21/04/2022
A man sat down at a Washington DC subway station and began to play the violin, one cold January morning; he played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, as it was rush hour, it is estimated that about 1,100 people crossed the station, mostly on their way to work.
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Three minutes elapsed when a middle-aged man noticed the musician, slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, but then continued his journey so he wouldn't be late.
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A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar, a lady threw the money without even stopping and went on her way.
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A few minutes later, someone stopped at the wall to hear him, but looking at the clock he resumed the march. I was clearly late for work
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Who paid the most attention was a 3 year old. Mom carried it by the hand, in a hurry, but the boy stopped to stare at the violinist. Finally, mom pulled it out harder and the boy kept walking, turning his head several times to see the violinist. This action was repeated by several other children. All parents, without exception, forced the children to keep going.
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In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued in his normal pace. Took about 32 dollars. When he stopped playing and silence took over the place, no one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any kind of recognition.
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No one knew this violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He played some of the most elaborate pieces once written on a $3.5 million violin.
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Two days before hitting the subway, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston, where each venue cost an average of $100.
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This is a true story, Joshua Bell played incognito at the subway station at an event hosted by the Washington Post that was part of a social experience about perception, tastes, and priorities.
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The question was: in an ordinary place, at an inappropriate hour are we able to perceive beauty? Did we stop to enjoy? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
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One of the possible conclusions that can be drawn from this experience can be: “If we don’t have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world play beautiful music, how many other things will we be missing? "
