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 Scarlet in Portland, Oregon
Suggested by Wira in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
I have been listening to All Classical Portland's online stream, enjoying the beautiful music from Sydney, Australia. It has been giving me so much pleasure in these challenging times. I hope this song will boost everyone's morale.
Suggested by Derek in Portland, Oregon
I had no idea that a person named Johan de Meij even existed before my band teacher recommended this piece. I love it because it has a catchy tune, great composition, and dynamic changes and drive.
Suggested by Peter in McMinnville, Oregon
This selection is connected for me with a momentous (and somber) historical event and my experience of it.
It was late November 1963, and I was a college student spending my junior year abroad in Vienna. Being an avid fan of opera, very much including the works of Richard Wagner, I went to performances of the Vienna State Opera whenever I could. On this particular night, I was at a performance of Die Walküre. In the final scene of the (long) opera, as a punishment for disobeying his command, Wotan puts his beloved daughter, the Valkyrie Brünnhilde, into a deep sleep and places her on a mossy bank. He summons Loge, the god of fire, pointing his spear toward a large rock. He strikes the rock three times with his spear, and flames spring from the rock, fire gradually spreading around the bank with the sleeping Brünnhilde. Wotan proclaims that no one who fears the point of his spear shall ever pass through the fire. As the familiar Magic Fire Music plays, Wotan takes one fond last look at the sleeping Valkyrie and disappears into the fire as the music continues to its conclusion, ending the opera.
On this night, as the last note of the Magic Fire Music ended, before there was any chance for applause, a suited official stepped quickly from behind the curtain and motioned for silence. "It is with great sadness that I must inform you," he said (or words to that effect), "that John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, is dead."
In shock, the audience dispersed in silence. Outside the theatre, the newsboys selling any of Vienna's three newspapers were swamped. I bought a copy of one of the papers and in a new shock--and now disbelief--read the headline: "Kennedy Dead. Fell victim of an assassination." Assassination?!!!
I hurried home to my "digs" and tuned my radio to the Voice of America, which of course was covering nothing else. I didn't know any other Americans in Vienna, but I sure wished I did right then. The closest I came was to go to the American embassy, where I arrived around midnight and signed a condolence book, behind which stood a U.S. marine in full-dress uniform.
Suggested by Anneliese in Hunstville, Alabama
In my favorite novel, Firebird by Kathy Tyers. there is a city was called Tallis, named for the composer. That's how I first discovered this piece. Later, I and my co-author, Galadriel Coffeen, listened to this music while writing our debut novel, Jubilant... and we listened so often it became associated with the female lead character, Kelta. Our book was published today, and we think it would be fantastic to have this piece played to celebrate its inspiring power. I’m really excited to share this musical part of our creative process, especially since I’ve been listening to AllClassical for almost 20 years…
Suggested by Nate in Portland, Oregon
If ever there was a piece of music that can evoke so many images at once it has to be this. I’ve loved this music all my life and since I work nights the moonlight has been my sunlight.
Suggested by Larry in Oak Grove, and Sandi in Portland
Larry says: Though much of the music by the Croatian duo 2cellos doesn't fit with your format (see them do AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" or Jimi Hendrix... they do things with the cello which may be downright unnatural!) their interpretation of the Benedictus by Karl Jenkins is soaring and will uplift you. It lifts me so far above the mundane you wonder how it could ever have been written. It may make you cry or at least tear up. In about 7 minutes the closest to heaven you can get while seated in your recliner.
Sandi says: I have taken up the cello again after a 30 year break and after looking up music to begin my journey once more, discovered this ethereal piece played by 2 amazing men. It has fueled my passion for the cello all over again!
Suggested by Kevin in Salem, Oregon
I find this piece unbelievably moving; the brass choir brings me to tears.
A little while back one of my family members asked where my interest in classical music came from, as it is a bit of a departure from the family's personality. My eighth-grade music teacher let me borrow over the summer the new music textbook and set of records that would be used the next school year. That summer I discovered the length and breadth of classical music. Then, through my adult years, a dear friend introduced me to lesser-known and contemporary composers and their works. One of these was John Rutter, whose music I heard in concert once or twice. All Classical Portland has greatly contributed to my habit of exploration, and I am very grateful…
Suggested by Keith in Ridgefield, Washington
My mother Ella Maxine passed away at the age of 91 on Veteran's day two years ago, and her namesake grand daughter Ella Grace was born one month later on December 13th. They never met, but we hope and pray they one day will, "somewhere over the rainbow."
