Five O’Clock Favorite
Every weekday at 5:00 PM PT
Every weekday at 5:00 PM PT, All Classical Radio and host Christa Wessel invite listeners to be part of the programming. During the Five O’Clock Favorite, you’ll hear a listener-suggested piece of music along with a personal story about their choice. With pieces that are fun and familiar, music for remembrance and reflection, and everything in between, the Five O’Clock Favorite is a perfect way to ease your commute, end your workday, or start off your evening soundtrack on All Classical Radio.
Your Host
Christa Wessel
Weekdays at 5:00, you’ll find me in my happy place on the radio: sharing your Five O’Clock Favorite. This special program is an opportunity for me to celebrate listeners’ memories and favorite pieces of classical music. Our stories connect us to each other, and this daily segment allows us to hear what’s in the hearts of our friends and neighbors. I hope you’ll submit your suggestion for a future Five O’Clock Favorite!
Submit your favorite piece:
Suggestions are easiest to honor if they’re 20 minutes or less.
I'm writing to you today with a deep appreciation for All Classical Radio and the beautiful programming you bring to our community. As a devoted listener, I often find myself transported by the music you share, and it has inspired me to share a personal story about a piece that holds a very special place in my heart: Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," specifically the "Winter" concerto.
The sheer brilliance of Vivaldi's "Winter" is, in my opinion, a testament to his genius. It's not just a piece of music; it's a vivid sonic painting. From the biting chill of the opening strains to the delicate, almost tiptoeing pizzicato that evokes snowflakes falling, Vivaldi masterfully captures the essence of the season. The contrasting movements perfectly portray the harsh realities of winter – the shivering cold, the ice – while also hinting at the quiet beauty and stillness it can bring. The virtuosity demanded of the solo violin is breathtaking, truly embodying the struggle and triumph against the elements.
But beyond the technical mastery, there's a personal connection. I remember first truly "hearing" "Winter" during a particularly harsh snowstorm. The power went out, and as I sat by the fireplace, the only light coming from the flickering flames, I put on a recording of "The Four Seasons." The music wasn't just background; it became the soundtrack to the storm outside. The shivering strings felt like the wind howling through the eaves, the fast passages like the swirling snow, and the moments of stillness felt like the hushed calm after a heavy snowfall. It was an incredibly immersive experience, and from that moment on, "Winter" transcended being just a beautiful piece of music; it became a personal connection to a powerful memory.
Vivaldi himself, the "Red Priest" of Venice, was a fascinating character, often defying the norms of his time. His prolific output, particularly his concertos, revolutionized instrumental music. Knowing a bit about his life – his work at the Ospedale della Pietà, a Venetian orphanage for girls, where he taught and composed extensively for his talented female musicians – only deepens my admiration for his work. He not only composed masterpieces but also championed the musical education of young women, which was truly progressive for the era.
Thank you for considering my suggestion. I'm always eager to hear the stories and inspirations behind the music you share.