The classical music industry never has owned up to this fact, never honestly tried to persuade people that there's nothing wrong with spending an hour of quality time simply listening. If you're willing to take the time, the music will entertain you for as long as you're willing to listen. It's that simple. So listen to each new recording several times, because the better you know the music, the better it will sound to you. A cathedral doesn't look the same at sunset as it does at noon.
Different interpretations are the spice that brings a piece of music to life.
Listening to it should be a joy, not a cultural duty or a penance. The fact that music may be grand, majestic, or serious in emotional content doesn't make it any less entertaining. So don't let yourself be intimidated. As you listen to more and more music, your personal tastes develop naturally. The music is out there.