Favorite Opera and Why?

For me it is Aida. One reason is the complexity of the characters and their actions. So many opera, even the greatest ones, have heroes that are pure and perfect, and villains that are nothing but evil. In Aidi, the good characters are flawed, and the ones who might be considered evil also have redeeming traits. Radames is good, but he really does betray his country. Amneris sets some of the tragic events in motion, but she really does love Radames.

And then there's the final scene, where three pieces of music are sung simultaneously: (1) the most perfect farewell and death scene between Aida and Radames, (2) the lament of Amneris, and (3) the chanting of the priests. It's one of the greatest works of art ever created.