Peter, I think I enjoy AoE more than AoK.
Like you, I like the smaller buildings and there is something more "basic" about it.
I love playing the single games because of the leisurely pace. I hate playing on the Zone when I am wiped off the map in 10 minutes or so.
Today I replayed the Hittites Campaign. Don't you just love those two priests that start scenario 3 and the wonderful chanting sounds they make as they convert. It makes me smile all over!
There are so many little beautiful details to relish. Playing so fast bypasses the joy of these. The boats and the way they move - the fish and the whales jumping in the dark blue water - and the way so many scenarios open so simply with an humble town center. And again, those dear little priests setting out two by two.
As for the music, I too am a classical music lover, a pianist, and have played cello in the symphony. But I still get all geared up with the Hittites (Trial AoE) music.
Thanks for your response, Peter, to my questions.
Sara