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: February 18. 2022

Nocturne No. 11 in G minor, Op. 37, No. 1, Frederic Chopin

Suggested by Ceara in Ridgefield, Washington

Chopin has been one of my favorite composers ever since I first played his music. I grew up playing piano and was trained classically, yet I had a difficult time connecting with the pieces I was given to play, especially the livelier “uppity” pieces. On rare occasions, my teacher would let me choose something to play, albeit from her selection. On one of these occasions, I asked to play something moodier, as “classical is too happy,” to quote my younger self. My teacher laughed yet humored me, previewing several pieces for me until she reached Chopin and I instantly fell in love. This nocturne by Chopin has continued to be one of my favorites years later.

Air date: February 17, 2022

Symphonie Fantastique: 2. “At the Ball”, Hector Berlioz

Suggested by Owen in Dundee, Oregon

The Symphonie Fantastique was inspired by Berlioz’s romantic obsession with actress Harriet Smithson. That obsession ironically later came apart when they met, married and ultimately divorced. This music displays a sort of timeline of Berlioz’s obsession from initial infatuation to absolute grief at the thought of never being with her.

I feel like I had a similar timeline in my life. Back in high school, I had a crush on a girl and our bond grew tremendously over our mutual love of music. I never told her about my crush until after graduation, when we both were at different universities, and I was devastated to find out she had felt the same way about me for some time as well.

She is now in a committed relationship with another man, and although I couldn’t be more happy for her and wish her nothing but the best, part of me still wonders about "what could’ve been" and how different things would have turned out if I just asked her out on one date.

I find a lot of myself in Berlioz’s work, as I felt less alive by never acting on my feelings. However, I’m happy to know -through Berlioz’s piece- that I’m not alone in feeling this way, and I feel comforted by that knowledge. The Symphonie Fantastique acts as a consolatory piece for me and helps me move on.

Air date: February 16, 2022

Minuet in G, Ludwig van Beethoven

Suggested by Karen in Portland, Oregon

This is the first piece of classical music I ever heard. It was in the late 1940’s and my family and I lived in a small city in northern Illinois. My third grade teacher, Miss Randall (adults didn’t have first names then, so that is how I knew her), was a lover of classical music and she shared her love with our class. She would bring in her 78 rpm records from home and play them on the “phonograph” (as we called it then) in our classroom. This minuet was the first piece she played for us and I was hooked — for life! It inspired me to beg my parents to let me take piano lessons, which they did the following year. That of course opened a new world to me, This piece takes me back to that first introduction to classical music, which has so enriched my life ever since.

Air date: February 15, 2022

Prelude in D-flat, “Raindrop”, Frederic Chopin

Suggested by Daisy in Bend, Oregon

Chopin's "Raindrop" Prelude is one of my favorite romantic pieces to both play and to listen to. I first heard it around this time last year when I began to study piano in college, and I instantly wanted to learn it because of the drama and color the piece portrays. The contrast between the bright, calm opening theme and the dark, dissonant middle section is so beautifully written. You can hear the individual repeated raindrops in the beginning, as well as the thunderstorm that follows. Living in the PNW, I enjoy listening to it on drives through the rain. It really comes to life when paired with the natural, beautiful scenery I'm surrounded by every day.

Air date: February 14, 2022

Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2, Johannes Brahms

Suggested by Gabriela in Newberg, Oregon

This was one of the first pieces I ever heard my boyfriend play. And it was after our juries were over, he sat me down in our music theory class room and he played it for me. And I cried, it was so beautiful, and it felt like... envisioning a future with him. And I knew I was safe and loved and in the right relationship. It also is just a truly beautiful piece and I want to include it in our ceremony when we get married :) Don't tell him tho ;)

Air date: February 11, 2022

Scheherazade: III. The Young Prince and the Young Princess, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Suggested by Hoda in Philomath, Oregon

I first heard this as a part of the soundtrack to a series called "Romanoffs," and I thought it was the most beautiful piece I'd ever heard. It's one of those that when you encounter it, you ask yourself: "where has this thing been all my life?" I think it's peaceful, yet incredibly romantic.

Air date: February 10, 2022

Girl with the Flaxen Hair, Claude Debussy

Suggested by Lieutenant Colonel David Beatty in Woodburn, Oregon

I am sponsoring today's music in memory of my father and mother, Russ and Delois Beatty. When I was a wee lad of 9, my father sat first chair clarinet in an orchestra in West Germany and toured all over Europe. One winter, the families were invited to go along on a tour of Bavaria and I was taken out of school for a few weeks and got to ride on the band bus. The orchestra’s director had the most beautiful daughter I’d every seen, who was just my age, and I developed a terrible crush on this lovely girl with flaxen hair – the sort of color and fine texture of corn silk. I was smitten. Everyone said we looked so cute dancing together.

