[Norm Lenhart]

I like classical. A lot really. But It’s intimidating as hell for me to grasp it without feeling like a newb idiot. I could probably recite the lyrics of every Iron Maiden song from memory if given a couple min to think about them but just the post you made and the title of the work alone freezes me.

Which makes no since as I fancy myself a hobbyist musician. But there it is.

[jocon307]

you should listen to the morning guy on WQXR, it’s in NY but you could listen on your computer www.wqxr.org

He’s very good, very upbeat and enthusiastic and he’ll usually tell some interesting thing about whatever piece he’s playing. He doesn’t talk down to the audience at all and I’m not saying you’ll become an expert but you’ll pick up a little info here and there and maybe just feel more comfortable.

This morning he did a funny bit, told the whole story of Tristan and Isolde in 3 1/2 minutes. At one point he said: you say this plot point makes no sense, well neither does Game of Thrones and nobody’s complaining about that!

I don’t even watch game of thrones or listen to opera but I got a chuckle.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I learned by listening to a local classical radio station in my college years. They announced the piece before playing...and after. I then went to a record store (Yes! Vinyl!) and bought some Bach string quartets and some Mozart string quartets. Then I listened, found what I liked and listened some more. Eventually I bought a collection of CDs at a yard sale that had the complete symphonies of Beethoven and three symphonies by Mozart...24th, 25th and 29th. Those are some great music. I just kept listening...and reading.

Like you, I can recite all the lyrics my favorite rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd (and play a few) but always kept some classical handy. The vinyl albums are the best because they include lots of information to read on the music and its history. It's like anything else....repetition.