Technorati Buzz TV - Joshua Bell, Violin Virtuoso, DC Subway

[billschannel]

Flawed by the fact that the Washington Post presumes this is what our culture holds as high art or "beautiful." I think the experiment should be redone with someone more in touch with American cultural tastes, like Snoop Dog. Then we shall measure the difference.

[zblip2]

Part 1

If I may coment. I am a violinist myself, I studied violin at university etc...

I played in the metro in morning to get by while in in school and I played the same Bach pieces Mr Bell played in the metro. By the way I maid more money then him but that's besides the point cause I live in Montreal, not DC.

Before getting all shocked and discoraged about american society, let's put things into perspective:

[ghiribizzi]

whe had became so much self concerned that we dont pay attention to other thins......so go out from your bubble from time to time!

[tomestubbs]

I wanted to hear Joshua Bell play not this guy talking over it,so typically Fox network like.

[nixta230]

Thats hilarious

[0utthe0ther]

Obviously everyone doesnt value classical music rather than the world is in a sad state. If the world is in a terrible state its because of pessimistic attitudes whose foundation for argument lies on facts like no one wanted to hear a violin one day. The only thing that can be deduced is that people had other things to do, what they were no one knows, some might have been heading to another random place to play their own violin and draw a crowd.

[Ohgod95]

Why did they use a violinists, why it was not Hannah Montana or Beyoncé or some famous pop, rock, or even country singer down there? Well, we would gather around them maybe because they're famous, or we think that there are cameras and we want our face in it. But when they invite this violinist, who's kind of strange to American, they want to test what Americans would do based on the quality of the music. The answer is there, only a lady with a bag recognize the beauty of the music.

[winrx]

This video certainly shows how people respond to mediocrity.....lol

[queenrosered]

It is a sad commentary on the world in whcih we live. However, if this "experiment" was conducted during work hours, how many people in this economy, are going to risk being late to work because an awesome (but to them, unknown) musician is playing beautiful music? I'd love to see what would happen if he had done this AFTER work hours, when people were getting OFF work.I think results may have been very different.And more scientifically representative of this society.Bell is outstanding, thanks!

[FallOutBoy1201]

@queenrosered I completely agree, he was in a Subway station during work hours, of course everyone is going to be rushing. And even if they wanted to stop to listen, they're not going to risk their jobs for it. I know for a fact he would have gotten more recognition if he was somewhere else.

[robson0172]

The world we live in is absolutely horrible. People have completely lost the idea that there's more to life than to run around like filthy rats chasing money and power. It is a disgrace. Very few humans still live for beautiful things. Most are worthless products of this nonsense consuming society. Running after nothing worth it. very good experiment. Very stupid idiots , chasing the nonsense. Hey Joshua , you are an amazing human being.

[ghiribizzi]

@robson0172 let me quote you....The world we live in is absolutely horrible. People have completely lost the idea that there's more to life than to run around like filthy rats chasing money and power. It is a disgrace. Very few humans still live for beautiful things. Most are worthless products of this nonsense consuming society. Running after nothing worth it. very good experiment. Very stupid idiots , chasing the nonsense. Hey Joshua , you are an amazing human being.

[mkl8000]

Stupid experiment....... people in a hurry. I would have stopped and listened... but had to make my connection!

[macisam]

Honestly I dont think most people really appreciate the violin and would not go out of their way to go to a violinist's concert,,I do think this was a very fun experiment though,,thanks for that

[taufoofar]

True, that most people aren't really interested in the violin, but many players on the streets play the violin. And talent like that should be noticed by everybody.

[andlastly]

Saw him live last night here in CNY, if I ever see him in times square sub station I'll be bringing down lawn chairs, chips and dip.

[macisam]

can i come with u

[ernent]

The Wasington Post describes the Chaccone as "elegant" ? ... and then complains about the lack of sensibility in others ?

[josephsisson]

A couple of thousand years ago a wise man wrote..."whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Obviously people are not heeding his advise or they would have taken a moment out of their busy day to appreciate the "excellent and praiseworthy" FREE performance provided by one of the worlds most renown violinists. What's up with that?

[nytonks]

This. Guy. Doesn't. Have. Very. Good. Flow. When. He. Talks.

[ariaofdreams]

Hahaha.

[itismejeremy]

HAHAHA - You're right!

[gladitsnotme]

total. win.

