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Is there any special way for us all to listen to classical music ? Perhaps yes, is the answer. So, let's have a look at some points : Good music source - Good music reproduction system - Good listener's position - Good overall conditions CD quality is the best. Mp3 format is not always good for classical music genres. Consider it only when compression is 256 kbps or above. DVD performances (usually operas) are perfectly OK, but one should have a TV set with good sound capabilities. Live TV or Video performances are almost a class lower - you can still enjoy but the beauty of sound will diminish.
The reproduction system for a full-enjoying listening session should be no less than a decent home hi-fi. Portable devices with headphones are very handy and provide fantastic stereophonic image, but the sound is more or less distorted (especially low frequencies). TV set provide a fair sound and you can enjoy classical music but I wouldn't recommend it.
Good listener's position is about the stereophonic image : you should be in the center and the left and right speakers should be in the same distance from your head. You should also avoid placing the speakers on the floor (if possible) but at the height of your body instead.
Talking about overall conditions we mean that the room should be quiet and yourself should be untired, calm and in a good mood. Information on the composer - Information on the works If you don't know anything about the composer, you will still understand his works, but, you will certainly miss the very essence of the listening procedure : you will be out of his era, his artistic motives, his lifestyle, his musical world in general. If you know more about the one whose music you are listening, you can classify the elements of his music in your brain and analyze matters of form, style and execution much more easily and effectively.
Information on the specific works in an even deeper stage of understanding and configuring the music data in yourself. By knowing a priori the structure of a work you can appreciate the themes, the melodies and the smaller parts which itself is consisting of in a much more convincing manner. Everything will finally be crystal clear and you will possibly love the music you are listening to.
Notice : if your CD is missing an explanatory booklet, you can still find the kind of information mentioned above on the net (you can also ask an expert friend of yours, if you have one, of course). The actual listening procedure First of all, if you have got a booklet, then use it! Second, be concentrated all the time and try to keep in your "recent" memory as much music as you can. This way you will be able to focus on the form, important for larger pieces. Be aware of all aspects concerning the current phrase of music : the time, meter and rhythm of the passage (try to find them by hitting your foot on the floor!), the notes' pitch, the harmony being shaped (notes that can be heard at the same time : they usually form well-sounding units), the counterpoint (two distinct melodies at the same time) if exists, and finally, the orchestration (what instruments are playing together at the same time). Remember : mastering all aspects of music at the same time is almost impossible except for the very super talents !
Try to understand why the whole piece is an autonomous set of well-tuned events. Find the elements of artistic balance and form unity (unity is supported by similar melodies and themes). Start telling apart each instrument when playing solo (at least the most important ones : violin, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, [french] horn, trombone).
Find out what you like more in that piece of music. Find out what you don't like in it. Be patient if you find a passage a little bit boring or dull : there may be a reason for that ! Give composer a chance ! Realizing the purpose of different parts of the same composition may help you in this.
When many instruments are playing together try to distinguish the melody (feel free to whistle the more characteristic tune of all) and the bass line (the line with the lowest notes to be heard of).
Attention : try to both understand the music and enjoy it as much as you can at the same time. There are certain types of music which cannot be analyzed in execution time because of their superb complexity. In such difficult cases, try to "catch" the melody, the idea of the bass line and the basic elements of orchestration (that is, which instruments seem to be playing at the moment). This should be OK (especially for a beginner!).
In any case, you are absolutely free to get enthusiastic about your favorite music ! Don't overdo it with the analysis, especially during your very first times. You may get disappointed and give it up. Be patient and, first of all, have a good time yourself ! Relistening procedure In more complex types of music, you will definitely be able to undestand more details by relistening the actual composition : when relistening eg. pieces of symphonic music, don't always focus on the "front" voices : try, for instance, to listen to "hidden" voices instead (if you already "own" the melody). Try to distinguish the sound colours (at least the very rough differences between them, eg. strings versus winds). Clarify the form better.
Answer to the questions that has arisen in previous listenings (eg. how many times that theme has been played, why the "grand" solo is occuring just before the finale, why that orchestra don't have a flute, learn approximately which instruments are playing high notes and which low ones etc. ) Conclusions Listening to classical music without any effort to understand what you are actually listening to can be tireless but you are missing a lot of magic out there. Try to follow the simple steps described above - be patient but also insistent - and you will see that your knowledge and self-satisfaction will be greatly improved !
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