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 24, 2021

Concerto for Flute & Harp: II. Andantino, W.A. Mozart

Suggested by Elsie in North Plains, Oregon

I've always loved pieces like this which soothe the soul. Harp and Flute both have such a gentle sound; one that can lift you into peacefulness for a few moments. I hope this provides comfort and peace to all.

All Classical is on all day in our home, playing also in our vehicles, and we wish to thank you for what you continue to provide after all these years. You are all a blessing, your voices calming and so enjoyable, just like the music.

Air date: June 23, 2021

Ashes; Howl’s Moving Castle: Merry Go Round, Hilary Hahn & Hauschka / Joe Hisaishi

Suggested by Eric in Portland, Oregon

These are some of my favorite pieces ... they are both just so beautiful.

Air date: June 22, 2021

Carmina Burana: O Fortuna, Carl Orff

Suggested by Charles in Vancouver, Washington

This is a really exciting piece that always wants to make me get up and move. I am graduating middle school this week and I think this piece is a great anthem for all graduates this year!

Air date: June 21, 2021

The Dance of the Sacred Rivers, Gheorghe Zamfir

Suggested by Bob in Mount Angel, Oregon

Air date: June 18, 2021

Ave Maria, Franz Biebl

Suggested by Cameron in Woodburn, Oregon

The first time I heard this piece (performed by Chanticleer), I was blown away by the beautiful unified tone of this choir, but also by Biebl's excellent musical composition. He melds the plainchant segments seamlessly with the polyphonic elements to create one of the most impressive choral works I have ever heard. Enjoy this masterpiece!

Air date: June 17, 2021

Strange Meadowlark, Dave Brubeck

Suggested by Roddy in Portland, Oregon

I grew up in a remote area served by a very small country western radio station that went off the air at 9:00pm. In my teens, the station added an extra hour which allowed the host to introduce new music, typically jazz or classical. Sixty-five years later, I still love Brubeck and Dvořák. I’d appreciate hearing anything by either of those composers.

Air date: June 16, 2021

Aida: O patria mia, Giuseppe Verdi

Suggested by John in Lincoln City, Oregon

When I was a boy back in the 1970s, I attended a recital by Montserrat Caballé. No one wanted to accompany me. None of my family or friends cared for opera. Nor did I, really... I had no experience with it. So this recital concert was a first for me.

I really can't recall why I went. It may have been that Caballé was Spanish, and I had a strong interest in all things Spanish. And I can't remember what her program was, either. What I DO remember was being literally on the edge of my seat that night, completely mesmerized, captivated by that rich, passionate voice.

I'd listened to a lot of different kinds of music before, but hadn't experienced the drama and purity of voice - direct, with no intermediate instrument. That night, Caballé made a convert of me, and an opera lover forever.

Air date: June 15, 2021

Brazilian Suite: Intermedio, Alberto Nepomuceno

Suggested by Bob in Wilsonville, Oregon

Recently on the 5:00 Favorite you played a beautiful piece by the lesser known Finnish composer Erkki Melartin. It made me think of a beautiful piece by the lesser known Brazilian composer Alberto Nepomuceno. This beautiful, lilting tune is an orchestrated version of a movement from his 3rd string quartet and I’ve loved it for many years.

Air date: June 14, 2021

Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2, Sergei Rachmaninov

Suggested by Rachel in Salem, Oregon

This magnificent prelude reminds me of my years studying classical piano as I considered it a pinnacle accomplishment when I mastered it. (Also, Rachmaninoff is my favorite classical composer!)

Air date: June 10, 2021

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Sunrise, Richard Strauss

Suggested by John in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

In Wisconsin the winters can be brutal, and the coming of Spring is welcomed with enthusiasm. The weather warms, the daffodils poke out of the ground followed by tulips. The grass turns from brown to a lush green and the trees vibrantly display their leaves. This music embodies the emotions of this fantastic season.

Air date: June 9, 2021

Suite from “The Victorian Kitchen Garden”, Paul Reade

Suggested by David

It's an English piece that I particularly like. Very gentle and pastoral, and I find it so evocative. As a British expatriate making my new home in Oregon, I would be most gratified to hear this on your station.

Air date: June 8, 2021

Adagio Appassionato for Violin and Orchestra, Max Bruch

Suggested by John in Milwaukie, Oregon

At the end of a long day, like music soothing the beast, you could lead me anywhere by playing this beautiful piece...

Air date: June 7, 2021

Rodeo: Saturday Night Waltz, Aaron Copland

Suggested by Dave in Heron, Montana

When I hear this music, this lovely melody, it takes me from where I am to another place that is so relaxed yet fully engaged. I can't wait for my piano student granddaughter to learn this piece. That will be heavenly!

Air date: June 4, 2021

Adiemus, Karl Jenkins

Suggested by BeBe in Sugarland, Texas

Soothing, peaceful, joyful and inspirational!

Air date: June 3, 2021

Fanfare for the Common Man, Aaron Copland

Suggested by Emma in Portland, Oregon

I am in middle school. When I was younger, I was listening to All Classical, when suddenly I heard a big BOOM come from the timpani. I was frozen in my chair, mesmerized by the powerful piece. When it was over I learned that the piece was written by an American composer named Aaron Copland. I still get that feeling when listen to Fanfare for The Common Man. This piece started my love of the composer. (My dad also likes classical music, but he never appreciated Aaron Copland. He says since I came along he's learned to love the famous composer.)

Air date: June 2, 2021

Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude, J.S. Bach

Suggested by Trisha in Wilsonville, Oregon

This piece speaks to me -- it tells me not to give up, it says that life is beautiful; it cries to me, telling me not to be afraid, saying that fear only makes things worse. It reassures me of my hopes and dreams, and bids me to believe in myself. Listen, and let it fill you with peace and joy.

Air date: June 1, 2021

Warsaw Concerto, Richard Addinsell

Suggested by Lance in Portland, Oregon

My Dad influenced my love of Classical Music,. He used to stack his 33 rpm records, and on the weekends when we would be doing school work his records played in the background. He absolutely loved this piece of music

The Warsaw Concerto was written for the British film, Dangerous Moonlight, which is about the Polish struggle against the 1939 invasion by Nazi Germany. Even though it was written for a film, it's a beautiful concert piece!

Air date: May 31, 2021

Shenandoah, Traditional American

Suggested by Anne in Woodburn, Oregon

This beautiful song is perfect after a stressful or rough day.

Air date: May 28, 2021

Clarinet Concerto in A: II. Adagio, W.A. Mozart

Suggested by Nancy in Newberg, Oregon

As a child I received an accordion and was fortunate to study classical accordion over the years. There is much to enjoy about this instrument. It may be an under-appreciated instrument most often associated with polkas and waltzes, however the music of Mozart, Bach, or Chopin is provided a distinctive resonant quality when preformed by a virtuoso accordionist. Thank you for playing this... my spirit is lightened and rejuvenated!

Air date: May 27, 2021

Lohdutus (Consolation), Erkki Melartin

Suggested by Andrew in Tualatin, Oregon

Outside of Finland, Melartin is often forgotten in discussions of the Nordic nationalist giants. This is a shame, as his music is as romantic as the best of his contemporaries.

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