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: June 21, 2022

American Rhapsody, Kenneth Fuchs

Suggested by Dennis in Beaverton, Oregon

Over forty years ago when I was living in New York, I wrote and produced an off-off Broadway musical called "If Wishes Were Horses" with a music student at Julliard. He wrote the music, and I wrote the story and the lyrics. Every year since then I have marveled and applauded the talent of my musical friend, Kenneth Fuchs, as he slowly but surely became one of our country’s finest present day composers. I also thought that the calm feeling of peace that his American Rhapsody conveys would be the perfect thing for everyone to hear at the end of a hard workday on Five O’clock Favorites. It has become one of my favorites of Ken’s compositions.

Air date: June 20, 2022

Mass: A Simple Song, Leonard Bernstein

Suggested by Myrna in Portland, Oregon

My husband Steve died a year ago on June 20, 2021, eight days before our 52nd wedding anniversary. His musical interests were eclectic, but one of his favorites, which was sung at his memorial service, was Bernstein's "Simple Song." We first heard it sung by a wonderful bell-like soprano but love many versions. I would be so pleased -- and surely tearful -- if you would play it as the 5 O'Clock Favorite on Monday, June 20. Thank you for considering it.

Air date: April 16, 2022

Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Claude Debussy

Suggested by Trinity in Portland, Oregon

This has been one of my favorite orchestral pieces since I discovered it for the first time when I was staying with friends in Los Angeles. We are all pianists and spent quite a bit of time sight reading this piece in its two piano version. We fell in love with the harmonies and listened to the orchestral version later that day. I have never heard it live, and would love to someday!

Air date: June 15, 2022

Intermezzo in A, Johannes Brahms

Suggested by Marie in Portland, Oregon

I can vividly remember the first time I heard this gorgeous piece of music. I was new to classical music, and just casually listening to it as background while I was running errands. When this came on the radio I felt like time had stopped, and I listened more deeply than I ever had before. I now listen to All Classical Portland every day and just love it.

Air date: June 14, 2022

I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, Heinrich Schutz

Suggested by Pie in Portland, Oregon

It's just so beautiful...

Air date: June 13, 2022

The Isle of the Dead, Sergei Rachmaninov

Suggested by Cyrus in Portland, Oregon

This piece came to me in an emotionally difficult time when I was feeling incredibly alone and in mourning. The gradual swell of this piece brought me out of a dark place, and reminded me that grief is a natural part of life and to embrace that fully. I look forward to someday sitting peacefully on the beach of my own Isle of the Dead, but for now I get to continue to connect emotionally with myself and the world through music.

Air date: June 10, 2022

Huapango, Jose Pablo Moncayo

Suggested by Justin in Portland, Oregon

I was first introduced to this piece while auditioning for my university's music program. It immediately felt like home, having grown up in a Spanish-speaking community (and being a percussionist). It took me back to all of the gatherings and celebrations I had with my father and and our Hispanic friends and family.

Air date: June 8, 2022

Piano Concerto No. 2: Movement 3, Johannes Brahms

Suggested by John in Portland, Oregon

I first heard this piece in the 1960s. As soon as the 3rd movement began to play -with its incredibly singing cello solo- I melted. Ever since, it has always had that effect on me. (More recently, I've seen a video performance with Yuja Wang performing with the Munich Orchestra. It was quite helpful SEEING the 3rd movement played, because I was actually able to see how it was performed, especially by the solo cellist, along with the rest of the lower strings.)

Air date: June 7, 2022

Victory at Sea: The Song of the High Seas, Richard Rodgers

Suggested by Kathleen in Beaverton, Oregon

My late husband's favorite music was from Victory at Sea by Richard Rogers. The first movement, Song of the High Seas, evoked the swells, turmoil and vastness of the ocean. When I hear it, I see him standing on the rocks, mesmerized by the swells and fury of the Oregon coast during a tempest.

