“That Was Then, This Is Now” . . . : Musical Flash Mobs

A reminder of a different time. A time when people gathered in public places casually, going about their business until they notice that the person beside them is carrying a bassoon. And that person coming up the escalator is holding a french horn. Suddenly an ad hoc music group has appeared out of nowhere, play a piece of music and then just as suddenly, disappear back into the crowd.

Flash mobs were a thing in the 2000’s. Originally they were more an exercise in artistic expression, not unlike the art “happenings” of the sixties. Then it became more of a marketing/public relations thing for companies but it still provided moments of beauty and wonder in this world for people just going about their day.

Here’s to a time when flash mobs can become a thing again.

Flashmob Flash Mob – Ode an die Freude ( Ode to Joy ) Beethoven Symphony No.9 classical music

RAVEL’S BOLERO, amazing FLASHMOB! (Spain)

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus

Flashmob Performs ‘Here Comes the Sun’ in Madrid Unemployment Office

Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO / Flashmob Marchingband TSV Lauf

Flashmob: Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen

Technically, the Apartment Sessions videos are not flash mobs but their Halloween videos on the NYC subway are pretty cool nonetheless (check out their other videos here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpU_PAsVFl2fO649QF6Zj0Q)

Queen – Somebody To Love (Apartment Sessions)

Stevie Wonder – Sir Duke (Apartment Sessions)