"George K. Halsell" wrote:

>...  Could anyone offer suggestions on important works to mention?

Well, certainly Tristan und Isolde would be in there, I think.  Also
Tannhaeuser.  I think there's a spot in Strauss' Sinfonia Domestica that
is graphic program music.  Some of the Renaissance madrigals and chansons
might do as well--one that comes to mind is Lassus' "Matona mia cara," with
its "mi ficcar di tutte notte".

Chris Bonds