How to Enjoy Classical Music

Believe it or not, without classical music from composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, we probably would not have our popular music, from the Beatles to Kanye West. Classical music is the foundation of music as we know it but, unfortunately, most people don't enjoy it or can't appreciate it for how profoundly it has shaped our musical culture. Here are some ways to develop that enjoyment and appreciation of what classical music has to offer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Music player, e.g., mp3 or CD player
• An open mind
• Access to a public library

1. 

   First, realize the fact that the term 'classical' music is a very broad term that doesn't really describe most of the music that falls under that classification. Classical music typically describes all western music from around A.D. 1000 to present. 'Classical period' music describes western music produced roughly between the years of 1750 and 1820 and usually has the light, 'boring' feel to it that most people don't enjoy. It is this 'classical period' music that most people associate with ALL classical music, and this is a unfortunate confusion of terms.

2. 

   Find a classical music radio station and stay tuned in. If you listen for long enough, you will realize that classical music isn't quite what you thought it was. Keep your radio on to the classical station while you're in your car or while you're at home. As you are listening take note of pieces that you like (announcers usually say the name and composer of a piece before and after it's played). Even if you listen for several hours and only find one piece you enjoy, that's a great start. As a bonus, having classical music playing in the background while you go through your daily activities can be relaxing and intellectually enriching.

3. 

   After you find a composer or pieces you like (hopefully several of each) head to the local public library where you can check out CDs of the music free of charge. If you don't have access to a library but don't want to pay too much for a recording, go to a store that sells used books and music and purchase recordings at a discounted price. Used classical music CDs often sell for 2 bucks or less.

4. 

   Do a little research on music or composer that you like. Most people don't realize how much drama and emotion often go into the creation of great pieces of music. By doing a little study on the life of the composer you can begin to sympathize with the music more as you develop appreciation for it. Also, most people don't realize that a lot of classical music is programmatic, i.e., there is a story behind it. Check out Hector Berlioz' Symphony Fantastique; this is a perfect example of exciting and compelling program music, not to mention the interesting life of the composer.

5. 

   Accept that you're not going to like all the classical music you hear. Enjoying and appreciating classical music is not restricted to enjoying all of the music. Even people who listen to and enjoy classical music a lot don't like all of it, usually even most of it. Most people who listen to rock, country, rap, or any other kind of music would say the same thing. Find a composer, style or time period that suits you and start from there.

6. 

   Learn to appreciate individual classical instruments. Whenever you get a chance, listen to a violin, piano, cello, tuba, or other orchestral instruments being played live and up close. There's nothing like hearing these instruments being played live, especially if they're being played well. Watch the performer and develop an appreciation for the technical demands of playing an instrument as well as enjoy the rich acoustic sounds.

7. 

   Give it time. Just keep those radios tuned to the classical station and eventually you will hear something that really puts the hook in you. Don't be intimidated or turned off right away by something that sounds arrogant or boring and don't worry if you're listening to something and have no idea what it's about. Just keep listening, and the enjoyment will come...

Tips & Warnings

• Here are some composers and pieces of music you may have never heard of that you should try.
• Symphony Fantastique by Hector Berlioz
• Preludes for piano by Fredrick Chopin
• Piano Concerto No.2 by Sergei Prokofiev
• Symphony No.7 by Ludwig von Beethoven
• The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst
• Music in Changing Parts by Philip Glass
• Gaspard de la Nuit by Maurice Ravel
• Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Part

Resources

• Find a classical music radio station near you
• Mickey Mouse, piano

[trvlarrngr]

on 8/13/2009 Great article on enjoying classical music. Thanks! 5 stars

[joycetmann]

on 8/3/2009 Thank you SO SO much for this article. I love every single piece you mentioned in your "tips" section. I would add Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet". Wish I could give more than 5*.

[fitzcents]

on 7/31/2009 When I want to refresh my spirit I too enjoy the classics. 5* & rec.

[Tiferet]

on 7/29/2009 As a classical music occasional listener I could use these tips..I love it..but often don't recognize it..thanks for this well written inspiring article 5*

[ceholmes]

on 7/28/2009 great and informative article, I am a fan of Mozart and have some of his music at home! 5*