Suggested by Maryla in Tigard, Oregon
I just finished reading the book “Paderewski in California” by Marek Zebrowski. In it, I learned that Paderewski was not only a great pianist and composer, but he was also a politician and a diplomat. During World War I he urged President Woodrow Wilson to support the cause of Polish independence. After he literally put Poland on the map, he actually became the new nation's Prime Minister and foreign minister during which time he signed the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.
Paderewski was respected by leaders throughout the world. On the 10th anniversary of Polish independence in 1928, Paderewski received messages from four U.S. presidents, Coolidge, Taft, Hoover, and Roosevelt acknowledging his work as a statesman. On one of his concert tours, when he arrived in Brussels, the King and Queen personally went to the station to greet him!
The second movement of Paderewski's Piano Concerto in A minor Op.17 is magnificent, beyond words! I love to listen to it when I'm painting.
Suggested by Jeff in Portland, Oregon
Nothing makes me feel cozy in the dark and rainy months like Segovia's guitar pieces. My 3 year old daughter and I always listen for the 5 o'clock favorite on the way home from daycare, so I thought it would be fun to suggest one of our favorite songs for consideration.
Suggested by Pam in Portland, Oregon
My dad played the fifth movement of this Suite - the Bourree- on the piano while I was growing up. It always reminds me of him. I don't play piano but learned how to play the first part by heart. My dad died of Covid in January and I'm grateful to have memories of him playing this piece.
Suggested by Mary in Eugene, Oregon
The first time I heard the Robert Shaw Festival Chorus sing Rachmaninoff's Vespers I was immediately and completely transported to a place of serene worship and peace.
The third hymn, "Blessed Be The Man," describes how I remember my father, Patrick Joseph Moore, who died fifty years ago on November 15th. Three days later the church was packed with people who affirmed:
Blessed be the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, ... Alleluia!
Blessed are all who rely upon the Lord God, ... Alleluia!
Glory to Thee, O Lord.
Glory to Thee, O Lord.
Glory to Thee, O Lord. Alleluia!
Suggested by Linda in St. Joseph, Michigan
As a 78-year old lifetime lover of classical music, I am ever-thrilled to hear music by contemporary composers. Recently, my husband and I have relocated to be with our daughter and family due to our more fragile ages. Being so close to seven thriving and gifted grandchildren easily calls to mind the title of this piece. We are now a lively three generation household - much to our delight! Indeed, “happiness cannot wait!”
Suggested by Susan in Saint Helens, Oregon
Now I live in the Pacific Northwest, but I grew up with the wide vistas of the American Southwest which was musically described by Ferde Grofe in his Grand Canyon Suite.
Five hour car trips with my grandparents from the Coachella Valley to Flagstaff Arizona gave me in a special opportunity to observe the open spaces. The Mojave Desert changed to Sonoran Desert at the Colorado River. Sunrise would bring changing images of mirage mountains in the early light. A visit to the Grand Canyon revealed the sculpting power of water. In the distance we could see the clouds with long trailing edges, changing color in the sunset.
Suggested by Jonathan in Lake Oswego, Oregon
This piece is from one of my favorite movies (Jumanji) featuring Robin Williams. The flute work in this piece is so whimsical, beautiful, and calming. Whenever I hear it I get transported to a safe place with clear serenity. I'd love for others to hear it too.
Suggested by Michael in Portland, Oregon
My wife and I used to love to go to Portland's old Beef-and-Brew. It was so relaxing and peaceful especially when they had someone play Spanish guitar. My wife of 49 years died in 2019 of breast cancer after a 7 year long struggle. Hearing Spanish guitar music brings back some wonderful memories.
Suggested by Kristina in Vancouver, Washington
This piece penetrates my soul. I often am not able to listen to it without shedding a tear. I don't know why it moves me so deeply, but whenever I want to be still, calm, and alone, I turn this on. Sometimes I dance to it. Other times, I just sit and cry. Am I the only one who feels this way about this piece?
Suggested by Connie in Goldendale, Washington
When I was a freshman in high school in the late 60's our choir teacher, in an effort to broaden our love of music beyond rock n roll, would regularly play classical music during class and would have us sing various classical pieces, too. The first piece he played for us was Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. I was so moved that I never forgot it. Every time I hear this particular piece I am immediately drawn back to that time when one teacher cared enough to share his love of classical music with a group of 14 and 15 year old students. It calms me and draws to a place of deep contemplation, which our world needs more of.
Suggested by Julia in Yuma, Arizona
If I'm not mistaken, this piece was used in a Star Trek episode about the funeral of Vulcan Ambassador Sarek in the year 2368. Anyway, I really, really love its extraordinary beauty which truly transports the listener to another world!
In my 55 years, I have never tired of this piece.