Tosca by Puccini with Frene, Ramey and Domingo on DG conducted by Sinopoli and Die Zauberflote by Mozart with Fisher-Deiskau conducted by Solti on London are 2 pretty good discs( the LP of Tosca is superior) with good-very good sound and excellent performances. If you're just starting out, you may find Wagner ponderous, maybe even if you aren't starting out :-) Personally, I like the Germans, but I love the Italians. Any Verdi or Puccini are great starting places. IMHO.
Opera What is the best opera recording?
I know how hard it will be to narrow down to one single recording, but that's what I'm looking for. I have no opera recordings what so ever, so your advise will either leave me wanting more of leave me out in the cold. What advise would you give with such pressure?