[BobsWorld666]

All this proves is how ignorant people are who pay $100 for a ticket to see this guy play, since they can hear this stupid shit for free on the subway...

[germanMasterroach]

This only proves that we lost empathy .

[BobsWorld666]

I guess my joke didn't go over well. I have to work on my wording in the future. To explain: I, like the average American, can't tell the difference from a bum playing a screeching violin from a virtuoso. It all sounds the same to me. Perhaps if the bum was playing the piano...

[strkist]

If you would have read the article, you would know that this was a sociological experiment, and that Bell played for free but used the publicity of the article to help sales of his CD and to support the fine arts in all capacities.

Nothing in this life is free... we see this type of experiment that proves that many American's have lost appreciation for what is sincere, and good.. that which we call pure art.

[vinsanity1976]

And when Joshua Bell returns to the posh environment of a majestic performance hall, that screeching will be much more welcome (especially after a few VSOP's).

[germanMasterroach]

That screeching is called Bach, you ignoramous.

[vinsanity1976]

This smacked of an interesting prank played on the everyday people of D.C. to add irony to the musician's life and propose that people truly don't know what is beautiful unless they are led to it. However, I bet an accomplished musician with an electric guitar would have had much more attention shown to him, especially if he could wail and could actually string out some contemporary tunes. The setting would almost have been perfect, and the mood more receptive for it.

[vinsanity1976]

Silly - a 3.5 million dollar violin? Are people cursed for not being violin enthusiasts, or appraisers of such? And in what context are people receptive to talent? Many undiscovered artists simply are undiscovered because they choose the wrong venue. Or maybe because the screetching strings of a violin are really not recieved well when you are stressed and on the go in a busy, people cluttered station.

[vinsanity1976]

Also, there is really no thought given to the social strata and the impression people who frequent that area might have about "street performers". We are trained in society to observe the surroundings of what we see and make judgements, judgements that could save our lives. A man playing beautiful music in public? That is certainly nice. Maybe he's going to make me feel uncomfortable about my refusal to give him money if i listen.

[vinsanity1976]

The outcome of this experiment is a bit subjective. People pay to listen to great compositions, but make time to do so. Their appreciation for great music can't really be judged amidst their impatience to finish their day, although even in this case some at least stopped and admired the music before they went on.

[germanMasterroach]

"Their appreciation for great music can't really be judged amidst their impatience to finish their day, "

Au contraire, my friend.

If you appreciate great classical music, you'll appreciate it anywhere you go, anywhere you are.

If I would hear classical music being played in my subway, I would listen to it.

End of story.

[chocolademan5ET]

I don't know, I really understand why the people walk by. Even I would walk on and I play violin by myself. It just al those people have to go their work, else they can be fired. If I could chose to lose my job and listen to a 45min violinconcerto or walk by and still have the job, I would choose the job, simply with the many that you earn you can by a ticket for a other violin conercto in a real concertbuilding XD.

[freddy12345678]

Joshua Bell playing in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

[freddy12345678]

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

[metastasis61]

American very very stupids!!!!!!

[dustinallen1982]

i like it when people like you make fun of themselves

[dynastychick3]

Please refrain from generalizing about entire groups of people. Love and peace. Open your mind.

[Humanimalist]

c'est vrai mon ami...tres stupide.

[mnvikings0527]

I was told that the violin was a hand crafted Stratavarious(sorry about the spelling) and it was worth #3.5 million.

[ZETANEGETIVE]

The Gibson ex-Huberman Stradivarius of 1713 is an antique violin fabricated by Antonio Stradivari of Cremona. The Gibson, while owned by Bronisław Huberman was stolen twice. The first time the violin was returned shortly after the theft; the second theft occurred on the evening of 28 February 1936, backstage at Carnegie Hall, while Huberman performed with his Guarnerius of 1731. Though Huberman never saw the Gibson again, the instrument was recovered 50 years later,Joshua Bell own's it now.

[DarioPira]

I dont think this "experiment" would be taken too seriously. When you go to a concert hall you prepared yourself to listen, you are motivated to appreciate, since you know what is going to happen. When you are justing passing by, you may not connected cause you are in a hurry, you certainly have your own problems to solve, etc, etc.

[violalord1]

A free concert right there!

[brhodes625]

That people hurried by is more of a commentary on American culture and our inability to appreciate beauty, rather than whether or not beauty transcends.

