Perception, something to think about....

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 06:48 AM

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...040401721.html

Interesting stuff

The world is mad, totally mad

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk..

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?

cddragon · 10-25-2009, 06:59 AM

Very interesting

I wonder how would I act in such situation...

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 07:01 AM

Esp Griffyn · 10-25-2009, 07:02 AM

Awesome stuff, I love reading about this kind of thing. I like to think I'm pretty keyed in, and not just because I listen to street musicians more than most! I was always taught to constantly ask questions and always look beyond the face value of everything. I like to think its got me on a good path in life.

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 07:08 AM

Its the proof that we live in a world dictated by money and nobody has the time to think about anything else because they are all turned into zombies because they must catch the subway to not arrive late at work.......

This is why real artists hate the word ''money'', sure its great to make a decent living and to get paid for your work etc....

But when you actually realise what this does to humanity its pretty shocking...
You can also hear the way he plays, I mean anybody which is a musician would stop and listen.

Scar Symmetry · 10-25-2009, 07:15 AM

I personally appreciate beauty in music whenever I can.

The fact is, when you're rushing for work or trying to catch a train, you don't have time to stop and listen no matter how much you may like it.

Some people don't enjoy classical anyway and wouldn't appreciate it regardless.

I think it's an interesting experiment, but the question is moot.

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scar Symmetry

The fact is, when you're rushing for work or trying to catch a train, you don't have time to stop and listen no matter how much you may like it.

That what I mentioned above.... We live in a world which makes us become like this and its sad...

possumkiller · 10-25-2009, 07:49 AM

didnt he do all the violin recording for the movie the red violin?

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by possumkiller

didnt he do all the violin recording for the movie the red violin?

Joshua Bell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

vampiregenocide · 10-25-2009, 08:06 AM

I've photographed and met a few interesting buskers, I try to spare a little for them and at least give them some time. Some are more talented than any other musicians I've seen.

And some just odd...

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 08:07 AM

Looks like an old version of Steve Vai

leandroab · 10-25-2009, 08:19 AM

Street musicians are one of the most talented...

sami · 10-25-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .........

45 minutes:

The man collected a total of $32.\

$32/hour sounds nice to me!

Seriously though, this is sad. I also wondered how I'd act in this situation. I've passed street musicians in the past and if their playing is good enough, I will stop and show them that I recognize them.

For example, I had no idea who Harry Parry was but he intrigued the hell out of me when he came up to me (1996 or 97 on my random road trip). I gave him $5.

hufschmid · 10-25-2009, 09:26 AM

Anyway you do I hope you understand the point of the thread

He is not a street player BTW

sami · 10-25-2009, 11:53 AM

Ahh, I need to research him. He was one cool dude!

liquidcow · 10-25-2009, 04:37 PM

I don't know how much he would normally expect to earn, but yeh $32, which would be about £15, for an hour's work is pretty good to me. Ok I know that might not average out to that over the course of a day.

While I do see the point they are making, what bothers me about this is that there's an assumption that there's an objective idea of what's 'good' and who 'the best musician in the world' is, that if people don't appreciate it then they must be 'wrong'. Furthermore, music, especially classical music, takes time to appreciate. I know that a lot of my favourite music took time for me to get into, some of it I didn't even like at first. Expecting people to suddenly stop in the street and realise 'my god, this is the greatest violinist in the world!' is absurd.

Adam Of Angels · 10-25-2009, 05:25 PM

Thank you for the story, Patrick. I often write about these sorts of things (the subject of living in the moment and appreciating beauty, especially), so I'm greatly interested in these sorts of experiments.

pink freud · 10-25-2009, 05:28 PM

There is a time and place for things.

I mean, if Liz Vicious is gettin nailed at a Metro Station, are people going to stop and say "Wow, this is one of the hottest porn stars ever getting nailed; I better appreciate this beauty instead of going to work!" ?

liquidcow · 10-25-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pink freud

There is a time and place for things.

I mean, if Liz Vicious is gettin nailed at a Metro Station, are people going to stop and say "Wow, this is one of the hottest porn stars ever getting nailed; I better appreciate this beauty instead of going to work!" ?

What, you mean you wouldn't?

JBroll · 10-25-2009, 06:42 PM

I'd stop and give her a bloody sandwich.

Jeff

lobee · 10-25-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBroll

I'd stop and give her a bloody sandwich.

Jeff

Interesting. I don't think that's in the Kama Sutra, however. How does it work?

JBroll · 10-25-2009, 07:53 PM

Jeff

pink freud · 10-25-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBroll

Jeff

Looks fairly blood-free to me.

lobee · 10-25-2009, 09:22 PM

Either way, I'd still give her the Ol' Reuben.

pink freud · 10-25-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobee

Either way, I'd still give her the Ol' Reuben.

Just as long as you don't pumpernickel.

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10-25-2009, 06:48 AM	#1
hufschmid Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: switzerland Posts: 9,089 Thanked: 284 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Perception, something to think about.... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...040401721.html Interesting stuff The world is mad, totally mad Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule. 4 minutes later: the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.. 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly. 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100. This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?

10-25-2009, 07:15 AM	#6
Scar Symmetry Ex Whiny Bitch Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 15,686 Thanked: 377 Feedback Score: 3 reviews	I personally appreciate beauty in music whenever I can. The fact is, when you're rushing for work or trying to catch a train, you don't have time to stop and listen no matter how much you may like it. Some people don't enjoy classical anyway and wouldn't appreciate it regardless. I think it's an interesting experiment, but the question is moot. Ever noticed how some people are real dicks on the internet, but when they post something involving their band, they make the effort to be nice? Funny that...

