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: November 29, 2021

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

Suggested by Larry in Oak Grove, and Sandi in Portland

Larry says: Though much of the music by the Croatian duo 2cellos doesn't fit with your format (see them do AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" or Jimi Hendrix... they do things with the cello which may be downright unnatural!) their interpretation of the Benedictus by Karl Jenkins is soaring and will uplift you. It lifts me so far above the mundane you wonder how it could ever have been written. It may make you cry or at least tear up. In about 7 minutes the closest to heaven you can get while seated in your recliner.

Sandi says: I have taken up the cello again after a 30 year break and after looking up music to begin my journey once more, discovered this ethereal piece played by 2 amazing men. It has fueled my passion for the cello all over again!

Air date: November 22, 2021

Distant Land, John Rutter

Suggested by Kevin in Salem, Oregon

I find this piece unbelievably moving; the brass choir brings me to tears.

A little while back one of my family members asked where my interest in classical music came from, as it is a bit of a departure from the family's personality. My eighth-grade music teacher let me borrow over the summer the new music textbook and set of records that would be used the next school year. That summer I discovered the length and breadth of classical music. Then, through my adult years, a dear friend introduced me to lesser-known and contemporary composers and their works. One of these was John Rutter, whose music I heard in concert once or twice. All Classical Portland has greatly contributed to my habit of exploration, and I am very grateful…

Air date: November 19, 2021

Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Harold Arlen

Suggested by Keith in Ridgefield, Washington

My mother Ella Maxine passed away at the age of 91 on Veteran's day two years ago, and her namesake grand daughter Ella Grace was born one month later on December 13th. They never met, but we hope and pray they one day will, "somewhere over the rainbow."

Air date: November 18, 2021

Piano Concerto in A minor: II. Romanza, Ignace Jan Paderewski

Suggested by Maryla in Tigard, Oregon

I just finished reading the book “Paderewski in California” by Marek Zebrowski. In it, I learned that Paderewski was not only a great pianist and composer, but he was also a politician and a diplomat. During World War I he urged President Woodrow Wilson to support the cause of Polish independence. After he literally put Poland on the map, he actually became the new nation's Prime Minister and foreign minister during which time he signed the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

Paderewski was respected by leaders throughout the world. On the 10th anniversary of Polish independence in 1928, Paderewski received messages from four U.S. presidents, Coolidge, Taft, Hoover, and Roosevelt acknowledging his work as a statesman. On one of his concert tours, when he arrived in Brussels, the King and Queen personally went to the station to greet him!

The second movement of Paderewski's Piano Concerto in A minor Op.17 is magnificent, beyond words! I love to listen to it when I'm painting.

Air date: November 17, 2021

Cello Concerto No. 6: II. Andante Cantible, Luigi Boccherini (arr. Cassado)

Suggested by Jeff in Portland, Oregon

Nothing makes me feel cozy in the dark and rainy months like Segovia's guitar pieces. My 3 year old daughter and I always listen for the 5 o'clock favorite on the way home from daycare, so I thought it would be fun to suggest one of our favorite songs for consideration.

Air date: November 16, 2021

Suite in E minor, BWV 996, J.S. Bach

Suggested by Pam in Portland, Oregon

My dad played the fifth movement of this Suite - the Bourree- on the piano while I was growing up. It always reminds me of him. I don't play piano but learned how to play the first part by heart. My dad died of Covid in January and I'm grateful to have memories of him playing this piece.

Air date: November 15, 2021

Vespers: Blessed Is The Man, Sergei Rachmaninov

Suggested by Mary in Eugene, Oregon

The first time I heard the Robert Shaw Festival Chorus sing Rachmaninoff's Vespers I was immediately and completely transported to a place of serene worship and peace.

The third hymn, "Blessed Be The Man," describes how I remember my father, Patrick Joseph Moore, who died fifty years ago on November 15th. Three days later the church was packed with people who affirmed:
Blessed be the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, ... Alleluia!
Blessed are all who rely upon the Lord God, ... Alleluia!
Glory to Thee, O Lord.
Glory to Thee, O Lord.
Glory to Thee, O Lord. Alleluia!

Air date: November 12, 2021

Happiness Does Not Wait, Olafur Arnalds

Suggested by Linda in St. Joseph, Michigan

As a 78-year old lifetime lover of classical music, I am ever-thrilled to hear music by contemporary composers. Recently, my husband and I have relocated to be with our daughter and family due to our more fragile ages. Being so close to seven thriving and gifted grandchildren easily calls to mind the title of this piece. We are now a lively three generation household - much to our delight! Indeed, “happiness cannot wait!”

Air date: November 11, 2021

Grand Canyon Suite: Sunset, Ferde Grofe

Suggested by Susan in Saint Helens, Oregon

Now I live in the Pacific Northwest, but I grew up with the wide vistas of the American Southwest which was musically described by Ferde Grofe in his Grand Canyon Suite.

