Comments on: Joshua Bell busking

By: Afrodiva

Afrodiva — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:55:56 +0000

I read this article in the Post with great interest as a musician who has had to support herself with a “real” job in a field other than music.

The thing that made me go “hmmm” most was the selection of L’Enfant Plaza as the site. It really isn’t a good spot for busking, as was proven.

When I thought about trying it, I was considering Foggy Bottom, which is the subway station for the Kennedy Center, George Washington University, George Washington Hospital, K Street (lawyers and lobbyist) and government agencies such as the State Department.

It’s also already site for several sidewalk businesses–including buskers–who seem do well, especially in good weather.

If Joshua Bell had shown up there, he’d have gotten an audience!

By: fp

fp — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:53:03 +0000

Dude, what happens auf den Shlangenberg stays auf den Shlangenberg.

By: McD

McD — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:21:00 +0000

[EDITED FOR BREVITY]

Tree is obviously very well read.

By: fp

fp — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:19:23 +0000

Polina giggled.

(Hint to McD… I think Tree is pointing you more toward the Dostoyevsky than the Kenny Rogers).

By: Tree Shapiro

Tree Shapiro — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:29:42 +0000

you consistently bore me McD. get over it. i don’t have time for your shit. go read “the gambler” before you come back and spout your annoying cloying assclown bullshit. umkay? what’s scoble wearing today? please enlighten us. baden-baden babywipe.

By: Old MacDonald

Old MacDonald — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:53:18 +0000

La Vie en Rose!!!

By: Jon Husband

Jon Husband — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:28:05 +0000

madame L. …

Yes.

By: McD

McD — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:24:10 +0000

If Joshua Bell had to pay his rent by busking…

[Further comment content deleted by policy.]

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:40:40 +0000

I love the buskers in NYC. I also follow the blog of one of them and she posted about the Joshua Bell article but from her unique point of view. You might find it interesting: http://www.SawLady.com/blog

By: madame l.

madame l. — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:49:20 +0000

jon, fp and doug:

i think that changing the setting would surely help people slow down and listen, but the quality of the music wouldn’t have anything to do with it.

those same us citizens would be more likely to “appreciate” street musicians when they’re by the louvre on a trip to paris, no matter what the level of proficiency.

i’m sure that at least a couple of the people who passed him by in the station are the same ones who go the the symphony to see him. emphasis on see.

the sad reality is that people have no taste whatsoever or discriminatory ability when it comes to music (and most everything). people need and like to be told what to like and think.

recognising talent should have nothing to do with context but it almost always does. oh yeah, and people don’t read either. they really don’t.

Bell has played, literally, before crowned heads of Europe.

MARK LEITHAUSER HAS HELD IN HIS HANDS MORE GREAT WORKS OF ART THAN ANY KING OR POPE OR MEDICI EVER DID.

But the behavior of one demographic remained absolutely consistent. Every single time a child walked past, he or she tried to stop and watch. And every single time, a parent scooted the kid away.

most people exit the L’Enfant station…

InFuckingDeed.
just waking up, having tea, have to go to a funeral of a 34 year old mother today. and listen to some music.