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. 

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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: July 9, 2026

Adagio for Strings, Samuel Barber

Suggested by Christina in Beaverton, Oregon

I would be honored if you would play this piece on July 9 to honor Gerhard Fuerst -my father- on what would be his 90th birthday.

When I first started as Executive Director with the Beaverton Symphony, I spent the first six months in Michigan caring for my dad until he passed away. Soon after, the BSO began rehearsing this piece, and as I listened to it I would often think of my father and how much I missed him. As the piece begins with its slow and gentle yet painful struggle, I imagined what his last thoughts and breaths must have been like... but then as the music continues it beautifully builds, slowly rising as one's spirit might rise up through the clouds to heaven with the high notes of the crescendo painting a magnificent picture of what walking into heaven must be like. It is at that moment I see my father's glow walking into the light, and with the final notes of the music, a sense of peace washes over me even though I am forever saddened by this loss. I know where he is and today I celebrate with my family around the world his 90th birthday. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Papa. Alles gute zum Geburtstag.

Air date: July 8, 2026

Daphnis et Chloe: Suite No. 2, Maurice Ravel

Suggested by Zach in Salem, Oregon

I've been a listener of the Five O'Clock Favorite since I've been old enough to drive (which hasn't been that long), but now that my commute runs across the 5:00 hour, I've decided I'd like to share this wonderful work with those who may not have heard it. I experience music, as a consequence of being a musical child of musical parents (or at least I think), as follows: my mind constantly works to create natural scenes that mimic the soundscape of the works I'm listening to. It's a way for me to interpret the emotion of the piece: I look at the picture in my head, and think about how it makes me feel, and that is the feeling the music invokes. And, while I can enjoy melodies, sometimes I miss out on them because my mind is working on the background voices instead. In the beginning of this piece, Ravel takes a step away from the process for me: he masterfully describes a scene so that I can enjoy the melody simply for what it is. The hints of sunlight rippling across the morning sky as the birds awake, the flutter of butterflies' wings, and the shimmers of wind mean that when the sun comes out in the brilliant rays (pun intended) of the music, I get to enjoy the beauty of music with no unconscious thinking attached. It brings me immense peace, and I think some of us in rush hour traffic might enjoy it too!

Air date: July 7, 2026

Symphony No. 5: II. Andante con moto, Franz Schubert

Suggested by Anne in Portland, Oregon

It was a typical Friday spring afternoon in the Pacific Northwest. I found myself trying to get from one side of Portland to the other... it was no surprise that it was raining, a real gullywasher and visibility was limited, which resulted in a gridlock at the entry to the freeway. I was caught there in the middle of it going nowhere.

I had my radio tuned to All Classical as usual hoping to be distracted. The announcer said that the next piece of music coming up would be a Shubert symphony. I wondered if it was my FAVORITE Shubert Symphony, the Fifth.
It turned out it WAS the Fifth, and suddenly the rain stopped, clouds parted, and traffic started moving. NOT! (This is the Pacific Northwest after all)

It actually took some time for the weather to change, but my INTERNAL weather had changed, so the rain no longer mattered... the music had the desired effect on me. Eventually I got home, having enjoyed the magic of this piece, and the power of music to erase the disaster that was still going on outside my vehicle.

I am especially fond of the second movement of this piece. It is difficult to comprehend that Schubert was only 19 when he wrote it.

Air date: July 6, 2026

The Darkest Midnight in December, Kelly-Marie Murphy

Suggested by Kathi in Camas, Washington

When the weather is so hot, here is a Christmas carol to counter the weather so that we can remember there is life beyond 90+ degrees. I first heard this when Portland's vocal ensemble In Mulieribus sang it a couple of years ago. I sat in the back, eyes closed, let the music wash over me. I caught my breath, then wept. At that moment I had never heard anything so heartbreakingly beautiful in my entire life. And this is from a person who can only listen to Ralph Vaughn Williams Variations on a Theme of Thomas Tallis once a year because any more reduces me to a quivering mass of weeping jelly!

Air date: July 2, 2026

The Four Seasons: Winter, Antonio Vivaldi

Suggested by Catherine in Troutdale, Oregon

In 1995, my future husband and I took our first tropical vacation together in Cozumel. It was a wondrous adventure, but at the same time very hot and humid. One morning we returned a motorcycle we had rented, and noticed a coffee shop across the street with a Mayan design as their logo. We went inside and discovered a quiet, air conditioned café with iced coffees, pastries and Vivaldi's Four Seasons playing in the background. After the heat and humidity outside, this felt like heaven on earth. Fun times are never forgotten!

Air date: July 1, 2026

Serenade to Music (Orchestral Version), Ralph Vaughan Williams

Suggested by Daniel in Pacific City, Oregon

My love of classical music has its roots in my earliest memories, reaching back over 7 decades. It was inspired deeply by my Dad, whose passion for such music formed the backdrop of my youth. Over the years, I have grown to increasingly appreciate that, as one of humanity’s greatest art-forms, such magnificent music has the power to bypass our intellect, going straight to the soul. And while my taste may have changed and matured over time, my love for such music has been a continuous affair.

That said, when asked to choose one favorite piece among the pantheon of so many unbelievably beautiful works, spanning so many centuries, I’m at a total loss; or, as the saying goes, “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the sky”. In truth, whatever recent beautiful work I may have heard will continue playing in my mind, vying to be my favorite for that moment, until I hear the next unimaginably beautiful piece.

So I look to others to inspire me for making such a choice. And while, admittedly, there are far too many possibilities to choose from, I sense that Ralph Vaughan Williams was similarly challenged and inspired to pay homage to classical music, at its most sublime level, when he created the hauntingly beautiful and aptly named composition, “Serenade to Music”, as a tribute to conductor Sir Henry Wood, in celebration of Wood's 50th conducting anniversary. And so I offer this piece, in its orchestral version, as my choice.

Air date: June 30, 2026

Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Edward Elgar

Suggested by Robert in Toronto, Canada

In a small town in my native Nova Scotia my cousin used to play the big bass drum in the hometown band. This piece was often included in the Sunday evening outdoor band concerts at the town hall.

Air date: June 29, 2026

Seal Lullaby, Eric Whitacre

Suggested by Karla in Portland, Oregon

My dear friend Donna passed away last week. We shared a love of choral and vocal music, and were thrilled to attend the Eric Whitacre concert when he came to PSU a few years ago. This song was on the program. It embraces all Donna’s special qualities in a peaceful, lovely way. May her memory be a blessing.

Air date: June 26, 2026

Andante Festivo, Jean Sibelius

Suggested by Anne in Portland, Oregon

First of all, I had no idea how prolific a composer Sibelius was. This piece of music was composed to honor the 25th anniversary of the opening of a sawmill, but it rises above its reason for being. To me the lush melody, usually performed by a string quartet, or orchestra, evokes a picture of the brilliant coast of the country, with the most awesome shade of blue in the sky, and the notes just float above it. While it is a short piece, the booming finale just keeps echoing long after the musicians stop playing.

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.

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