A couple short comments on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
One of the more interesting articles I’ve read in the past few months is Pearls Before Breakfast by Gene Weingarten from the Washington Post. It asks the question: is beauty still beauty when removed from context and focuses on Joshua Bell, one of the world’s finest violinists, playing during the morning rush hour at L’Enfant Plaza in DC. A thousand people were confronted with one of the finest musical performances they’re likely to ever see, and the different reactions (or lack of reactions) are fascinating. The summary:
In the three-quarters of an hour that Joshua Bell played, seven people stopped what they were doing to hang around and take in the performance, at least for a minute. Twenty-seven gave money, most of them on the run — for a total of $32 and change. That leaves the 1,070 people who hurried by, oblivious, many only three feet away, few even turning to look.
Check out the article – there are a number of videos embedded so you can hear him play and watch the people walk past.
In other news, I just watched the best soccer game I’ve seen all year, a 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Middlesboro. It had great pace, lots of opportunities, good play on both sides and a fantastic goal by Boro just before the half. It was especially great to watch a team that still faces relegation fears (if only just) going to Old Trafford and playing to win. In fact, the probably should have, as they were denied a clear penalty with about 2 minutes of time left.
The result means Man U has given Chelsea the opening they need – if they can win tomorrow, they’ll be down a single point, with a match between the two still to come. They are already playing in the FA Cup final, and if they can both win their semifinals, could meet in the Champion’s League final as well. As a neutral fan, there is something a little disturbing about such bipolar dominance but it also makes for some fascinating theater. This is the first year I’ve followed the EPL with regularity, and while I wouldn’t want every year to finish this way, I can’t deny that it’s been fascinating to watch it all unfold.
Finally, because this is still a music blog, let me join the throng in recommending Lucky Soul. If you’ve been reading for any time, you know how I love the Northern Soul/Spector influenced sound, and Lucky Soul do it about as well as anyone. Listen to this song and hear for yourself.
Then get The Great Unwanted for yourself. And check out a neat interview with Ali Howard from the band over at Skatterbrain.