bach in the subway

a little bit late, but while i've been posting about birthdays, I forgot one: JS Bach's!

As a present, people all over the world play Bach's music in public spaces.

So i decided to play along, and go to the main transfer station in Graz, named Jakominiplatz and play.

Making a poster thing was important. I wanted people to know I wasn't playing for donations. I put way too much time into it. In the background, Felix is "taking a picture" of me taking a picture while Centa reads to him.

First I had to get a permit, which was easy enough after I found the building. 

Then to find a spot. Centa and Brian and Felix were very helpful picking the first spot:

directly next to a advertisement that says "Music tames the Beast"

Centa was prepared to spend all morning reading. Did I mention, it was COLD. 

'Twas the middle of March, after all.

Felix was most happy running around with music.

But we had to move often. Rules for how long you can play, and how far away a location is considered, and how far from doorways, etc. Everything is very exact.

Thanks to Brian I have photo and video evidence.

But this post is not complete without some crazy stories that come without pictures, crazier than the normal "thumbs up" and "what's a viola" and "cool"s and lots of coins left on my music stand under the sign that said "No Donations".

Three stood out.
The speed versions

*   One guy tried to give me a 20 euro note, holding it in my face, very physically trying to making me take it. I said no, and he walked away without listening to any music.

*   Two teenagers came up. One smoking and listening, one standing behind me and MIMING violin playing. For about 8 minutes.

*   One guy came to me and told me I had to let me try my violin.
"I used to play the violin, please, let me try, I would like to play your violin, it is so beautiful." After I said no, 3 different ways, and he begged again 3 different ways, I gave in. Centa is watching from the bench with very wide eyes. The guy takes my viola and puts the bow in his left hand, the viola in his right, and plays a very passable romanian fiddle tune, then gives it back without saying thank you. OK then.