What do you prefer?

I have my favorite parts of certain symphonies but there is one symphony that I love all movements equally the same and that is Beethoven's 5th.

I wasn't into opera until about ten years ago. The one and only opera i like so far is Carman.But I still have a favorite part and it doesn't have any singing. I like the music that plays when Carmen and the gypsies go to the mountains.

For me, classical music is very relaxing and gives me peace of mind besides just musical beauty and enjoyment. Johan Strauss waltz music is my favorite. I do also have a collection of Johan Strauss. I am not good at dancing waltz, but I like watching people dancing to Johan Strauss music, very graceful and rythematic.

I listen to classical most of the time, mainly symphonic works, my favourites being Beethovens 9th and Sebelius symphony nr2.
The only operas I'm familiar with are Carmen and La Bohéme, other than that I just pick my favourite arias.

My classical tastes are pretty ecclectic. I like just about anything. I can't really pinpoint what I like, but I know what I like and what I don't like, when I hear it.

I think the difference is that anyone can play a tune they know from an advert while they're doing the ironing but listening to a whole symphony requires effort - it's actually quite hard work. Imagine the concentration you need to read a good book and then apply it to listening, then symphonies might have a chance. Opera only really work in the theater or possibly on DVD, for me, otherwise it just seems pointless warbling (even if it's very nice warbling).

I like piano sonatas and chamber music too. When I listen to a symphony I don't think I only like parts of it. I want to hear it to the end. Cheers!!