Classical music newbie needs your suggestions

why, like asking the history of the world in a few sentences…

maybe you should start by buying a nice, short history of western music and take it from there . there are so many, the oxford one is great but several volumes, probably too much for starters

also all music is not enjoyable at the same level.

Mozart italian operas as it has been noted are some of the greatest mastepieces ever and readily accessible to anyone

beethoven’squartets are equally great but much more difficult, bach’s WTC and Goldberg very difficult also.

difficult to advice, take it slowly is a big and steep mountain. 

I should add that I do envy you. I wish I could hear again some of that music for the first time…

Come to think of it, why don’t you find some 101 class on music history? there’s plenty on lime and not… 

Check out this guy.  I certainly don't always agree with his opinions, but his knowledge of classical music is very deep.

+1 @marklings 

You might try listening to a really good Classical Internet Radio station, see which Composers appeal to you, then explore.  That is basically how I started

Here's a couple for 'ya:

Scheherazade (Rimsky-Korsakov) + Canon in D Major (Johann Pachelbel).

There are many different contemporary versions/interpretations by different conductors.  For example, I purchased at least 6 different versions of Pachelbel's Canon in D Major (all on vinyl) before I finally found the one I liked best which, if I recall correctly, was used in a TV commercial many, many years ago.  I think the commercial was for GE light bulbs.  Simply outstanding on a good sound system, whether you're a lover of Classical music or not!