Listen to a symphony in its entirety, or if you wish to focus on only one movement at a time, listen to just that movement. You may close your eyes if you wish. Do not write or engage in any activity but listening.
Listen to the symphony or movement again. During and after listening, write any comments or ideas or events you observed.
Identify the main ideas and melodies throughout the symphony or movement. This activity enables you to listen to the entire orchestra, as one section of the orchestra does not always play the melody. Also identify which sections serve the harmonic functions. The melody is the single note you can sing, and it is usually the part that will stick in your memory. The harmonies are the notes that support the melody. Write down what you observe. Identifying instruments that play the melodies can help you pick up the tone and character of the music.
Identify the structure of the symphony or movement. The structure is the planned organization that unites the composition. If you wish to name specific forms, you should research forms in music, such as the sonata-allegro or fugue, and find what makes them unique. A sonata-allegro form is easy to identify. It starts with a main idea or section, the A section, followed by the B section, also called the development, and ends with a recapitulation of the A section, often with some adjustments. Write any comments about the structure of the symphony or movement. Identifying the form can help you understand what the composer was thinking and what he wants the listener to hear.
Listen again to the symphony or movement and observe thoughts and feelings you have while listening. Ask yourself what you think the composer meant or wanted to get across to the listener.