I've tried to like Wagner, I really have. Well, to the extent that I listen to about as much of him as I can stand at any one time and then give up. Certain excerpts from his works played as strictly orchestral pieces, I like. But overall I'm in agreement with the quote about him that's usually attributed to Mark Twain: "He has wonderful moments, and terrible quarter hours."
My experience of Wagner usually goes something like this:
*listening to overture*
"Oh hey this sounds pretty good. I think I'm gonna like this one."
*30 minutes later*
"Oh dear god let it end..."
Kinda sad since I'm fond of the heldentenor voices... and Wagner certainly seems to be the premier showcase for them. I had the Ring cycle taped off PBS once with every intention of watching it... and I couldn't get through it.