Der Provokateur im ICE

A saxophonist boards the German fast train, the Intercity Express, and begins to play. S/he improvises, reacting to the sounds s/he hears – the pitches produced by the train, coughing, an announcement over the speakers. Some passengers become annoyed by this encounter with unconventional music and interrupt what the saxophonist is playing with loud pleas for them to stop and sarcastic mimicry.

Who is the real agitator (“Provokateur”)? Seen from the perspective of new music lovers, the passengers are rude and uncultured. Why do they not see the impromptu concert as a pleasant surprise rather than an affront? From the perspective of those who do not like new music, the passengers are within their right to voice their disapproval. They did not go to the music, the music came to them. They are paying customers, and, unlike in the concert hall, they do not have the option of leaving. At best they can move to another part of the train and wait, but that would be an inconvenience.