The Five O’Clock Favorite is driven by listener suggestions! We’d love your participation.
Suggestions are easiest to honor if they’re 20 minutes or less.
Suggested by Theodosia in Portland, Oregon
Suggested by Steve in Portland, Oregon
Pictures at An Exhibition was my first classical LP. I was especially enthralled with the promenade theme. I lifted the tone arm and played it again and again.
Suggested by Faren in Albany, Oregon
One of my earliest music memories of any kind was standing on my mom's coffee table at about age 5, enthusiastically waving my arms in an imitation of conducting while Winter from The Four Seasons rang out across our house from our newly purchased stereo system with cassette player. I remember the sound making my heart flutter! I find it no surprise that 25 years later, my own child began to practice a classical string instrument at age 7 without any specific urging from me.
Suggested by Elise in Chester, NY and Owen in Sandy, OR
Elise shares:
My father is a music teacher and piano player, and he has always played music in the mornings as I wake up and have breakfast. I am in 6th grade so this has made an impression on my morning routine. Consequently this piece has become one of my favorites and will forever remind me of my dad!!
Owen shares:
It's a beautiful piece, a classic. Would love to hear it. It brings back memories of my father and I listening to it around the campfire at Christmas.
Suggested by Christine in Lexington, Kentucky
I find the piece to be calming and a complete masterpiece.
Suggested by Elizabeth in Portland, Oregon
I love Grieg's Violin Sonatas. My violin teacher in Norway made his debut with them in the concert hall in Oslo very many years ago. I rarely hear them performed. They are great!
Suggested by Lee in Portland, Oregon
The beginning hints at melancholy but at some point I sink into its embrace and feel a depth of centeredness. I seem to lean back and relax into my breath. Just listen.
Suggested by Sandi in Portland, Oregon
My good, sweet, kind friend, Randy Hunt, passed away a while ago. I spoke with his partner and she told me this song was his favorite piece of music. Randy was a lyricist. I miss him and wanted to honor him by having All Classical Portland play this catchy tune in his memory.
Suggested by Loren in Beaverton, Oregon
I love the opening overture! I first played it on trombone in 5th grade. It has always held a special place in my musical repertoire. Between the trumpet trills and the kettle drum rolls, it just sounds awesome and grand!
Suggested by Roz in Fairview, Oregon
Recently you played Rhapsody in Blue as a 5:00 Favorite, and it jogged a favorite memory of mine from the 1950's. Back then there were 3 contemporary pieces that garnered lots of attention. Two by Gershwin: American in Paris and the Rhapsody in Blue. But right up there was Richard Rogers' Slaughter on 10th Avenue, ballet music written as part of the score for the Broadway show "On Your Toes". I first heard this piece when Mom and Dad brought home two or 3 of those new 33 1/3 LP records! Their record collection had been 78's up to this point. So when we got a new phonograph player and some new recordings, I really sat up and paid attention. I fell in love with this piece. When Gene Kelly and Vera Ellen made a movie that included the ballet, that sealed the deal! It would be wonderful to fill the air waves with these great sounds.
Suggested by Mary in Wilsonville, Oregon
My aerobics instructor once played this music as a cool down. And I've come back to it a lot ever since. Not only does it bring me a sense of peace, but it also triggers sadness for friends I've lost, and also gratitude for my life. I hope this music will affect others in the same way.
Suggested by Paul in Albany, Oregon
When I was in high school in a small Kansas town I got interested in organ. My folks found a teacher and I was allowed to practice at one of the local churches (on a quite small organ-but it did have full pedal board). My teacher took me to a Virgil Fox concert and for the first time I saw and heard a large organ in person. He played his arrangement/transcription of Come Sweet Death and I was mesmerized. I had never heard anything so beautiful.
Suggested by Kristina in Vancouver, Washington
When I listen to this, I think of snowflakes dancing, and calling me to dance with them. It’s like a winter fairytale. I think more people need to hear this wonderful piece!
Suggested by Edward in Denver, Colorado
In honor of MLK Jr Day, I'd like to hear music by this contemporary Black composer. You choose the selection!
Suggested by Ally in Tigard, Oregon
Very invigorating!! I feel like I can take on anything after listening to this piece. I'm very excited to go to the Oregon Symphony concert featuring Carmina Burana at the end of February!
Suggested by Ellar in Portland, Oregon
I first heard this on All Classical sometime at the height of the pandemic, when everything in the world just felt utterly overwhelming. As is likely true of all my favorite music, it simultaneously made me want to cry and yet somehow filled me with resolve and hope. I think emotions around the turning of a new year are often a little bit like that, too, and it feels like a fitting piece to hear again.
Suggested by Robert in Vancouver, Washington
Not very long after I started regularly listening to this station I noticed there were a significant number of pieces where I thought, "Wow, that was amazing!" to be followed by you or Warren or Brandi saying "That was Telemann..." I had never even heard his name before. About that same time I purchased a turntable and loved finding used classical records at some local shops in Vancouver. I stumbled upon Telemann's Suite in D for Viola de Gamba, and I've probably listened to it 50 times. I feel like I know every note but still find something new or more pronounced every time I hear it. I loved the end of the year countdown but was a little surprised Telemann didn't have a single piece in the top 100. Will you please give Telemann an honorable mention and play his Suite in D for everyone?
Suggested by Anne in Portland, Oregon
January 10th is an obscure holiday called National Save the Eagles Day. William Bergsma wrote a piece for solo piano called "This is the Way an Eagle Feels." Could you play it that day?
Suggested by Miriam in the UK and Janet in Corvallis, Oregon
From Miriam:
My grandmother introduced me to classical music with this piece and I just fell in love. It reminds me of her whenever I listen to it. I don't get to see her often as she lives in Oregon while I live in the United Kingdom but music always makes the distance feel closer.
From Janet:
This is a piece Miriam (my granddaughter) and I have listened to together. She says it was her introduction to classical music and I'm glad to be able to listen and share that with her. She was here with me for the holidays and we will always share a love of music.
Suggested by Isaac in Portland, Oregon
Ever since hearing this piece at a concert in high school, as a young musician, I've been in love with it. Such music, power & majesty. It's beautiful! I love it!!
This piece is a wonder to listen to and a glorious thing to sing. It is both haunting and beautiful and I am grateful for its existence.