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: August 26, 2021

Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, Arvo Part

Suggested by Bert in Portland, Oregon

I have listened to classical music for the past 5 decades, but only just discovered the music of Estonian composer Arvo Part after reading the book "Horizon," by Barry Lopez. The author met the composer on the Oregon coast (at one of his favorite places - Cape Foulweather), and he described Pärt's music as "austere and contemplative.... human suffering and Divine consolation are prominent in his compositions, and the resolution he sometimes finds is majestic."

I am fond of many of Arvo Part's works, but Mr. Lopez connected strongly with "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten." He described it as an experience of grief and anxiety giving way to peace.

Air date: August 25, 2021

Facades, Philip Glass

Suggested by Diane in Hillsboro, Oregon

I love this piece for its mesmerizing minimalism. It makes me think of the sun's movement across the sky as evidenced by its beam moving across the floor of my room.

Air date: August 24, 2021

Homesickness, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

Suggested by Richard in Portland, Oregon

I thought this was very, very nice when I first heard it a couple of weeks ago on your program. This radio station is doing a fabulous job playing the music of "overlooked" composers (people of color, women). It is just so sad to think of the millions of people that have been for years excluded from contributing their abilities to a civilized world.

Air date: August 23, 2021

Ashokan Farewell, Jay Unger

Suggested by Jill in Vancouver, Washington

Reminds me of growing up in the country in our home by the river. Riding horses and eating wild blackberries.

Air date: August 20, 2021

Sogno di Volare (The Dream of Flight), Christopher Tin

Suggested by Laura in Portland, Oregon

This is one of those pieces that gives me chills every. single. time. I listen to it. Christopher Tin has an incredible talent for composing music that simultaneously is grounding and makes you feel like anything is possible. I put this on when I want to take a deep breath and be inspired to carry on.

Air date: August 19, 2021

Vespers: Nyne Otpushchayeshi (Now let thy servant depart), Sergei Rachmaninov

Suggested by John in Maywood Park, Oregon

My dear friend's father died this week. His name was Blaze Nemeth. His family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, we donate to All Classical in his name. I also wanted to request a piece of music that is meaningful to me. "Now let thy servant depart" from Rachmaninoff's Vespers is -in my opinion- THE most beautiful and transcendent piece of choral music. Rachmaninoff himself said, "I should like this sung at my funeral."

Air date: August 18, 2021

Horn Concerto in E flat, Karl Mathias Reinhardt

Suggested by Sue in Portland, Oregon

I used to play the French Horn in an opera orchestra -- I even wanted to make a career of my favorite instrument. Instead I became an non-profit administrator, working with Amnesty International in Ottawa, Ontario, the Wayne State Center for Peace & Conflict Studies in Detroit, and finally (for 33 years) at the UN in New York. When my husband and I retired we moved to Portland in order to be near our children & grandchildren.

I love the fact that French Horn music is often played on All Classical Portland, and that it is also Christa Wessel's instrument! So, as my suggestion for the Five O'Clock Favorite I would love to hear any horn music that Christa would like to play for me.

Thank you! I love All Classical Portland, and listen many hours a day.

Air date: August 17, 2021

Ballade No. 1, Frederic Chopin

Suggested by Bruce in Oregon City, Oregon

In dedication to my mother, who played this on her piano and introduced me to classical music.

Air date: August 6, 2021

Huapango, Jose Pablo Moncayo

Suggested by Sheila in Portland, Oregon

I was browsing YouTube with a friend and we listened to this piece by an orchestra and then again with a Mariachi band. It's wonderful no matter what plays it!

Air date: August 5, 2021

Lux Aeterna: O Nata Lux, Morten Lauridsen

Suggested by Benno in Portland, Oregon

This entire CD ("Lux" by Voces8) brings tears to my eyes. When I heard this group for the first time I could not believe my own ears. There is something inherently comforting about the sound of unaccompanied voices in harmony. This album rocks my socks!

Air date: August 4, 2021

Experience, Ludovico Einaudi

Suggested by Kelly in Wilsonville, Oregon

The first time I heard this piece I was moved and tearful. I think it could be a soundtrack for all of us Portland area residents who have experienced so much together, unspoken, over the last year and a half. It's called "Experience" and it is, in my "experience," that the most unexpected pieces of music, like unexpected acts of kindness, can end-up freeing us.

Air date: August 3, 2021

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

Suggested by Randi in Portland, Oregon

Scheherazade was my dad’s favorite symphony. He introduced it to me before I was in kindergarten, and it has become my all-time favorite. It takes me away, out of my troubles and worries, whenever I hear it.

Air date: August 2, 2021

Moto Perpetuo, Nicolo Paganini

Suggested by Tom in Georgetown, Texas

Today is my wife's 80th birthday. She remains the love and joy of my life. We enjoy both classical music and jazz. One of her favorite artists, who we regard as the premier trumpet player of BOTH the classical and jazz repertoire, is Wynton Marsalis. Please play something by him of your choice as the Five O'Clock Favorite on her birthday. Thank you!

Air date: July 31, 2021

Symphony No. 9, “Choral”: IV. Finale “Ode to Joy”, Ludwig van Beethoven

Suggested by Nichole in Tigard, Oregon

"Ode to Joy" was played at my husband's and my wedding, and we recently celebrated our 12 year anniversary. I have always loved this music and would love to hear it again.

Air date: July 30, 2021

Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin

Suggested by Nancy in Newberg, Oregon

I'd love to hear Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" performed by Oscar Levant. I first heard this piece at age nine. It was the beginning of my thirst for classical music. This brings fond memories of my parents who generously tolerated my musical preferences amidst a family with other preferences.

Oscar Levant may have dropped out of favor from bits of information I've come across. However, I think his interpretation of Gershwin has contributed to later interpretations. Thank you for this delightful program and stories!

Air date: July 28, 2021

Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35: Funeral March, Frederic Chopin

Suggested by Greg in Village Manor

Air date: July 27, 2021

Carmen: Habanera, Georges Bizet

Suggested by Alex in Silverton, Oregon

Quite a few years ago, when my daughters were in their early teens, we attended a concert of the Oregon Symphony at Willamette University in Salem. The theme of the concert was "women who made a difference." Among the works was a performance of the Habenera from Carmen. The vocalist, Michelle DeYoung, was resplendent in a beautiful red gown and gave a memorable rendition. It brought down the house. As a result this piece has always been a favorite of ours and when we hear it, we all think back to that wonderful evening.

Air date: July 26, 2021

With Quiet Courage, Larry Daehn

Suggested by Linda in Douglas, Oregon

I first heard this piece at a band concert on July 3rd. It was such a contrast to the usual band music that it really moved me.

Air date: July 23, 2021

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, Ralph Vaughan Williams

Suggested by Suzi in Sandy, Oregon

When I first heard "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" many years ago, I was attending a concert with my husband. I was instantly swept up by the music, more than any other composition I've heard before. It's my #1 favorite!

Air date: July 22, 2021

Sure On This Shining Night, Morten Lauridsen

Suggested by Benno in Portland, Oregon

I have music in my veins and this music stirs me. The intermingling of the theme as it is given to each section of the chorus -and then sent to the heavens- brings me such peace. I have sung this piece all over the globe and have seen people's expressions mellow as they hear this gorgeous music.

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