Joshua Bell, busking

[Megan]

This Joshua Bell gimmick certainly had an interesting outcome, but I can't say I'm all that surprised. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is what Bell chose to play. A Bach chaconne, great as it is, probably doesn't have the immediately obvious fire in it to be able to capture the attention of ordinary bystanders. Had Bell played, say, an Irish jig, or something like "Flight of the Bumblebee," I betcha more people would have stopped to listen & even been impressed. (The fast stuff tends to impress the untutored, as we all know.) If Maurizio Pollini sits at a piano & plays Chopin's B minor prelude for a general audience, they'll probably just yawn. But if a pianist who isn't even one-twentieth of Pollini's greatness plays some simple barrelhouse blues or boogie, the audience will be totally swept up in it, clapping & yelling their approval.

I absolutely agree David,
The fiery stuff can be very impressive and a great way to captivate and audience. I love it !
Though I have to say from past experience going around shopping malls, most students play .......you guessed it............ Pachelbel's Canon which is very soothing and perhaps puts one in the right frame of mind for spending money. Funny how music affects us in different ways.

[HaydnFan]

Please, HaydnFan - it's accordion!

Haha, sorry dude, my finger must have slipped; Didn't notice it....damn, it's such an important instrument of the orchestra too, I can't believe I didn't catch that!

[Joy]

I saw Joshua Bell on a television program yesterday and he was saying that he felt really badly and was 'rather hurt' that no one recognized him or stopped for a longer period of time to listen to him than just throwing some money into the hat. He said he's used to playing conert halls like Carnegie Hall and being in front of people who pay to listen to him and appreciate him. By the way, the sum in the hat was $39.00!