10-25-2009, 07:49 AM	#8
possumkiller SS.org Regular Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: no Posts: 1,993 Thanked: 39 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	didnt he do all the violin recording for the movie the red violin? sol niger 333: "I'm guessing a dildo was used. A truth dildo."

10-25-2009, 08:06 AM	#10
vampiregenocide A Chap Called Ross Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 15,095 Thanked: 273 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I've photographed and met a few interesting buskers, I try to spare a little for them and at least give them some time. Some are more talented than any other musicians I've seen. And some just odd... My Photography Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/rosswildishphotography Dissonant Media - The news source for new alternate/progressive music! Check us out: http://de-de.facebook.com/pages/Sawbridgeworth-United-Kingdom/Dissonant-Media/126448677394107 http://www.youtube.com/user/DissonantMedia#p/a http://dissonantmedia.tumblr.com/

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10-25-2009, 06:59 AM	#2
cddragon Pastor Of Muppets Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Poland, Cracow Posts: 711 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Very interesting I wonder how would I act in such situation...

10-25-2009, 07:01 AM	#3
hufschmid Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: switzerland Posts: 9,089 Thanked: 284 Feedback Score: 1 reviews

10-25-2009, 07:02 AM	#4
Esp Griffyn APEX Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SEVEN Posts: 3,570 Thanked: 23 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Awesome stuff, I love reading about this kind of thing. I like to think I'm pretty keyed in, and not just because I listen to street musicians more than most! I was always taught to constantly ask questions and always look beyond the face value of everything. I like to think its got me on a good path in life.

10-25-2009, 07:08 AM	#5
hufschmid Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: switzerland Posts: 9,089 Thanked: 284 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Its the proof that we live in a world dictated by money and nobody has the time to think about anything else because they are all turned into zombies because they must catch the subway to not arrive late at work....... This is why real artists hate the word ''money'', sure its great to make a decent living and to get paid for your work etc.... But when you actually realise what this does to humanity its pretty shocking... You can also hear the way he plays, I mean anybody which is a musician would stop and listen.

10-25-2009, 08:07 AM	#11
hufschmid Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: switzerland Posts: 9,089 Thanked: 284 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Looks like an old version of Steve Vai

10-25-2009, 08:19 AM	#12
leandroab Stay Negative™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hell de Janeiro, Brazil Posts: 5,347 Thanked: 170 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Street musicians are one of the most talented... is the new black RIP PETER STEELE Music: * www.soundclick.com/leandroabaurre www.soundcloud.com/leandroab Guitar projects: Baritone 6 Conversion Quotes: * ''I intend them to .... them with the long cock of the law." - Trashmanzac * "I think this mistake was the equivalent of a 6000 foot tall cock bukkake tsunami-ing Tokyo." - metallisuk * "I'm a big fan of the effects of alcohol." - Peter Steele

10-25-2009, 09:26 AM	#14
hufschmid Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: switzerland Posts: 9,089 Thanked: 284 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Anyway you do I hope you understand the point of the thread He is not a street player BTW

10-25-2009, 11:53 AM	#15
sami porkshop sammiches Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Austin TX USA Posts: 3,932 Thanked: 172 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ahh, I need to research him. He was one cool dude! ɹıɐ-lǝq pǝllɐɔ uʍoʇ ɐ ɟo ǝɔuıɹd ǝɥʇ ǝɯɐɔǝq ı ʍoɥ noʎ llǝʇ ll,ı ǝɹǝɥʇ ʇɥƃıɹ ʇıs ʇsnɾ ǝʇnuıɯ ɐ ǝʞɐʇ oʇ ǝʞıl p,ı puɐ uʍop ǝpısdn pǝuɹnʇ 'pǝddılɟ ʇoƃ ǝɟıl ʎɯ ʍoɥ ʇnoqɐ llɐ ʎɹoʇs ǝɥʇ sı sıɥʇ ʍou OH GOD WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS - DDDorian

10-25-2009, 04:37 PM	#16
liquidcow ss.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: UK Posts: 443 Thanked: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I don't know how much he would normally expect to earn, but yeh $32, which would be about £15, for an hour's work is pretty good to me. Ok I know that might not average out to that over the course of a day. While I do see the point they are making, what bothers me about this is that there's an assumption that there's an objective idea of what's 'good' and who 'the best musician in the world' is, that if people don't appreciate it then they must be 'wrong'. Furthermore, music, especially classical music, takes time to appreciate. I know that a lot of my favourite music took time for me to get into, some of it I didn't even like at first. Expecting people to suddenly stop in the street and realise 'my god, this is the greatest violinist in the world!' is absurd. http://www.myspace.com/talanas

10-25-2009, 05:25 PM	#17
Adam Of Angels Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mount Pleasant, PA Posts: 5,907 Thanked: 89 $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Adam Of Angels is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 73 reviews	Thank you for the story, Patrick. I often write about these sorts of things (the subject of living in the moment and appreciating beauty, especially), so I'm greatly interested in these sorts of experiments.

10-25-2009, 05:28 PM	#18
pink freud SS.org Regular Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,394 Thanked: 54 $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $pink freud is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 0 reviews	There is a time and place for things. I mean, if Liz Vicious is gettin nailed at a Metro Station, are people going to stop and say "Wow, this is one of the hottest porn stars ever getting nailed; I better appreciate this beauty instead of going to work!" ?

10-25-2009, 06:42 PM	#20
JBroll Hard-On For Freedom™ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX, USA Posts: 4,197 Thanked: 26 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I'd stop and give her a bloody sandwich. Jeff

10-25-2009, 07:53 PM	#22
JBroll Hard-On For Freedom™ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX, USA Posts: 4,197 Thanked: 26 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Jeff

10-25-2009, 09:22 PM	#24
lobee Real. Groggy. Human. Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,085 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Either way, I'd still give her the Ol' Reuben.

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