How to Fall in Love with Classical Music

Classical music is called “classical” for a reason. It has been appreciated for decades. It’s cool enough to be used in Bugs Bunny cartoons and movie soundtracks, such as “Clockwork Orange,” yet soothing enough to combat road rage when played in the car. You, too, can fall in love with classical music, which will help clear up the mystery as to why it continues to enthrall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Open mind
• Discerning ear
• Classical CDs or radio station
• Supplementary reading (optional)

1. Listen. Start by putting a classical music radio station on in the background, while you’re driving or doing your daily routine. You can also check out sale bins at many stores where classical music goes for cheap.
2. Take note. When a certain song catches your ear, make a note of who created it and delve further into his repertoire. Some catchy favorites usually include most stuff by Beethoven, Bach’s organ fugues, Stravinsky’s angry symphonies and a little German flavor with Schubert’s The Earl King.
3. Take notes. To appreciate the music even better, browse online or your local library to find out more about the composers and the meanings behind the songs. You can also find starter collections of music appreciation CD and books that will condense all this info into a nutshell. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring has much more meaning when you know it was controversial enough to cause a riot when first performed. The Earl King carries that much more weight, even if you don’t speak German, when you realize a small child is dying.
4. Amaze yourself and your friends. Next time a pal pops in the latest pop CD, just tell him no thanks, you’d rather listen to some organ fugues.

Tips & Warnings

• If you happen to miss the artist on a radio station, note what time the song was played and call the station to ask.
• Do check out the movie “Clockwork Orange” even if you have no intention of attempting to fall in love with classical music.
• If you play an instrument, do study the classics for form, content and genius.
• Beware of opera. It can give you a headache.