[jimmy2times]

I guess it would take a lot of patience, but it should be doable, maybe even more feasible than some contemporary music that is heavy on sound fx.

I don't find this as rewarding as trying to understand how a piece "works" though, or creating something new.

[siraben]

I think sheet music is a great way to see how a piece works since things are laid out spatially, and complex or subtle patterns can be teased out (e.g. voices in a Bach fugue). I often follow the sheet music as I listen as well.

[jimmy2times]

Yes, excellent point. Notation can be a great aid to understanding. I should give this a try more often.