Maddenation

Subway violinist

This happened two years ago, but I just heard about it now. A Washington Post reported got one of the world’s best violinists to play in the D. C. subway just to see how many people would stop to listen to the music. What do you think happened?

The article won a Pulitzer prize, and I think it’s that good. Let’s discuss.

PatrickObservations06/26/09 1 comments

Comments

Dad • 06/29/09 11:19 PM:

I didn’t record my thoughts beforehand, but I’m not surprised at the outcome. Like Kant (well, really I’m not like Kant) I believe context is critical, as well as expectations. People are busy and they see street musicians regularly and it’s no big deal. Recognizing a world-class musician from someone who’s pretty good is not a skill many of us have. And to be brutally frank, while I absolutely love the music of many violins, I am much less fond of a solo violin. No doubt, I would have walked by, maybe after throwing some change in his case. Yet, at other times and in other scenarios I have a keen appreciation of music. So don’t read too much into it. Except that Americans are way too busy making money to buy stuff instead of living an enjoyable life.

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