On our wonderful local radio show the Connection with Christopher Lydon,
pianist and NEC professor Stephen Drury is discussing contemporary
classical music.  He is urging listeners to approach modern music in a new
and different way in order to begin to appreciate it on its own terms.

Do not think of music as telling a story.  Do not think of it as a dance.
Think of the sounds as an experience to be absorbed.

He cites Cage's 433 as the piece that really opened his mind to this
because it forces us to consider this.

PS This excellent radio show is now in syndication around the country.
Check with your local public radio station(s). It has some very fine
discussions of all kinds of music.

Ed