 days ago
@BoxxyFan he just proved that you're an asshole.
Congrats, sphincter!
jdk033 5 days ago