Programs & Hosts

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: October 3, 2022

Nocturne in E-Flat, Op. 9, No. 2, Frederic Chopin

Suggested by Thom in Portland, Oregon

I took classical piano lessons for about 13 years prior to going to university but unfortunately did not keep up with my practicing and am quite rusty. Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 was always a goal of mine. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering my request. I appreciate it!

Air date: September 27, 2022

None But the Lonely Heart, Peter Tchaikovsky

Suggested by David in Portland, Oregon

A friend recently gave me a book of piano solos he could no longer use. It happened to be the same book my mother had many years ago, and it brought back a very vivid memory. In the book was Tchaikovsky's "None But the Lonely Heart," which I had learned to play when I was younger. At the time, my mother was taking a music class at the local junior college, and sometimes I would go with her. The instructor heard I had learned this piece and asked me to play it for the class. OMG! Perform in front of 30 people! I had never done that before, I had been playing the piano only about three or four years then, but I agreed. When the time came for me to play, I was sitting with the class with the music. But when I got up, I didn't take the music with me. I played from memory, and for awhile, everything went fine. But when I got to page three, I forgot the notes. I remembered the rhythm, though, and kind of faked it. Two measures later I remembered the music again, and it was smooth sailing from there. Afterwards, I mentioned this to the instructor. He told me, "You did fine. If you didn't know the piece, you never would have noticed the error. To be able to do that," he added, "is the mark of a good pianist."

Air date: September 22, 2022

Winterreise: The Linden Tree, Franz Schubert

Suggested by David in Portland, Oregon

Schubert composed about 600 songs, many of which are exquisitely beautiful. I have become obsessed with them! (And the piano accompaniments, by the way, do more than just support the singer; they are beautiful, fascinating.) Please play a version by Thomas Quasthoff; I really admire him.

Air date: September 21, 2022

Perpetuum Mobile, Arthur Jeffes

Suggested by Tressa in Portland, Oregon

This song, and group (Penguin Cafe Orchestra), inspire me to keep moving and trying, despite the obstacles. I feel the flow coming from the instruments and it uplifts me. This is especially what I listen to during the Spring months, as new growth and life are bursting forth. Thank you!

Air date: September 20, 2022

Portal 2 (video game): Turret Opera, Mike Morasky

Suggested by Dewey in Camas, Washington

This song comes from a game that really helped distract me from the arguments my parents were having before they split up. It's a song that's played at the end of the game, when Chell (the main character) is finally able to leave. It tells about how she's free, despite all the pain and struggle she went through, and she can finally run away from the cause of all her problems to live a normal life.

Air date: September 19, 2022

Tales of Hoffman: Barcarolle, Jacques Offenbach

Suggested by Sigrid in Portland, Oregon

But I have always loved Tales of Hoffman, particularly the hauntingly beautiful duet, the Barcarolle. Every time I hear it the poignancy overwhelms me, from the tender, tremulous beginning into the swelling that leads, ultimately, to the ending nostalgia.

Air date: September 16, 2022

Fiddler on the Roof: Sunrise, Sunset, Jerry Bock

Suggested by Randy in Portland, Oregon

I heard the Fidler on the Roof song "If I Were a Rich Man" on a recent 5:00 Favorite - it brought back memories of a family celebration in Medford at Rogue Valley Manor to celebrate my mother's 95th birthday. I commented to my cousins that "We were once the grandchildren, now we are the grandparents!" Thinking about that caused me to recall this song -also from Fidler on the Roof- and the line referencing the children: "I don't remember growing older - when did they?"

Air date: September 15, 2022

Serenade (from String Quartet No. 3, No. 5), Joseph Haydn

Suggested by Sara in Washington DC

When I was a little girl I had a jewelry box. When I opened the lid of that jewelry box, a little ballerina popped up and spun around to this tune played by a music box. This melody always takes me back to my childhood.

Air date: September 14, 2022

Ashokan Farewell, Jay Unger

Suggested by Gregory in Portland, Oregon

I lost my beloved cat Brody the beginning of the summer; he passed away June 8th. I miss him so.

Air date: September 13, 2022

Fiddler on the Roof: If I Were A Rich Man, Jerry Bock

Suggested by Jeff in Issaquah, Washington

When I was 11 years old, in 1964. my mother (now 96) took us to the Fisher Theater in Detroit to see The Fiddler on the Roof. Mr. Zero Mostel was in the cast as Tevye. It is a wonderful memory.

