In college, I read (because I picked it up - it was not required reading) Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange." I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kept my mind at play. But I kept reading about Alex and his droogs and the Glorious Ninth. So I had to follow that up, and indeed it was glorious (the Second Movement, which is what I think the story intended). That was back in the '70s. I couldn't express why it was so glorious until the 21st Century and I saw the graphics on Youtube.
Take a look and listen if you'd like, and if you don't get a feel of the incredible diversity, layering, dynamics, and majesty of the music, we can still talk, but not about this piece.
Other things.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer, who taught me to like classical music. "Pictures at an Exhibit" album, "
Blues Variation," which was not by Mussorgsky but I love it nonetheless. (Now as I listen to it, I realize it may seem somewhat pedestrian to others, but it was an Important Juncture in my life.)
Santana,
Europa, but particularly on their "Viva Santana!" album. This is the live version from Osaka. Forget the studio version. This is a very, well, sexual song (to me), featuring incomparable guitar work, including a 60-second (I timed it) note sustain by Carlos, and I can listen to it anytime. Anytime.
"Jessica" by the Allman Brothers. Pure joy. We need joy in the midst of all this other angst that I'm projecting in the other selections.
"Hurt" by Trent Reznor, evoked through Johnny Cash. It must be an age thing. I cannot listen to Johnny croak his way through it and watch the sorrowful video without the waterworks coming loose.
"Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd. Rage, regret, sorrow, all encapsulated through the arrangement, the lyrics, and that evocative guitar at the end.
Boston, "Foreplay/Long Time," which is a rather eyebrow-raising title, but it's the best rock'n'roll intro to the song ever.
I tried to keep it short and pure. I failed. 
It's PEACE on earth, obviously... Although some pieces on earth are nice. I like gemstones...