A year later my dad returned to the states and I never saw her again, alas. Imagine my delight when I came across a recording of Debussy’s The Girl With The Flaxen Hair done by my father’s old orchestra! The recording was done 35 years after he had left it but never mind. When I hear this recording I’m taken back to cold winter nights in great halls in Germany, with the beautiful girl with the flaxen hair dancing in my youthful arms.

I would love to hear a recording of The Girl With The Flaxen Hair by the Five Star Brass backed by the Band of the United States Air Forces in Europe under the direction of my friend Major Denny Layendecker. Thank you.

Air date: February 9, 2022

Horn Concerto No. 1, W.A. Mozart

Suggested by Barbara in Portland, Oregon

I grew up in a home without any music, and my first exposure to classical music was at a music appreciation class my first year at Barnard College. What made it especially wonderful is that we had to trek across the street to Columbia University for that class, and there were men in the class! But still, as a commuter student living at home, I had very little money to buy my own records (this was 1958).

After I graduated, a friend arranged a blind date for me with a friend of the man she was going out with. Bill was a classical music lover, and he bought me my first classical music record: Mozart's Horn Concertos with Dennis Brain. I was thrilled by the gift, and played that record over and over. There was something about the sound of the French horn, so rich and fluid, like warm honey. When I moved into my first apartment in Manhattan I bought a KLH stereo and lots of classical records, beginning with Mozart, and then Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninoff... What a world that record opened up for me!

Air date: February 8, 2022

Pues Que Tu, Reina del Cielo, Juan del Encina (attributed)

Suggested by Darren in Mt. Angel, Oregon

I feel The Rose Ensemble's rendition of this 16th century song as much as I hear it. I love the progression of the song and the variety of vocals -- it starts as a simple plea that is repeated by different individuals and builds to a larger cry of many to Mary for "remedy to our troubles". It's absolutely beautiful.

I enjoy introducing this music to my family and friends along with the music of other similar groups such as The Waverly Consort. I grew up on classic rock, rap, and grunge. And now, in my later years, I spend most of my time trying to catch up on all of the music like this that I have missed. I love All Classical and I listen to it, at least a little bit, almost every single day.

Air date: February 7, 2022

Marche Slave, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Suggested by Jordan in Newberg, Oregon

I can still remember the day when my high school band director presented me with a large stack of scores and told me to “read up”, given my recent interest in composition. Marche Slave sat right on top of that stack. It instantly wormed its way into my heart and became one of my all-time favorite pieces to listen to over and over again. In fact, Marche Slave inspired my first orchestral composition, which in turn regrew my passion for composition after leaving high school and entering the new world of collegiate music

Air date: February 4, 2022

Beautiful Dreamer, Stephen Foster

Suggested by Eleanor in Portland, Oregon

In the early 1950s when I was a pre-teen and enjoyed playing the piano, my parents gave me a book of Stephen Foster's music. One of my favorites was "Beautiful Dreamer" - and I still have the book & sometimes play the song! I have heard Thomas Hampson perform that very song & would truly enjoy hearing his beautiful rendition again as a Five O'clock Favorite. Thank you!

Air date: February 3, 2022

Fur Elise, Ludwig van Beethoven

Suggested by Gabriel in Portland, Oregon

The same way Fur Elise was a significant pivoting point in music history, the piece was also a great pivot point in my own life when it came to piano skill.

At George Fox University, in the fall semester of 2020, I timidly brought the piece into my lesson with the 5’7 titan of piano Dr. Anton Zotov. Smiling, Dr. Zotov asked me to play the piece for him. After hitting all the right notes in a perfect blend of chaos, Dr. Zotov began what turned into an eight month course of instruction that would help me prepare the piece. My tempo had been as smooth as a rhino charging on a gravel road, and my pitch about as consistent as a middle schooler's emotions. I had a lot of corrections that needed to be made, so of course, I sat down and took them in patiently. At first, I loathed the work. The hours were long and gritty.

But as the weeks went on, and as the piece began to integrate into my muscle memory, I found that I could not get the music out of my head. The dynamics were just right, and the legato flow of the piece was so peaceful. It helped me find a temporary escape from the business of university life; reminiscent of the way my nimble fingers put together epic Lego Star Wars sets when I was young, my fingers adapted to this piece and put it together the way it was intended to be.

Then finally, the day came for me to perform it for my piano jury. I absolutely aced the piece; it was a spectacular feeling. Since then, I have always held this composition in high regard. I will always remember the hard work and discipline it took me to perfect the piece fondly. As Dwayne Johnson said, “It’s about drive, it’s about power!”