Five hour car trips with my grandparents from the Coachella Valley to Flagstaff Arizona gave me in a special opportunity to observe the open spaces. The Mojave Desert changed to Sonoran Desert at the Colorado River. Sunrise would bring changing images of mirage mountains in the early light. A visit to the Grand Canyon revealed the sculpting power of water. In the distance we could see the clouds with long trailing edges, changing color in the sunset.

Air date: November 10. 2021

Jumanji: A New World, James Horner

Suggested by Jonathan in Lake Oswego, Oregon

This piece is from one of my favorite movies (Jumanji) featuring Robin Williams. The flute work in this piece is so whimsical, beautiful, and calming. Whenever I hear it I get transported to a safe place with clear serenity. I'd love for others to hear it too.

Air date: November 9, 2021

Suite Espanola: Sevilla, Isaac Albeniz, guitar

Suggested by Michael in Portland, Oregon

My wife and I used to love to go to Portland's old Beef-and-Brew. It was so relaxing and peaceful especially when they had someone play Spanish guitar. My wife of 49 years died in 2019 of breast cancer after a 7 year long struggle. Hearing Spanish guitar music brings back some wonderful memories.

Air date: November 8, 2021

Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 72, No. 2, Antonin Dvorak

Suggested by Kristina in Vancouver, Washington

This piece penetrates my soul. I often am not able to listen to it without shedding a tear. I don't know why it moves me so deeply, but whenever I want to be still, calm, and alone, I turn this on. Sometimes I dance to it. Other times, I just sit and cry. Am I the only one who feels this way about this piece?

Air date: November 5, 2021

Agnus Dei (vocal arrangement of Adagio for Strings), Samuel Barber

Suggested by Connie in Goldendale, Washington

When I was a freshman in high school in the late 60's our choir teacher, in an effort to broaden our love of music beyond rock n roll, would regularly play classical music during class and would have us sing various classical pieces, too. The first piece he played for us was Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. I was so moved that I never forgot it. Every time I hear this particular piece I am immediately drawn back to that time when one teacher cared enough to share his love of classical music with a group of 14 and 15 year old students. It calms me and draws to a place of deep contemplation, which our world needs more of.

Air date: November 4, 2021

String Sextet No. 1: Andante, Johannes Brahms

Suggested by Julia in Yuma, Arizona

If I'm not mistaken, this piece was used in a Star Trek episode about the funeral of Vulcan Ambassador Sarek in the year 2368. Anyway, I really, really love its extraordinary beauty which truly transports the listener to another world!

Air date: November 3, 2021

Rhapsody in Blue, George Gershwin

Suggested by Dave in Battle Ground, Washington

From my childhood though today, United Airlines has always played this reassuring and comforting piece through the best and worst of times. (Dave provided a link to the website "Aerospace Weekly" in his signature.)

Air date: November 2, 2021

Song for Athene, John Tavener

Suggested by Joe in Lake Oswego, Oregon

I was introduced to this piece as a member of the Cathedral Choir of St. Mary's Basilica in Minneapolis; our choir director added this to the repertoire for the All Saint's Day Mass. Our 60-voice choir performed it from the balcony above the entrance to the darkened cathedral. As I sang over the bass drone through the first six somber, tightly controlled, funereal, verses, I experienced increasing tension that was released in the glorious final verse, which moved me to tears and exhilaration.

As you may know, John Tavener composed it from lyrics by Mother Thekla, an Orthodox nun, in tribute to and admiration of Athene Hariades following her untimely death. It was sung at the funeral of Princess Diana by the Westminster Abbey Choir.

Air date: November 1, 2021

Enigma Variations: Nimrod, Edward Elgar

Suggested by Don in Portland, Oregon

I just recently discovered the fabulous cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and he's incredibly talented! He comes from a family of 7 siblings, and all of them are musicians. How is that possible!?!! It's a delight to hear and see them all, but I have a soft spot for Sheku's "Nimrod" - it is an utter delight.

Air date: October 29, 2021

Toccata and Fugue in D minor, J.S. Bach

Suggested by Pie in Portland, Oregon and Phil in Beaverton, Oregon

It's the ultimate Halloween song!

Air date: October 28, 2021

Funeral March of a Marionette, Charles Gounod

Suggested by Christine in Gladstone, Oregon

I remember learning to play this on piano in grade school, and it came easy to me because I had watched just about every episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. (I know, that dates me!)

Air date: October 27, 2021

Graceful Ghost Rag, William Bolcom

Suggested by Pie in Portland

I have always liked this song and it is something that I have always wanted to play on the piano as a challenge to myself. Plus, it's perfect for Halloween week!

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