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What would you have done?

Posted by SFgirl • 5/20/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: arts, Culture, entertainment, joshua bell, music, speed of life

Can one of the nation's great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour? That was a question that Washington Post writer, Gene Weingarten answered in a Washington DC metro station with virtuoso violinist, Joshua Bell (incognito as a street performer). See the article here: sfgirl-thealiennextdoor.blogspot.com/2008/05/pearls-before-breakfast.html
What happens is ... well ... appalling ... and had Weingarten lamenting: “If we can't take the time out of our lives to stay a moment and listen to one of the best musicians on Earth play some of the best music ever written; if the surge of modern life so overpowers us that we are deaf and blind to something like that—then what else are we missing?”

This begs the question: what would YOU have done if you were in that crowd?

User Comments

5/20/08

DrowseyMonkey

I have to say, for me it depends on the music. We have a lot of street performers in Toronto ... sometimes I stop but to be honest, sometimes I just don't have the time. When you work...you're time is not always your own...I have a boss to answer to ... unfortunately!

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5/20/08

SFgirl

Yup... that pressure is always there, isn't it? Just curious... what would make you stop?

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1. 5/20/08
  
  DrowseyMonkey
  
  Well, classical music isn't my personal choice, but I rarely hear it on the street ... so that might make me stop. I think it has more to do with the quality. There's this amazing Mexican group that I've often stopped and listened to...I don't normally listen to Mexican music, but they're really good...and very uplifting.
5/20/08

momscrazylife

Technically speaking, I'm probably missing a lot. Reality though, It really has to be intriguing for me to stop whatever it is that I'm doing.

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5/20/08

cooper

I'd stop for a violinist, but going to school in DC now, and having been to school in NYC, I can tell you the crowds are so different. In NYC you stop, in DC you move on. I wouldn't have but most people would.

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6/03/08

SFgirl

Interesting! Why would they stop in NYC and not in DC?... I'm curious...What's the difference in the demographic?

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6/03/08

timethief

You are an outstanding writer. I loved your post and I stumbled it.
Setting that aside, I live in the country so I can't reply to your question.

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6/03/08

jafabrit

I would have stopped to listen but then I wouldn't be rushing off to work, class or some appointment.

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6/03/08

jennasee

I remember reading the Weingarten article when I lived in DC. What I would do would depend on the day and whether I needed to be somewhere -- though it would be wonderful to hear as I dashed up the Metro escalator. I think part of the DC vs. NYC issue is that people in the District are totally into the policy thing and pay little attention to the arts. It's a very self-important town, too, everyone dashing off to their Really Important Jobs. This has become more clear to me when I've visited after being gone for a year. No time to listen to music -- got to rush off to your meeting on the Hill or with an agency rep or at the Pentagon. Not sure if I miss that town or not ...

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6/03/08

Daudleikr

We have a lot of street musicians here, I appreciate the music but I don't stop to listen unless I have the time.

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