Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Do we stop to hear the music?
My oldest son forwarded to me a fascinating article from the Washington Post about renowned violinist Joshua Bell agreeing to play the violin in a subway, posing as a street person begging. I didn't get anything written on my blog yesterday because I was so drawn in to this article. It's long but well worth the read. In my mind all kinds of questions were raised about the nature of people, the quality and pace of our lives, the definition of beauty and goodness... Oh, and if the link works there are two clips of his actual performance in the subway. He's playing on a violin worth over three million dollars!!!! Would love to hear your reactions....
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7 comments:
I saw this blogged a few weeks ago. I think that part of the reason for the reaction is because of where he was - they noted that these are mostly Washington commuters in government related jobs. Students and people in less 'high-powered' jobs might have been more liable to stop for a minute. I know I often stop for street musicians if they play at all well, I wish I had been in that subway!
I'm not in a high paid job but i must admit that i feel awkward around street musicians....it doesn't mean i don't appreciate their music just because I don't stand and watch them though...for the 5 minutes or so that I am shopping or whatever, their (usually) beautiful music brightens my mood, lifts my spirits and causes me to pray for them, that's not necessary a bad thing :-)
Kate, I think it would be different in another setting too. Also, in the subway there is a kind of momentum propelling people to make their train.
UKOK, there is nothing better you could do for them than to pray. I often feel uncomfortable around street people too because there is such a high incidence of mental illness among them...you know, you never quite know what to expect.
I am going over to check it out - I hadn't heard about this story, but it sounds really interesting!!
Hope you had a good day Rosemary - see you - Kellan
I read this article too and watched the various videos. What an object lesson. Whoever thought this up is prophetic.
We really are conditioned not to see or hear beauty in the most unexpected places or times.
Heartbreaking beautiful music. The few who knew something was luminous are heroes!
I always stop and listen to the pianist at Nordstrom. They even have two cushy chairs nearby to sit in. If I'd had heard a violin playing like that, I'd have been transfixed to the spot. I'd have missed my train for certain. But, I'm that kind of person.
I'll go have another cup of joe and stick my nose in a book now, quiet music in the background and the sounds of my kids pencils scraping across their papers.
I didn't watch the video, but I did read the article -- very interesting.
I actually saw Joshua Bell play probably almost 20 years ago. I was in middle school and we all giggled about how hunky he was! ;)
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