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Five O’Clock Favorite

Hosted by
Christa Wessel

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. 

graphic for five o clock fav

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!

Christa Wessel
woman with glasses sitting on a blue couch, leaning slightly forward — Photo by Christine Dong

Submit your favorite piece:
Suggestions are easiest to honor if they’re 20 minutes or less.

Recent Favorites

Air date: June 25, 2026

Sense and Sensibility: My Father’s Favourite, Patrick Doyle

Suggested by Rebekah in Gresham, Oregon

Even though I am just 14 years old, and classical music isn't -quote 'the most popular' genre, I feel like I have a very deep emotional connection to this song, primarily because of my late grandpa "Pops."

I play the violin, and pops paid for my lessons, so I feel I owe him for my progress. Awhile ago, he got very sick and had to move in with us.

My sister and I love all of the Jane Austen movies, so, naturally, while Pops was living with us we had him watch Sense and Sensibility. I had told him about this song, and when it played throughout the movie, he agreed it was really beautiful.

Now that Pops has passed away, every time I hear this music it reminds me of him, the good times we had, and my gratitude to him. So I hope that others find this song as beautiful as Pops and I.

Air date: June 24, 2026

Gayne: Sabre Dance, Aram Khachaturian

Suggested by Lee in Portland, Oregon

I grew up with classical music as background since my dad played it constantly. I didn't really appreciate it, though, until I was 20 years old and on a road trip, driving up the Going To The Sun highway in Glacier National Park.

It was 1968 and I was trying to pin down an AM radio station when suddenly amidst the static I found a clear signal. The radio station was just starting to play the Sabre Dance and I pulled over to listen. At the end of the piece the station drifted away but that was the start of my life-long love of classical music. Needless to say my dad was pleased at this outcome!

Air date: June 23, 2026

Reflections: Mnemosyne, Sufjan Stevens

Suggested by Heather in Eugene, Oregon

Hello, I'm a daily listener (and monthly contributor). I heard a piece by the contemporary musician and composer Joe Locke on Warren Black's show the other day and it reminded me of some music that I'm not sure I've never heard played on your station: Sufjan Stevens's 2023 album "Reflections," originally commissioned in 2019 for the Houston Ballet in collaboration with choreographer Justin Peck. The pianists on the album are Timo Andres and Conor Hanick. The piece entitled "Mnemosyne" is one of my favorite modern piano compositions.

Air date: June 22, 2026

Battletech (video game): Umbra, Jon Everist

Suggested by Neil in Portland, Oregon

This is simply an incredible piece of music, chosen for a cut scene in the Battletech video game, where the protagonists are dealing with losses they did not expect. It is one of the pieces I would play to help with my sorrow after losing my wife, as it feels like there is hope intertwined with the very somber feel of the music.

Air date: June 19, 2026

Pavane for a Dead Princess, Maurice Ravel

Suggested by Terence in Portland, Oregon

As a teenager, I suffered from undiagnosed and untreated depression. Nonetheless, I had come to love classical music by listening to my parents' old 78s and playing flute in band and orchestra. One Christmas my folks gave me the Philadelphia Orchestra's album "Ports of Call" which contained selections by Ravel, Debussy, Chabrier, and Ibert. I was drawn especially to Ravel's Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte, partly, I suppose, because the evocative title resonated with my own dark teenage thoughts. But mostly I listened to the piece because Ravel's exquisite melody, written (so I thought then) for a sorrowful occasion, comforted me with its calm beauty. I still love the piece 60 years after I first heard it.

Air date: June 18, 2026

String Serenade in E: II. Air, Arthur Foote

Suggested by Liam in Keizer, Oregon

My high school orchestra played this at State Championships this year. I had never heard of Arthur Foote before then, but I am so glad we got to play this piece. We spent a lot of time going through the harmonies and the emotions that went along with them. This Air is so captivating that even if you eliminate the melody, the accompaniment is still incredibly interesting through its insane harmonies and chord progressions. I am extremely thankful to my teacher for choosing such an emotionally captivating selection. I hope you enjoy as I have.

Air date: June 17, 2026

Clair de lune, Claude Debussy

Suggested by Ken in Portland, Oregon

I was minding my own business the other night, working on my PC and streaming All Classical, when the promotional announcement for the Five O'Clock Favorite came on. Of course, it was your voice, Christa, but the background music was Debussy's Clair De Lune. Immediately, I was transported 300 miles and 30 years. My wife, Audrey, and I were at the Britt Festival, circa 1996. The featured soloist that night was pianist Garrick Ohlsson. I don't remember what he played with the orchestra, but for an encore he played Clair de Lune, accompanied only by crickets. We were on the grass, on a gorgeous southern Oregon night, under a blanket of stars, listening to Debussy's musical depiction of moonlight. It was transcendent! It moved me to tears.
In all of my considerable years, I have never had a another concert experience quite like it. We bought the Festival poster as we left as a way to always remember that night, and it still hangs in our music room. But, in reality, every time I hear Clair de Lune -- even behind your voiceover! -- I am transported back to Jacksonville, late in the last millennium, and that magical night with my favorite girl and my favorite pianist.

Air date: June 16, 2026

To A Wild Rose, Edward MacDowell

Suggested by Pie in Portland, Oregon

This is a beautiful song and actually quite easy to play. In fact, I performed it at a nursing home when I was 10 years old. I had stage fright but didn't make a mistake.

