I've seen very few live performances but have watched a great many on TV. My abiding response to most of opera's stories is that I would rather read the book. Except for one thing: some of the operatic duets, especially in a language I don't know, are heaven; with their lush harmonies, it is angels singing; a totally sensory experience...

And of course La Boheme. Great story- and the deathbed scene is a gripping, memorable one. Wonderful songs throughout. Our local lyric opera company performed it a couple of years ago; I was SO proud to live in a town that is home to such great voices.