I've enjoyed Wagner since junior high band days (c. 1961) when we performed the band overtures to "Die Meistersinger", "Lohengrin", "Parsifal" and others. Found (at a church rummage sale) and cherished a copy of Milton Cross's "Stories of the Great Operas".

Also enjoy Richard Strauss.

A good vocal performance (oh, especially of "Au fond du temple saint" from Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers") will make every hair on your body stand on end.

Linn