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Stop And Listen!

Entry posted by Mahesh

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The world has become such a busy place. Deadlines, schedules, priorities, it's never ending. In such a time, we tend to overlook things that would have made the biggest difference in our lives.

Washington Post conducted an experiment that went on to prove this very point.

It was in January 2007 when Joshua Bell , a violinist, performed a few classical pieces on the Washington D.C Subway as he stood there, incognito. Most of the passersby hurried on without noticing the rare event that was unfolding itself.

Joshua Bell, one of the greatest classical musicians of modern times, was "playing some of the most elegant music ever written on one of the most valuable violins ever made" valued at $3.5 Million. The fact that the people passed by without a reaction brings us to an important question.

How good is the music really, if people never stop and listen to it?

More thoughts that comes to mind are, if the passersby knew who the man at the side of the subway really was, would the reaction to the music being performed be any different?

Does the social status of the artist matter for the music to be good, or to even be noticed ?

We can only speculate on the answers to these questions but one thing is for sure, if we do not stop, look and listen every once in a while in our daily busy lives, we might miss out on the best life has to offer, or more. Here is a clip of Joshua Bell on the Washington D.C Subway playing along.

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I think if they knew who he was they would've crowded to see him, missed subways and busses to do so. :-)

It is sad sometimes I'm too busy to stop...is life so important! I do however love good music if it's played by someone I do or do not know.

Thanks for sharing this one!

Lisa

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I often stop and listen to a busker. I often can't stay long, but I turn, look, listen and throw a coin or two in their case. And I get a few minutes worth of peace and pleasantness as a reward.

 

I'm weird though!

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I think if they knew who he was they would've crowded to see him, missed subways and busses to do so. :-)

It is sad sometimes I'm too busy to stop...is life so important! I do however love good music if it's played by someone I do or do not know.

Thanks for sharing this one!

Lisa

Yeah, pretty sad that we have become too busy to give ourselves a break. And yeah, musicians are different that way. We more tend to recognize good music (or just music ) irrespective of who or where it is. That's a good thing :)

 

Thanks Lisa. 

 

 

 

I often stop and listen to a busker. I often can't stay long, but I turn, look, listen and throw a coin or two in their case. And I get a few minutes worth of peace and pleasantness as a reward.

 

I'm weird though!

 

LOL, weird? It's always great to distract ourselves ( even subconsciously ) from the current situation every now and then. Not much buskers here in India but it sure is a treat when I do see one. :)

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