[dynastychick3]

I agree our culture (and I'm sure others)are too hurried, but there are always exceptions to every "rule". I know I would have stopped and most of my friends and family would have too...You have to stop sometimes or life will become much more burden, and much less beauty.

[stradplayer614]

I would have had to rob him sorry:)

[MoesTube1]

Lol!

[nahualnegroxhx]

humanos en movimiento, que es lo que detras de las cortinas controla nuestras mentes para que no veamos lo que el presente nos da.. paremos,.. ya.. un momento.. por que no parar... no todo tiene que ser produccion.. no somos maquinas

[angelesguerra]

Maravilloso ... !!!

El mundo está muy acostambrado a sólo reconocer a los disque cantantas como RBD que no aportan nada a la sociedad, sólo la corrompen más al sólo subir al escenario a denigrarse como personas.

Una persona que toca el violín tan maravillosamente es digno de ser reconocido en cualquier parte que esté sin importar si es en un gran teatro o en la estación del metro de cualquier ciudad.

[StarCaptain299]

He wasn't standing in a strategic place, he should have picked a place where people at least would have a chance to really listen to what he was playing, like when they're waiting on the platform for the train or subway.

[strkist]

The article said that Weingarten tried to position him on a platform, but that the DC transit does not allow street performers of any kind on the platform. Therefore, they had to work with what they could. The study is flawed, but still poignant.

[StarCaptain299]

Ah. I didn't know that. Thanks.

[jchanballers123]

Wow, that is a good-sounding violin and a true virtuoso. Normally I hate listening to violins because they are so screechy. However, it's all about the context- it's much easier to enjoy music sitting in front of a computer than hurrying to work on a subway. Plus, I think $32 in 45 mins is much more than what the average street performer makes.

[cecoatl]

Let's be sincere. People doesn't like to know they are ignorant. Everybody is hurry all the time,we can take 30 seconds to stop and listen. we can see that in Europe, that is a big museum because of the architecture in streets,musicians in streets, we only need to stop for a while and watch ART. If people in subway would know he was Joshua playing most of them will stop to listen just for a while. Just for the name, not beacause they can enjoy art.

[WillCanaris]

The one women that recognized him...she alone...she made it worth it!!!

[Durandal24]

I doubt that the experiment would have very different results in a European city. Everybody here seems to be jumping on the bandwagon that America is a place of uncultured simpletons, while Europe is the hub of the world's most sophisticated and intelligent minds. In reality, the vast majority of the people failed to notice Bell because they were in a hurry, not because they were ignorant.

[DoctorLexus]

Actually, America IS indeed a place of "uncultured simpletons." It's self-evident. One would have to be some combination of naive, unperceptive and unimformed to believe that our laughably poor global academic standings mean nothing. From top to bottom, we are becoming a third-worldly nation of oafen, thugly, corrupt...dummies. And our standards are crashing and burning. Why lie? In order to protect the interests of dangerously stupid families with money? That's not a good enough reason to lie.

[Durandal24]

I am American, and I do not believe that I am an ignoramus. Dangerously stupid individuals are everywhere, even in nations that boast high academic standings. Though I agree that American culture is becoming increasingly provincial, I do not think that the U.S. as a whole is intellectually inferior to any nation. Europeans would as soon ignore Joshua Bell in a subway. As an example of America's academic prowess, of the last 10 Nobel prizes in chemistry, 8 have been awarded to U.S. scientists.

[DoctorLexus]

Duranda24: People are not the same everywhere. The (Joshua) bell curves that model such phenomenon are NOT the same for all cultures. The USA bell curve has a very blunt "smart" flange...excessive, growing numbers of grunt-average and worse...and dwindling smart outliers. Of course you don't understand what that means. Ha ha! You're a dummy!

Sure, those accomplished scientists soooo represent the general citizenry of the USA. I'm sure they're just like YOU. Ha ha!!!

[Humanimalist]

One of the best comments I've ever seen on Youtube. It's a bit like shouting 'black!' in a sea of ink, but nonetheless, it needed to be said.

[DoctorLexus]

Too true.

Black! Black! Blaaaaaaaack!!!!!!

Hee hee.

[demochila]

"life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans"

Bravo joshua!!!

[rommeloton]

Maybe he is not that good.... haha, joking!

[chocolademan5ET]

Lol XD

[threebobs]

The host used "beg the question" incorrectly.

[Gman6755]

The tone of his playing almost brings you to tears with the deep feeling he brings out, great playing for sure!! I would have stopped to listen!

