John Tilbury, Wednesday lunchtime

Just listened to a programme of Cornelius Cardhew pieces played by John Tilbury on a pair of pianos (one prepared). I could see the music was beautiful, and I detected a distinct thread the other end of which was attached to Satie. However, I come back to the problem I have with some contemporary music, which is that it seems to require a distinct way of being listened to. I don't possess this skill, unfortunately. It feels like something that I need to work on, which begs the question is it worth it? Don't know. This may give you the impression that I didn't enjoy the recital. Far from it. It's just that I think I was missing something, and I want to know what it was...