I'd have to say Schubert IMHO was one of the best melodists of all
(eschewing opera for now...).  There is a Waltz in a minor for Piano, I
forget the D.  number.  Some days I can't get it from my head for anything.
I guess I'd hum it for y'all if I could.  [When does the mixed-media list
come out?] I won't even start in on his Lieder.

Sometimes, though, the 'worst' (least lyrical?) melodies take the best
thematic treatment.  I'm thinking of the slow movement of Beethoven's
7th--a personal fave.

Bob K.