Air date: February 2, 2022

Pur ti miro (from The Coronation of Poppea), Claudio Monteverdi

Suggested by Ruth in Portland, Oregon

I first heard this piece on Joshua Bell's album "Romance of the Violin." It was so lovely I investigated online and found many other versions of this ethereal piece to enjoy. The violin version is gorgeous; the vocal versions go beyond description. I would love to hear a version sung by Philippe Jaroussky with Nuria Rial. It makes me want to cry.

Air date: January 31, 2022

Crown Imperial March, William Walton

Suggested by Miranda in Portland, Oregon

Crown Imperial was our wedding recessional music! The first music we heard together as newlyweds, rushing down the aisle, hand in hand, off to celebrate! My husband and I were married Jan. 31st 2015—a miraculously sunny winter day—at Trinity Cathedral here in Portland. With omicron, as well as a busy (and home from school) preschooler and a 6-month old baby, we won't be doing much this year to celebrate—maybe a bottle of bubbly and some quiet time after the kids are in bed. But we listen to All Classical Portland all day, every day! It is one of the many small daily joys we share. It would be so special to hear this music together on 89.9 on our anniversary as a surprise to my husband! Thank you kindly!

Air date: January 28, 2022

Baba Yetu, Christopher Tin

Suggested by Mike in Salem, Oregon

No personal story, it just makes me feel good. I believe it's a setting of the Lord's Prayer in Swahili.

Air date: January 27, 2022

Henry V: Non nobis, Domine, Patrick Doyle

Suggested by Roselle in Houston, Texas

In the film, this music reflects the victory of the English over the French in Agincourt. Doyle's version begins begins with a single voice and grows as more and more of the soldiers realize their victory. I find that the music is gentle, majestic and encouraging.

Air date: January 26, 2022

Guitar Quinet, Op. 143: 1. Allegro, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco

Suggested by Berto in Portland, Oregon

This magnificent work was on the first Segovia CD that my Mom bought me as a teenager. I used to fall asleep to this CD every night. I remember wondering how someone could write such amazing melodies and if I’d ever be able to play a major work like this one day. Fast forward 20+ years when I was contacted by the artistic director of the Chintimini Chamber festival to perform this quintet... and my youth came flooding back to me. I put in over 500 hours of practice leading up to the performance and it was -needless to say- an amazing experience to play such a brilliant work with a string quartet. It was a moment I will never forget! And... my daughter was 5-years-old at the time I was putting all this work in and I remember fondly her singing these melodies.

Castelnuovo-Tedesco wrote more music for the guitar than any composer in the 20th century and this work was written for Segovia. The world needs more Castelnuovo-Tedesco!!!

By the way, I just recently posted a video of the 2nd movement on my YouTube channel and have gotten a great response. According to the composers granddaughter Diane (my Facebook friend) it is a universal favorite! I based much of my performance on Segovia’s version but added my own Flamenco flair to certain sections. Here’s the video in case you’d like to see it. It is my life goal to record this and his concerto Op.99 for a complete Castelnuovo-Tedesco album. https://youtu.be/V9iQcb2tryw

Air date: January 25, 2022

Thais: Meditation, Jules Massenet (arr. Angel Romero)

Suggested by Linda in Vancouver, Washington

Some years ago I attended a classical guitar concert in Portland featuring Pepe Romero. What a beautiful concert it was, and what I remember most about it was an encore he played. Sitting alone on stage with his guitar, he spun this Meditation as though it was a filament of gold streaming down from heaven. It was exquisite. The beauty of it brought tears to my eyes and when I looked around there didn't seem to be a dry eye in the house. I've heard many versions of this piece but Pepe Romero's will always be my favorite.

Air date: January 24, 2022

Piano Concerto No. 20: II. Romance, W. A. Mozart

Suggested by Jorge in Portland, Oregon

I want to share a story about when classical music made an impact on my life. I was 12 years old (Wheew! That is over 40 years ago!) and my Mom and Dad took me to the Symphony in Quito, Ecuador. They had taken me a few times before, but this time was special. Mozart Piano Concerto #20 was one the pieces that night... it is the piano concerto that made me fall in love with classical music. Even to this day Mozart Piano concertos are special to me.

Now, I am cello enthusiast and student. I love cello, but it was Mozart's Piano Concerto #20 that made that personal mark in my life.

Air date: January 21, 2022

Symphony No. 29 in A: 1. Allegro Moderato, W.A. Mozart

Suggested by Gordon in Portland, Oregon

In the spring of 1962 at Radcliffe College, I courted a young woman named Margaret by leaving a recording of this symphony in her bicycle basket just a few days after we first met. It worked, That was sixty years ago, and today is Margaret's 79th birthday. She and I have been long-time donors to All Classical Portland.

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