Manny Laureano

From what I understand, all it takes is a municpal permit and, bingo, you're in business. There's word that in San Fransisco you have to pass an audition of sorts to get a permit to be a street entertainer. I don't know if that's urban myth. If true, I don't know how I feel about that, pro or con. Time to mull.

ML

trmptr

I agree with this statement from Manny. It really is a very sad commentary about our society in general, not about classical music or art. I found myself at times so upset that this famous musician was being ignored that I felt tears welling in my eyes. At other times, when they mentioned the Mortenson guy and the woman who recognized Joshua Bell, I found it to be comforting that someone actually took a moment to enjoy the beauty of the music.

I wondered how I would have reacted if I had walked through the Metro that day. I honestly can't predict it. I'd like to think I would have taken a minute to listen, but if I'd been in a hurry - who knows?

I took the overall tone of the article as a statement that we all just need to slow down, take time to enjoy the important things in our lives, and live in the beauty of the moment - whatever that moment is at that time.

very interesting article!

__________________
Del Lyren
Professor of Trumpet
Bemidji State University
http://cal.bemidjistate.edu/music/home.html

Tootsall

Just watch the Mnozil Brass "Seven" DVD "bonus features" for proof of that.

Another thing that's been missed so far in the discussion is that the "experiment" took place in a location where "commuting" is featured. In Europe there is much more emphasis on sitting and enjoying time relaxing; sidewalk cafe's abound and cars make way for pedestrians. Lunch hours are "extended" (especially in Italy where shops shut down for up to 2 hours at midday!) This lady set up shop in the MarienPlatz in Munich while we were sitting and having a "cold one". She was good...especially considering that she's an accordian player! In most cities of North America she'd have to find a place where tourists abound ON FOOT to get any attention (OK, the office worker passing her by is probably on his way to DC!) But just behind camera range are several hundred people having lunch, browsing shp windows or just standing and taking it all in.

It's just one of the cultural differences that we notice when we travel.

ecarroll

Del,

We are surrounded by moments of unexpected beauty if we're open to them -- taking a moment to savor a beautiful sunset (note I'm in California at the moment), to listen to a distant church bell or birdsong, or to laugh unabashedly with others.

I'm certain that our art is alive and well. I have frequent doubts about the artistic health of our society, however.

Best,
EC

mahaberio

This was the exact inspiration for my latest piece. I was inspired when I saw a piece of everyday beauty from something that most people around these parts try to get rid of and thought I should try to preserve the moment in music. The composition's largest fault? No trumpet.

Siegtrmpt

I'm not discouraged by this experiment at all. There's a time and place for everything. The reaction to Bell's playing would have been well received by the same people at a local restaurant at noontime or a park where people are coming to take a break from their workday.

__________________
Bill S.- NY Bach 6, 38 Mt. Vernon 43 Bach "C" cornet, NY Bach trombone 6vii Monette mouthpieces