Air date: June 8, 2026

1B, Edgar Meyer

Suggested by Aaron in Portland, Oregon

I grew up with classical music playing in the house, and my wife started playing piano at a young age. We both love the classical/Americana albums from Mark O'Connor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Edgar Meyer (Appalachian Waltz, Appalachian Journey). We included one selection -"1B"- on our wedding playlist CD nearly 16 years ago, which we still listen to in the car. Our 10-year-old Charlie now loves the piece and requests to hear it on the way to school. So much joy communicated through this piece, it's hard not to smile each time we hear it! Definitely a favorite.

Air date: June 4, 2026

Toccata, Op. 11 (1960 recording), Sergei Prokofiev

Suggested by Doug in Portland, Oregon

I'd like to honor pianist Martha Argerich's upcoming birthday (June 5) with this piece, recorded in her early career. Quoting from an online review: "The Toccata was like no other music heard before. It is driving, motoric, percussive, dissonant, relenting only briefly to build up for the final explosion. It's manic and maniacal, the devil let loose on the keyboard." Martha Argerich turns 85 tomorrow. She was just 19 when she made this recording at her Debut Recital in 1960.

Air date: June 3, 2026

Fullmetal Alchemist: Tsuisou (Reminiscence), Michiru Oshima

Suggested by Eliza (they) in Vancouver, Washington

Through every iteration and adaptation, "Fullmetal Alchemist" is a remarkable story. The 2003 anime is divergent from its accompanying manga, having been produced simultaneously. Some fans consider it a weaker story for this reason. However, in my opinion, its original score is superior to other soundtracks in the "Fullmetal Alchemist" line-up, and it remains a masterclass in story-telling through music. Each piece is written with care and great intention, both accompanying its corresponding scenes and standing alone to tell the tale of two brothers seeking redemption following a catastrophic decision born from the grief of losing their mother.
"Reminiscence" is the orchestral version of a main theme, "Brothers," which is sung in Russian and plays prominently through the series. This version has stuck with me for over 20 years and never fails to make me stop what I'm doing, take a breath, and listen with tears in my eyes. It's a familial track, as heartbreaking as it is loving, and captures the spirit of "Fullmetal Alchemist" without a single word.

Air date: June 2, 2026

Academic Festival Overture, Johannes Brahms

Suggested by Patch in Portland, Oregon

On June 5, 2026, I will graduate -with hundreds of others- amidst a season of celebration and concern. Accomplishments and harrowing forces alike are staring into the eyes of graduates, academics, and the thoughtful. This piece is a quintessential potpourri of feelings which arrive once you finish a long program and then realize that the expectation upon you now is to apply those lessons toward the experiences before you. Wishing to all of us grand circumstances of pomp and beauty this June and beyond!

Air date: June 1, 2026

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: From Past to Present, Jeremy Soule

Suggested by Kyle in Gresham, Oregon

Though this music was originally produced electronically for a video game, its immersive world combined with the elegant music made the soundtrack so iconic that for the 10th anniversary of the games release the London Symphony held a concert to play several pieces of music from this game. I think there’s a lot to appreciate in this version of the song as it highlights the strong the compositional structure of the music.

Air date: May 29, 2026

Fugue in G minor, BWV 1000, J. S. Bach

Suggested by Peyton in Portland, Oregon

I first heard this on vinyl at my boyfriend’s parents house in Maine. We fell asleep together on the couch to this, watching the snow fall outside the picture window. It is still one of my favorite memories.

Air date: May 28, 2026

Howl’s Moving Castle: Merry-Go-Round of Life, Joe Hisaishi

Suggested by Sven in Portland, Oregon

This piece is beautiful and fun. It makes me think of hikes and days at the beach. It also reminds me of watching studio Ghibli movies with my family! -Sven (age 10)

Air date: Mary 27, 2026

Finlandia, Jean Sibelius

Suggested by Brian in Salem, Oregon

My school recently won the OSAA full orchestra state championship and this piece was our opener. The way Sibelius paints the landscape of Finland and combines it with patriotic melodies and themes gives me chills every time.

Air date: May 26, 2026

Requiem: Sanctus, Gabriel Faure

Suggested by Ted in Portland, Oregon

I am a former singer at the Bellevue Presbyterian Church. The choir typically has 60 mixed voices; I was a tenor. One year we sang the Faure Requiem, and this particular movement stirred me emotionally. Indescribably so. I was privileged to be a part of such a fine choir. Personal matters with my late wife's Alzheimer’s made my move to Portland mandatory. I love All Classical radio and you are a constant companion on five mile walks!

Air date: May 15, 2026

Blue Shades, Frank Ticheli

Suggested by Matt in Wilsonville, Oregon

This song was the ending number for the Santa Clara Vanguard, my first Drum Corps event I ever saw in person. The Youtube videos are amazing, The power of this piece presented by that corps was insane. This piece makes me think back to my high school years as a talented percussionist striving to be even better and the nuance of percussion really struck me as incredibly important.

Air date: May 14, 2026

Vampire Survivors (video game): Cosmic Delight, Daniele Zandara

Suggested by Sam in Salem, Oregon

This song always gives me chills and makes me happy!

Air date: May 13, 2026

Czardas, Vittorio Monti

Suggested by Mike in Portland, Oregon

I recently rediscovered The Cambridge Buskers, and a memory of fun irreverence was awakened. During their career they "covered" nearly every piece of classical music you can think of. This one is a favorite!

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