One of the many wonderful facets of classical music is the way in which a piece is developed, as if a long and intricate story. While listening to the Mendelssohn violin concerto this morning, I kept thinking how impossible it is to flip between pieces, like one does with songs on the radio. (It is a particular challenge with this piece, because Mendelssohn does such a great job transitioning from one movement to another, so they are practically inseparable). For one thing, modern music tends to be short, usually less than three minutes, and repetitive, with a short series of (usually vapid) chord progressions and a chorus (usually with uninspiring lyrics) that is sung two or three times (or more if there is a modulation). Listening to twenty seconds of a song is fairly indicative of the song in entirety; this makes it easy for mindless "song surfing", or jumping from one to another.
Classical music requires patience and attention. (This is, in part, what makes it esoteric and more difficult to appreciate). The work unfolds, progresses, develops, intertwines--and a good piece does it in a way that is truly magical and captivating. There is also beauty in the translation of a piece, in the way that the artist (i.e. performer) presents it. Oftentimes, particularly in a live performance, that entails slight imperfections; musicians strive to minimize these, of course, but with rigorous concertos there are bound to be a few flaws. My favorite recording of the Mendelssohn has a part where the soloist gets just slightly behind the orchestra for a few measures in a particularly challenging spot, and then quickens his tempo to catch up. It is a delightful moment. It is something you rarely find in modern music, both because of the lack of technical expertise required and the use of digitalized music methods (eg. autotuning) that eliminate such imperfections.
I do listen to mainstream music from time to time--I would hate to be perceived as pretentious--but there is really no comparison to the feeling one has when returning to a beloved work of classical artistry. It had been so long since I had listened to M's violin concerto, and the hour I spent with it this morning felt like an hour reconnecting with an old and dear friend. It has made my whole day that much more blissful.