[carden24]

The report won a pullitzer.

Read the whole article called:

Pearls Before Breakfast

The guys earns $1000 a minute with his 3.8 million violin.

[Zooeyglass7]

The article in the Washington Post makes a good point though when it refers to Kantian logic, that these observers weren't neccessarily mindless, but that the music was just too removed from proper context. Kant would say that for observers of beauty to reach their full potential, the object has to be in the prime context for appreciation.

[rjksoccer06]

I find that hard to believe though when you take in consideration that he is quite the best with the best violin and the best music that you would pass by him. Heck if I saw someone playing like that I would skip work

[gburgwill2008]

what stop was this on?

[marekdc]

L'enfant

[DoctorLexus]

Astutely narrated. Nice post! This is truly a scathing commentary on how mindlessly insensitive many people are becoming. Flawed? Sure, but not all that flawed. Increasingly truthful.

I was so inspired by this social experiment that I played around with the idea myself. If you dare, please feel free to check out some of my own slightly edgy observations...and violin/song stylings at my listed myspace URL. Be well. Sincerely, Doctor Lexus

[andocrates]

I would have been mesmerized. But my old profs were wrong, they always said talent rises above all else, people recognize greatness yada yada. All it takes is a good PR firm. Let's give him some boobs and try the experiment again.

[chayatocha]

bam he is good!!! he looks a lot like my friend's older bro! (or maybe my friend's bro looks like him?? hmm...)

[jryan422]

technorati, why do you talk like that? it sounds like your constipated... very painful to listen to your voice

[irishmom58]

awesome violinist - wish I would have been there for the free concert. Can't get a ticket here in MN for his concerts - sold out always.

Did you catch him on live from lincoln center last night?? Incredible -

He has such range, from pop to bluegrass to remember his West Side Story triumph?

Love his Puccini the most.

[winrx]

It's really no wonder that no one took notice. I mean, my 9 yo niece plays with a more convincing tone on her Suzuki violin....

[Empyr3]

I got to meet Bell once, a few of us from my high school orchestra and some people from other high schools got to have an hour long conversation with him (there were about 20 of us). Then the few of us from my high school all ran and bear-hugged him. He was a little freaked out- but I guess I would be too. It was still freakin' awesome though!

[chanman486]

umm. thanks for sharing your 'opinion' on the topic that was discussed in the video. you're a real benefit to this society

[Empyr3]

Dude, you're 51 and talking crap to a college student. Grow up, your almost as old as my parents- jeez.

[chanman486]

huh? what? how do you know my "age"?

stop assuming things you dirtbag. and is that the only comeback you can make in response to my comment? . .. .lame

[chanman486]

and get your facts straight, i'm younger than you what you claim is true, that you're in college

[Stantzs]

aw, thats so cute

[ferrariModenas]

why jealousy towards outstanding talents? Great musicians and successful athletes always been criticized by jealous dick heads and comments here prove it.

[BenChanViolin]

I'm really surprised. I'm not as good as Joshua Bell, therefore I'll just continue posting YouTube videos for $0 and hope that people will stop by during their busy web-surfing to listen and participate in very interesting violin discussions. I love Bell's Bach and am in the process of accepting constructive criticism on my g min fugue- I'd be super lucky to get someone of Bell's calibre to drop a hint or two!

[winrx]

Did Josef Gingold emphasize tone production in his teachings..?

[winrx]

He sounds like any typical student violinist from Juilliard - but with a little bit more of the swaying about business. It's no wonder hardly anyone stopped to listen..LOL

[candyrox21]

you are retarded.

joshua bell is better than you will ever be.

[Tsuki28]

agreed ^^

[ztefieh]

Joshua Bell didn't go to Julliard. He went to Indiana. He applied for Julliard but they turned him down. They realized they made a big mistake and later offered him an honorary doctorate, which he ironically turned down.

[winrx]

LOL the irony here is that they did NOT make a mistake. Joshua Bell is one of the most overrated concert violinists ever...

[winrx]

ie the "mistake" made by Juilliard in having rejected him

[ztefieh]

yeah...he might can play, but the movements are incredibly overdone. no sense in sweating.

[thehackrz]

riightttt... he is famous because he is a garbage violinist? haha yeah right. you speak so critically of him, what is your name? i guarantee that Joshua bell is better known, and for good reason. Unless you are at his level, a world renown violin virtuoso, please stfu.

[georgeofwashington]

Well said. Who are you?

