Pretty much the same as you. I began listening to classical in college without much direction. Foolishly, I bought Boulez's Nonesuch "Le Sacre," slapped it on the turntable, sat down to listen, and thought "Is this a joke?" I persisted with it, and before long I couldn't get it out of my head. Same with jazz. I still don't know what the hell most of it's about. But something in me responds to it. Even the atonal stuff. I guess it's like looking at a painting: I might not have a clue about the artist's purpose, but I can admire the colors, the form (especially if it's a nude), and the medium.
How do you 'listen' to new music?
Coming new to classical and jazz music (many years ago) I was overwhelmed. I'd sit and listen and except for the simplist of pieces, full of melody, I just didn't get it. I found it necessary to devote a lot of time and effort to get to an appreciation of the music. Too much like work!
Some where along the line I decided not to work so hard. I'd buy a piece and just let it play as I did other things (as I am doing now) and letting myself become accoustomed to it. When I finally no longer found it indecipherable, and was finding it pleasant/comprehensible, I would then sit and really listen to it. If after playing it a few times it still didn't do anything for me, I'd put it away for a few years and then drag it back out.
Is this pecular to me? How have others made the cross over into jazz and classical music?
Some where along the line I decided not to work so hard. I'd buy a piece and just let it play as I did other things (as I am doing now) and letting myself become accoustomed to it. When I finally no longer found it indecipherable, and was finding it pleasant/comprehensible, I would then sit and really listen to it. If after playing it a few times it still didn't do anything for me, I'd put it away for a few years and then drag it back out.
Is this pecular to me? How have others made the cross over into jazz and classical music?