My friend John told me about this story …
Joshua Bell, one of the world’s best violinist stopped in a subway station in D.C. a year ago and played a concert on a $3.5 million dollar violin. So, you say, “I didn’t hear about that.” Yes, that’s true. Hardly anybody stopped to watch. It’s a fascinating 3 minute video to watch. The Washington Post recorded and gathered phone numbers from the 1,000 that passed. Later that day they called to see if they saw anything unusual. Again, only a couple people realized what they were watching.
It’s a fascinating human study. Do we only recognize good art if we’re told it’s good? I guess so.
My favorite part: There was one common demographic that wanted to stop and watch. The kids. Too bad their parents didn’t notice what they were seeing.
I heard about this on NPR, he collected less than $20 and he makes thousands during a recital.