The Five O’Clock Favorite is driven by listener suggestions! We’d love your participation. Due to the interest in the program, it may be a week or two before you hear your selection on-air.
Suggestions are easiest to honor if they’re 20 minutes or less.
Suggested by Brent in Newberg, Oregon
Suggested by Emma in Portland, Oregon
I recently saw Dances With Wolves. It was a beautiful film with a moving story, majestic landscapes and a magnificent score by John Barry. Barry's music swept me away. I would like to hear Farewell and End Titles for the 5:00 Favorite.
Suggested by Debbie in Heron, Montana
I've loved the music of Dave Brubeck since high school, when, for a modern dance class, I picked "Take Five" to choreograph a dance to. I have the fondest memories of that time and have always loved Dave Brubeck.
Suggested by Bert in Portland, Oregon
I have listened to classical music for the past 5 decades, but only just discovered the music of Estonian composer Arvo Part after reading the book "Horizon," by Barry Lopez. The author met the composer on the Oregon coast (at one of his favorite places - Cape Foulweather), and he described Pärt's music as "austere and contemplative.... human suffering and Divine consolation are prominent in his compositions, and the resolution he sometimes finds is majestic."
I am fond of many of Arvo Part's works, but Mr. Lopez connected strongly with "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten." He described it as an experience of grief and anxiety giving way to peace.
Suggested by Diane in Hillsboro, Oregon
I love this piece for its mesmerizing minimalism. It makes me think of the sun's movement across the sky as evidenced by its beam moving across the floor of my room.
Suggested by Richard in Portland, Oregon
I thought this was very, very nice when I first heard it a couple of weeks ago on your program. This radio station is doing a fabulous job playing the music of "overlooked" composers (people of color, women). It is just so sad to think of the millions of people that have been for years excluded from contributing their abilities to a civilized world.
Suggested by Jill in Vancouver, Washington
Reminds me of growing up in the country in our home by the river. Riding horses and eating wild blackberries.
Suggested by Laura in Portland, Oregon
This is one of those pieces that gives me chills every. single. time. I listen to it. Christopher Tin has an incredible talent for composing music that simultaneously is grounding and makes you feel like anything is possible. I put this on when I want to take a deep breath and be inspired to carry on.
Suggested by John in Maywood Park, Oregon
My dear friend's father died this week. His name was Blaze Nemeth. His family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, we donate to All Classical in his name. I also wanted to request a piece of music that is meaningful to me. "Now let thy servant depart" from Rachmaninoff's Vespers is -in my opinion- THE most beautiful and transcendent piece of choral music. Rachmaninoff himself said, "I should like this sung at my funeral."
Suggested by Sue in Portland, Oregon
I used to play the French Horn in an opera orchestra -- I even wanted to make a career of my favorite instrument. Instead I became an non-profit administrator, working with Amnesty International in Ottawa, Ontario, the Wayne State Center for Peace & Conflict Studies in Detroit, and finally (for 33 years) at the UN in New York. When my husband and I retired we moved to Portland in order to be near our children & grandchildren.
I love the fact that French Horn music is often played on All Classical Portland, and that it is also Christa Wessel's instrument! So, as my suggestion for the Five O'Clock Favorite I would love to hear any horn music that Christa would like to play for me.
Thank you! I love All Classical Portland, and listen many hours a day.
Suggested by Bruce in Oregon City, Oregon
In dedication to my mother, who played this on her piano and introduced me to classical music.
Suggested by Sheila in Portland, Oregon
I was browsing YouTube with a friend and we listened to this piece by an orchestra and then again with a Mariachi band. It's wonderful no matter what plays it!
Suggested by Benno in Portland, Oregon
This entire CD ("Lux" by Voces8) brings tears to my eyes. When I heard this group for the first time I could not believe my own ears. There is something inherently comforting about the sound of unaccompanied voices in harmony. This album rocks my socks!
Suggested by Kelly in Wilsonville, Oregon
The first time I heard this piece I was moved and tearful. I think it could be a soundtrack for all of us Portland area residents who have experienced so much together, unspoken, over the last year and a half. It's called "Experience" and it is, in my "experience," that the most unexpected pieces of music, like unexpected acts of kindness, can end-up freeing us.
Suggested by Randi in Portland, Oregon
Scheherazade was my dad’s favorite symphony. He introduced it to me before I was in kindergarten, and it has become my all-time favorite. It takes me away, out of my troubles and worries, whenever I hear it.
Suggested by Tom in Georgetown, Texas
Today is my wife's 80th birthday. She remains the love and joy of my life. We enjoy both classical music and jazz. One of her favorite artists, who we regard as the premier trumpet player of BOTH the classical and jazz repertoire, is Wynton Marsalis. Please play something by him of your choice as the Five O'Clock Favorite on her birthday. Thank you!
Suggested by Nichole in Tigard, Oregon
"Ode to Joy" was played at my husband's and my wedding, and we recently celebrated our 12 year anniversary. I have always loved this music and would love to hear it again.
Suggested by Nancy in Newberg, Oregon
I'd love to hear Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" performed by Oscar Levant. I first heard this piece at age nine. It was the beginning of my thirst for classical music. This brings fond memories of my parents who generously tolerated my musical preferences amidst a family with other preferences.
Oscar Levant may have dropped out of favor from bits of information I've come across. However, I think his interpretation of Gershwin has contributed to later interpretations. Thank you for this delightful program and stories!
Suggested by Greg in Village Manor
Suggested by Alex in Silverton, Oregon
Quite a few years ago, when my daughters were in their early teens, we attended a concert of the Oregon Symphony at Willamette University in Salem. The theme of the concert was "women who made a difference." Among the works was a performance of the Habenera from Carmen. The vocalist, Michelle DeYoung, was resplendent in a beautiful red gown and gave a memorable rendition. It brought down the house. As a result this piece has always been a favorite of ours and when we hear it, we all think back to that wonderful evening.
I'm in this recording, back row, third from the left. :-) I sang for 10 years with Robert Shaw in Atlanta, both in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and in his professional choruses. This recording was made in Spivey Hall near Atlanta; I was teaching there at the time and Mr. Shaw loved its acoustics and recorded several albums there. The song is one of quite a few Schubert wrote for men's chorus, many of them accompanied by his beloved guitar. The first two verses are quiet and gentle, and the final verse breaks into a lilting dance that practically invites everyone to link arms and celebrate: "Thus, friends, did many heavenly songs fade.../ on winged tones they wafted peace/ and blissful sorrow into our tender hearts." This one's a special memory for me because so many of the men in the chorus were good friends (one of my best friends was on my right), and it's a blast to sing.