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 Charles in Vancouver, Washington
Suggested by Bob in Mount Angel, Oregon
Suggested by Cameron in Woodburn, Oregon
The first time I heard this piece (performed by Chanticleer), I was blown away by the beautiful unified tone of this choir, but also by Biebl's excellent musical composition. He melds the plainchant segments seamlessly with the polyphonic elements to create one of the most impressive choral works I have ever heard. Enjoy this masterpiece!
Suggested by Roddy in Portland, Oregon
I grew up in a remote area served by a very small country western radio station that went off the air at 9:00pm. In my teens, the station added an extra hour which allowed the host to introduce new music, typically jazz or classical. Sixty-five years later, I still love Brubeck and Dvořák. I’d appreciate hearing anything by either of those composers.
Suggested by John in Lincoln City, Oregon
When I was a boy back in the 1970s, I attended a recital by Montserrat Caballé. No one wanted to accompany me. None of my family or friends cared for opera. Nor did I, really... I had no experience with it. So this recital concert was a first for me.
I really can't recall why I went. It may have been that Caballé was Spanish, and I had a strong interest in all things Spanish. And I can't remember what her program was, either. What I DO remember was being literally on the edge of my seat that night, completely mesmerized, captivated by that rich, passionate voice.
I'd listened to a lot of different kinds of music before, but hadn't experienced the drama and purity of voice - direct, with no intermediate instrument. That night, Caballé made a convert of me, and an opera lover forever.
Suggested by Bob in Wilsonville, Oregon
Recently on the 5:00 Favorite you played a beautiful piece by the lesser known Finnish composer Erkki Melartin. It made me think of a beautiful piece by the lesser known Brazilian composer Alberto Nepomuceno. This beautiful, lilting tune is an orchestrated version of a movement from his 3rd string quartet and I’ve loved it for many years.
Suggested by Rachel in Salem, Oregon
This magnificent prelude reminds me of my years studying classical piano as I considered it a pinnacle accomplishment when I mastered it. (Also, Rachmaninoff is my favorite classical composer!)
Suggested by John in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
In Wisconsin the winters can be brutal, and the coming of Spring is welcomed with enthusiasm. The weather warms, the daffodils poke out of the ground followed by tulips. The grass turns from brown to a lush green and the trees vibrantly display their leaves. This music embodies the emotions of this fantastic season.
Suggested by David
It's an English piece that I particularly like. Very gentle and pastoral, and I find it so evocative. As a British expatriate making my new home in Oregon, I would be most gratified to hear this on your station.
Suggested by John in Milwaukie, Oregon
At the end of a long day, like music soothing the beast, you could lead me anywhere by playing this beautiful piece...
Suggested by Dave in Heron, Montana
When I hear this music, this lovely melody, it takes me from where I am to another place that is so relaxed yet fully engaged. I can't wait for my piano student granddaughter to learn this piece. That will be heavenly!
Suggested by BeBe in Sugarland, Texas
Soothing, peaceful, joyful and inspirational!
Suggested by Emma in Portland, Oregon
I am in middle school. When I was younger, I was listening to All Classical, when suddenly I heard a big BOOM come from the timpani. I was frozen in my chair, mesmerized by the powerful piece. When it was over I learned that the piece was written by an American composer named Aaron Copland. I still get that feeling when listen to Fanfare for The Common Man. This piece started my love of the composer. (My dad also likes classical music, but he never appreciated Aaron Copland. He says since I came along he's learned to love the famous composer.)
Suggested by Trisha in Wilsonville, Oregon
This piece speaks to me -- it tells me not to give up, it says that life is beautiful; it cries to me, telling me not to be afraid, saying that fear only makes things worse. It reassures me of my hopes and dreams, and bids me to believe in myself. Listen, and let it fill you with peace and joy.
Suggested by Lance in Portland, Oregon
My Dad influenced my love of Classical Music,. He used to stack his 33 rpm records, and on the weekends when we would be doing school work his records played in the background. He absolutely loved this piece of music
The Warsaw Concerto was written for the British film, Dangerous Moonlight, which is about the Polish struggle against the 1939 invasion by Nazi Germany. Even though it was written for a film, it's a beautiful concert piece!
Suggested by Anne in Woodburn, Oregon
This beautiful song is perfect after a stressful or rough day.
Suggested by Nancy in Newberg, Oregon
As a child I received an accordion and was fortunate to study classical accordion over the years. There is much to enjoy about this instrument. It may be an under-appreciated instrument most often associated with polkas and waltzes, however the music of Mozart, Bach, or Chopin is provided a distinctive resonant quality when preformed by a virtuoso accordionist. Thank you for playing this... my spirit is lightened and rejuvenated!
Suggested by Andrew in Tualatin, Oregon
Outside of Finland, Melartin is often forgotten in discussions of the Nordic nationalist giants. This is a shame, as his music is as romantic as the best of his contemporaries.
Suggested by Mark in Salem, Oregon
I have devoted the last 44 years of my life to prison ministry. Seeing broken lives restored is so important to me. Several years ago, I was introduced to a film called "The Spitfire Grill," which tells the story of a young woman who is trying to build a new life after serving a prison sentence in Maine -- and it is a painful uphill battle for her.
James Horner composed the score for this film, and the music is so melancholic, and at the same time very peaceful. I find it so soothing. I offer this selection, hoping that it will comfort people with hurting hearts. I also offer it as a "thank you" to Edmund Stone, who has taught me so much about movie music over the past 15 years of "The Score." Thank you to everyone at All Classical for being such a blessing!
Suggested by Larry in Portland, Oregon
This is a rarely performed work by 20th century Italian composer Licinio Refice, who was a Catholic priest. It is beautiful and haunting.
This is a really exciting piece that always wants to make me get up and move. I am graduating middle school this week and I think this piece is a great anthem for all graduates this year!