[SpazNStuff]

That is completely ludicrous.

Joshua Bell is the greatest violinist alive today.

He's played in front of the crowns of Europe for goodness sakes!

And that swaying- that's called the Alexandre Method.

[HuangKaiVun]

I've made a heck of a lot more money violin busking on the street than Bell (or Tasmine Little in Britain) did.

I've always felt that if I couldn't get audiences to pay attention to me on the street, I couldn't get them to pay attention to me in the concert hall.

Nothing is more real than busking.

[izoobie]

Very nice reporting video report on the Washington Post's busker and street performer experiment. Your "set" needs a little creativity.

Interesting is the fact that Bell only really made $12 in 45 minutes because the only person who recognized him flipped him $20. Evidently, zillion dollar violins by Stradivari don't count for much.

[ellis1101]

Such horrible screeching and horrible intonation! No wonder no people would not stop to listen

Are you joking????????????????????????

I'd like to see you play better!

I'd do anything to meet him in person!!!!!!!!!

I love you Joshua Bell!!

[beccagarden]

ya i wanna see this guy playing better.....horrible intonaion? that's just rubbish.

[papatai]

i agree, had he been in europe, everyone would've recognised him. very well said oflynny. congratulations to joshua too for winning the Avery Fisher Prize! he deserved it.

[livardo]

Guess what? they did the same experiment in London and the same thing happened.

[battycys]

Livardo, that cannot be true. I am a Londoner. I would recognise Joshua Bell (and his violin!!!) in one second. Most people I know can do the same. In any case, he would certainly make more than US$21 in London. Not possible for him to remain unrecognised for as long as 45 minutes in our streets/tube.

[livardo]

I wish I could find the article, but I swear the BBC or The Guardian did it. It's not surprising at all, and I think the same result would be evident anywhere. A very, very good performer, playing for an absolutely non-captive crowd, whose goal is to get to work early in the morning will very rarely "stop to smell the roses".

[battycys]

I think it might be an very flawed 'experiment' with an 'artist' called Badly Drawn Boy. To start with, I bearly heard of BDB and if he is pop/rock, I doubt any of his fans would be awake or admit to be awake before noon, let alone going to City to earn a living. The exp. was OUTSIDE a station which is an interchange so most ppl are INSIDE. Joshua Bell has played to thousands in the Royal Albert Hall and no way no of us will not pass by him in 45 mins. He has also been on prime time British TV.

[livardo]

Ok, I found the article. It was violinist "Tasmin Little", doing the same thing at Waterloo station. Copy & paste the following into Google and click search:

Tasmin Little: Playing great music in unexpected locations

[battycys]

Thank you for the info. I have heard Tasmin plsyed with LSO at the Barbican & would probably recognise her if I was there. She was recognised by at least 2 groups of people who can name her. A homeless man pointed out that she was playing a Strad. (yes, we have some classy poor ppl here). She was not playing inside the concourse but on Waterloo Bridge a place with narrow pavement, dangerous to stop as buses whizz by within 2 feet. Many school kids stopped but they could not give much money.

[livardo]

The conclusion though was that the results were very similar to the D.C. experiment. Like I said before, it really doesn't surprise me much. These were extremely talented musicians, but not instantly recognizable by the public at large (unlike say, a "Paul McCartney" or U2). They weren't playing popular pieces, and weren't positioned in the best locations during the morning rush. I like to think that I would be one of those people to stop.

[battycys]

I think with our culture of fabs, the conclusion is partially true. I dispute the one made on London City workers that they do not care. Having read the details of the experiment, I have concluded that I probably would not have stopped to listen even though I might recognise Tasmin Little, a Strad and not adverse to perishing on River Thames at Waterloo Bridge in the pursuit of music.

[battycys]

Typo- culture of faDs!!!

[battycys]

Livardo- In London, esp City & Westminister, there are many free/nominal fee entry lunch time concerts. I go to them often after a quick bite. Invariably, they play Vivaldi/Mozart/Bach!! I never got tired of Mozart/Bach but I and some of my companions are suffering from VIVALDI FATIQUE! Tasmin was playing Four Seasons! My fatigue is so severe I would run away at the speed of light, FASTER than I need to catch a train.

[battycys]

Postscript- The only person I would be willing to stop in the middle of Waterloo Bridge, risk life & limbs, face the risks of being running over by tourists & their suitcases is SARAH CHANG. I have never heard her playing VIVALDI live. I have no doubt she can play on a cheap violin & still make it sounds like a Strad. Her takings will not be huge as we all know she does not need the money.

