the joshua bell experiment
Published by martin beauvais, on December 16th, 2009
Fascinating.
The Washington Post conducted an experiment in the Washington Metro. Joshua Bell, one of the world’s most talented violinists, played some of the most intricate and complex music ever composed for the violin (Bach) on a $3.5 million Stradivarius. In the subway.
After 43 minutes, hardly anyone stopped to listen, and he only made a few dollars. Quite a stark contrast to selling out concert halls where seats cost $100+.
The Post wanted to examine what determines our appreciation of beauty…is it totally socially constructed, dictated? Can we appreciate a work of art that is not in the expected frame?
Check out the clip on YouTube below, and read the article here.
December 16th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
WTF.
Of course no one stopped to sit and listen, they are in a transportation center heading to and from a job or home. They are not in a frame of mind to say,” OH look! A guy playing a violin! Lets be late for the train and listen!”
Also, what time of day was this done? During any peak transportation time, people have schedules to keep.
This experiment was a huge waste of time for the violinist and this article was an even bigger waste of time for me.
The washington post is good for lining a birdcage or wiping fecal matter.
that is all, and oh yes,,,UFIA
December 17th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I love this stuff.
Here’s a media perspective. You can put a wonderful creative production in the wrong place to the wrong audience. He wasn’t playing as a busker, he was playing as a concert soloist. A busker has to be about more than the music. He can’t just stand there. He has to have an engaging physical performance. Check out this violinist-busker. He only plays concerts now, but you’ll always get a very intense performance whose roots come from years of playing out on the street.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vttQYoTAmQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHNeuwO5UOU
You don’t advertise Rolex watches in subways and busses.