Look around on the internet for compilations of popular pieces - find an artist you like and then check out his other work. Alot of the music on those compliations were the Stairway to Heaven of their time - there's a reason they are still popular.
That being said, for every William Tell Overture there's 100 sh1tty pieces, music back then is no different than it is today. Studs, one hit wonders and crap.
I would start with Vivaldi personally - especially the Concerto for Mandolin in C Major, it's one of my favorties. Also - if you like Beethoven who obviously very popular - grab the soundtrack to Immortal Beloved with Gary Oldman. Sir Georj Solti and the London PHO did it and it's fantastic.
Keep in mind too that every Conductor puts their own stamp on a piece of music, they aren't just there to wave the baton. This way it's almost like a cover song, the tempo, certain instruments more noticeable or absent all together. You'll find the same piece of music can sound completely different so hunt around.
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