When I was a kid, Beethoven was composing just down the street. The finest music ever written is his "Ode to Joy."
I'm a bit younger but also a big fan of classical music.
My musical tastes have grown and changed over time. As a kid I mostly liked classical and heavy metal but over the years my tastes have broadened. I started getting into jazz and folks in my mid-to-late 20's as well as alt-rock. I've always loved classical but I didn't get into opera until my late 20's or early 30's.
Unlike some folks who only like the music of their youth I have favorites that have popped up in every era. There's a lot of good stuff coming out nowadays as well.