[PIlotrcm]

Whats really interesting is that he wasn't well known to most. It makes me believe that people tend too appreciate certain musicians for their mere "social" and popular value rather than musical talents. At the same time, its sad because I have heard many musicians instrumentalists and vocalists who possess great talent and are never recognized because they arn't Britney Spears.

[gergsar]

The guy in this video said that Josh still earned $32 for 45 minutes, which a lot of money. True. However, Josh Bell earns about $1,000 per minute on the concert stage. Now, when one understands that there are only several violinists in the world who are around his caliber, this is not being overpaid. Josh doesn't get paid for his continuous hours of daily practicing, rehearsals, and all of the other time devoted to his career.

[hifitz]

The average person doesn't understand classical music and our schools don't teach it. What a shame. This says so much about the state of our society in America. Had he been in EUrope, people would have recognized him and stopped more frequently. Kewl idea.

[sowhatl]

Just shows how many people haven't a clue about classical music. Amazing no one recognized him. It would be different if he had done this in Europe.

[ItzhakRoxMySox]

Agreed. Well put

[noca2002]

The sound is accelerated in the video,that's why it may sound "horrible screeching", it's that or maybe the people who post their comments here are just as ignorant as the one's who didn't stop to listen *

[loseryouser]

maybe it didn't sound good because subways are tuned for music and because the recording could be bad.

[govibe]

Such horrible screeching and horrible intonation! No wonder no people would not stop to listen

[kaikobird]

I agree.

[gowiemeister]

this guy is no more conscious of what is going on than all of those ppl who'd walked past

[oflynny]

It is ridiculous that so little people stopped to listen!! If Green Day was putting on an impromptu concert in a subway, there would be quite a huge crowd, yet they don't have half the talent of Joshua Bell. This shows how simple and naive popular music is.

[orjus]

It was only Bell -if it had been a great concert "artist" ,perhaps the outcome would have been different .

You gets what you pay for .

[Tomanelmartins]

Espantoso! Um dos mais famosos violinistas do mundo toca 45 minutos em publico numa estação de metro usando Stradivarius de 1713, no valor de 2,5 milhões de euros e nenhum deles é reconhecido. Do mal o menos: que não reconheçam um Srativarius, vá que não vá...Não reconhecer o violinista é incrível!

[twinks53]

I love the arts, but I have been known to be in a hurry and not have time to stop. They did this experiment during rush hour so that they would have the largest group to test but it is called rush hour for a reason. Dont rule out Washington as a cultured, sophisticated city because nobody stopped. If you tried this experiment in any city under the same conditions you'd get fairly similar results.

[prognar]

I Want to thank you for posting this video of Josh Bell on youtube as it is the only one. However, I think that your voice ruins the context of the story and overshadows the context. It goes on too long, the advertisements are a distraction, and it's quite annoying to have to listen to your inarticulate voice throughout the 'show.'

[lmlynley]

America needs to wake up and value beauty and culture before we have passed the Point of No Return. I think he would have fared better in San Francisco or New York subways - the only two cities in the US where high culture is enjoyed by large segments of the population. Three-minute pop songs and fast food have devolved us to near automatons. What a shame.

[turbo2oh]

that inflection in your voice for pronouncing highlighted words is kinda annoying. and in their defense people have to go to work! its the middle of morning rush hour!

[knittingcellist7]

this is really sad to me! Joshua Bell is amazing and is a wonderful violinist and should be praised for his talents and people just walk right by! That's terrible!  I love Joshua Bell :)

[ppll77yy]

this is why i think d.c. is one of the most unsophisticated and uncultured major cities in the world. interesting that the only people who recognize him or the quality of his playing are a guy who grew up in new york and a japanese-american lady. i could never imagine this happening in paris, vienna, or any smaller european town. he wouldn't last too long unnoticed at shinjuku station, or some other downtown station in the middle of seoul or beijing.

[CrandMackerel]

Further proof of what the Post article was all about.

Instead of actually listening to Bell play, we get some jagoff reading excerpts of the article, and talking over the performance. This might be OK if this tool had any original insight into this event. But, like all those who just walked past one of the greatest living violinists, he never bothered to stop, listen, feel, and think.

[lilkatdevil]

lets try that at the shinjuku station during rush hour in tokyo.