Air date: June 6, 2022

Ave Maria, Robert Parsons

Suggested by John in Portland, Oregon

This particular work describes the "Holiest of Heaven." I would love to hear it sung by the Choir of King's College Cambridge, however any choral ensemble who does it justice can also move me to Paradise... IT'S THAT BEAUTIFUL!!

Air date: June 3, 2022

Dr. Zhivago: Lara’s Theme, Maurice Jarre

Suggested by Andrea in Portland, Oregon

This movie (Dr Zhivago) is one of the greatest romance stories ever. The music is hauntingly beautiful and anyone who has seen the movie and then hears the music is instantly transported to the movie. How a simple instrument like the balilaka can create such mood and tenderness amazes me.

Air date: June 2, 2022

Miserere Mei, Gregorio Allegri

Suggested by Rod in Salem, Oregon

As a bass choir singer myself, the first time I heard this music was on All Classical Portland while driving on the freeway. It is so stunningly beautiful I had to pull over at a rest area on I-5 to listen with my full attention. I want to share this music with everyone and sincerely hope that one day I can be in a choir that sings this piece.

Air date: June 1, 2022

Piano Trio No. 39 (with Gypsy Rondo), Joseph Haydn

Suggested by Karen in Indianapolis, Indiana

I had to play the Gypsy Rondo in a recital (the only recital I was ever in) when I was 13. My piano teacher made me play the hardest piece of anyone!

Air date: May 31, 2022

The Mission: Gabriel’s Oboe, Ennio Morricone

Suggested by Amaan in Portland, Oregon

One night I sat and deeply listened to this music - it felt like my life stretched out as musical tapestry that narrated my life, the highs and lows, and for a few minutes, it all made sense. (And, this piece also inspired me to learn to play the piano!)

Air date: May 20, 2022

Sonata for Cello and Piano in C minor, Ilya Lisogub

Suggested by Joseph in Portland, Oregon

I first heard this sonata by Ukranian composer Ilya Lisogub on your station a few weeks ago and found such joy in listening to it. Thanks for sharing that new, for me, piece... I'd love to hear it again.

Air date: May 19, 2022

Serenade, D. 920, Franz Schubert

Suggested by Ann in Portland, Oregon

I heard this on All Classical Portland a few weeks ago, and I just want you to know that there is a sustaining member out here who loved that recording to the point of moist eyes. Please please play it again!

Air date: May 18, 2022

Arabesque No. 1, Claude Debussy

Suggested by James in Portland, Oregon

As a young man I used to watch the PBS "Star Gazers with Jack Herkmeier" program, which included explanations and pictures of various expected astrological events in the coming days or weeks. Jack's little image was superimposed all over pictures of the universe as he explained what was to ensue. Every episode began and ended with this composition and I grew to love it, even before I grew to love all classical music. Just recently I discovered that the programs are archived, so I watched one and it took me back to my youth. Thank you to 89.9 radio, Claude Debussy, PBS, and Jack Herkmeier for pointing me in the right direction.

Air date: May 17, 2022

The Almond Tree, John Ireland

Suggested by Pie in Portland, Oregon

I first heard this while parallel parking my mom's car, and it really stuck with me. I just think that it is a great piece of music.

Air date: May 16, 2022

An die Musik, Franz Schubert

Suggested by Ursula in Portland, Oregon

When I was younger I did not much care for "lieder." Ignorance, I guess. As I have aged and come through a few health battles I appreciate the comforting words and find I listen with more intent. An die Musik is a sort of hymn for me, with music and words that transport me to a different realm and lets me be comforted. I might also add that All Classical comforts me as well, helping me cope when I'm in a distressed state. So here is a great "thank you" to the MUSIC and the comfort that you ALL provide.

Air date: May 13, 2022

Nocturne for Strings in B, Antonin Dvorak

Suggested by Wayne in Portland, Oregon

I recently came across an album called "Friday The 13th - Classical Collection" and among the expected selections (such as Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, and "Funerals" by Franz Liszt) was this Nocturne by Dvorak. Though I don't find it spooky, I feel there is a sense of disquiet in this piece... despite the apparent soothing quality suggested by the title.

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