Air date: September 12, 2022

In Paradisum, Eriks Esenvalds

Suggested by Anonymous in Portland, Oregon

The Portland State Chamber Choir is currently in Lisbon, Portugal at the World Choral Expo, and more people around the world are learning what an outstanding ensemble this is. As they return and start a new school year, I wanted to let them know how much they are loved right here at home as well.

Air date: September 9, 2022

Rodeo: Hoe-Down, Aaron Copland

Suggested by Lance in Portland, Oregon

In 1970 my Mom got a brand new Chevrolet Impala. The car came with an 8 track tape player, and included with the car was a demonstration tape that had an eclectic array music. One selection was Aaron Copland's Hoedown from the ballet Rodeo. I can recall listening to that tape and getting the shivers each time that piece was playing. I absolutely love it! Later in my life I came to even enjoy it more because it's not only Classical Music, it's American Classical Music.

Air date: September 8, 2022

Cello Suite No. 1 in G: Prelude (arr. for cello with choir), J.S. Bach

Suggested by Marie in Portland, Oregon

On a recent 5:00 Favorite you played Bach's famous Prelude from his Cello Suite No.1, and I suddenly remembered cellist Sophie Webber's amazing "take" on that iconic piece of music. The addition of the choir is marvelous!

Air date: September 7, 2022

String Quartet No. 1, “From My Life”: Largo Sostenuto, Bedrich Smetana

Suggested by Abbie in Banff, Alberta, Canada

I just returned from the first concert of this year's Banff International String Quartet Competition and am filled with joy from today's concerts as well as memories from past years' concerts. I'm remembering fondly The Miró Quartet's performance of Smetana's String Quartet #1 that they played several years ago at the finals; it still makes me smile every time I think of it. I know Miró hasn't recorded Smetana's quartet, but I'd love to hear some of it nonetheless.

Air date: September 6, 2022

Heaven’s Gate: Sweet Breeze, David Mansfield

Suggested by Pie in Portland, Oregon

I remember just moving out here from Cincinnati and my boss turned me on to this soundtrack. The movie flopped at the box office. It should have won an Oscar just for the scenery and music.

Air date: September 5, 2022

Kirby (video game): King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley, Jun Ishikawa (arr. by Megumi Ohara)

Suggested by Minori in Portland, Oregon

I'm a 10 year-old girl and I LOVE the video game Kirby. I also like Kirby music. When I do my Japanese homework I often listen to the Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert, especially this song. This song is special to me because Kirby was the very first video game I beat by myself. I played Kirby when I had to stay home alone when my dad was at work and my ma was still in Japan. This song makes me feel epic.

Air date: September 1, 2022

The Armed Man (A Mass for Peace): Benedictus, Karl Jenkins

Suggested by Michael in Portland, Oregon

I discovered the 2Cellos version of this piece on YouTube. I heard this and I immediately became an ardent fan and supporter. It is like the comment I read from one YouTube reviewer: "If only music can replace wars and melt the hearts of those who instigate them... if only." I have been moved beyond space and time and will be forever grateful to the world of music for inspirations such as this music.

Air date: August 31, 2022

Missa Solemnis, Op. 123: Kyrie, Ludwig van Beethoven

Suggested by Pie in Portland, Oregon

I'd like to hear this music, which was featured in the funeral scene from the film Immortal Beloved. It is so beautiful in that church. The choreography is amazing.

Air date: August 30, 2022

Piano Concerto No. 9, “Jeunehomme”: II. Andantino, W. A. Mozart

Suggested by Donovan in Milwaukie, Oregon

The first time I heard this I was almost reduced to tears. It was at the same time beautiful and deeply sad. It has been such a favorite of mine that I have even nominated it for All Classical’s annual Classical Countdown.

Air date: August 29, 2022

Three Gymnopedies, Erik Satie

Suggested by Kent in Beavercreek, Oregon

Years ago, I worked at St. Mary's College (now University) as a chaplain for students. The work was intense and I often felt stress on the job. Brother Patrick, one of the Christian Brothers who taught on campus, introduced me to Satie's Gymnopedies one afternoon. The simple melodies and rhythms appealed to me right away and I subsequently often sought refuge in them at the end of a long day.

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