I was able to get to the 3rd note, what I did see did set up the ambiance of fear quite quickly and it maintained the whole time I was trying to get through the maze, but yeah the grainy effect was difficult to see through, but on the same token i see how it added to the effect of dreamlike state.
Yeah, the grainy effect was supposed to impair your vision and add to the ambience but it does fade in and out. I don't expect anyone to try and play the whole game like that :P