The article addresses the problem of researching the reception of classical music. The working goal is to show the paradigm that guides the conducted research. Examples of research will be presented, which will be analyzed in order to confirm the thesis that research into mass culture is unknowingly transferred to the reception of classical music. The main goal of the work is to indicate the path that should be followed by research oriented on the ontological autonomy of the works. Despite the theoretical nature, this work is intended to heal the musical practice. False belief about the disappearance of the difference in the reception of classical and light music has a destructive effect on the repertoire policy of public cultural institutions.