Pearls Before Breakfast: Joshua Bell's Experiment in D.C. Metro

Introduction

• Joshua Bell, a renowned violinist, participated in an experiment by The Washington Post.
• The experiment questioned if a great musician could transcend the daily rush of D.C.'s morning commuters.
• Bell played incognito at the L'Enfant Plaza station.

Context of the Experiment

• Held on a Friday morning in January during rush hour.
• Bell played six classical pieces for 43 minutes.
• 1,097 people passed by; almost all were heading to government jobs.
• It was a test of context, perception, and public taste.

Observations and Participants' Reactions

• Bell played with a 1713 Stradivari violin.
• Acoustics in the arcade surprisingly enhanced the music.
• Few stopped to listen or gave money; total collection was $32.17.
• Leonard Slatkin, music director of the National Symphony Orchestra, expected 35-100 people would recognize Bell's skill; he was wrong.

Reactions and Insights

• People largely ignored Bell, focusing on their rush to work.
• Bell himself was surprised by the lack of attention.
• Contextual factors like time, place, and audience expectations influenced commuter reactions.

Notable Reactions During the Experiment

• Only one person recognized Joshua Bell, a demographer at the Commerce Department.
• Children showed natural curiosity but were often hurried along by parents.
• A few people, like a postal supervisor with a background in music, recognized the quality of Bell’s performance.

Philosophical and Cultural Reflections

• Questions raised about the ability to appreciate beauty in everyday life.
• Context and framing significantly influence the perception of art.
• The lack of attention may reflect modern life's priorities and pace.

Conclusion

• Despite his world-class talent, Bell was mostly invisible to commuters.
• The experiment highlighted a potential disconnect between beauty and daily life.