
The ideal mix of classical music
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites.
Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.
1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.
1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.
1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.
1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.
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Music Played
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Jacques Offenbach
Barcarolle (Gaîté parisienne)
Music Arranger: Manuel Rosenthal. Orchestra: Boston Pops Orchestra. Conductor: Arthur Fiedler. -
Frédéric Chopin
Nocturne in B major, Op 62 No 1
Performer: Sir Stephen Hough. -
Edward German
The Seasons - symphonic suite: Summer (Harvest Dance)
Orchestra: RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Conductor: Andrew Penny. -
João Lourenço Rebelo
Panis Angelicus
Choir: The Sixteen. Conductor: Harry Christophers. -
Roman Hoffstetter
String Quartet in F major, Op 3 No 5 (2nd mvt)
Ensemble: Guildhall String Ensemble. Director: Robert Salter. -
Jacques Ibert
The Little White Donkey
Performer: James Galway. Performer: Phillip Moll. -
Ruth Gipps
Song for orchestra, Op 33
Orchestra: ѿý National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Rumon Gamba. -
César Franck
Symphonic variations for piano and orchestra
Performer: Bertrand Chamayou. Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Conductor: Stéphane Denève. -
Johann Pachelbel
Canon and Gigue in D
Performer: Enrico Onofri. Performer: Marco Bianchi. Performer: Stefano Barneschi. Ensemble: Il Giardino Armonico. Director: Giovanni Antonini. -
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Suite from “24 Melodies”; Intermezzo – Don’t Be Weary, Traveler (America) Op. 59 No. 12
Orchestra: National Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Michael Repper. -
Adolf Schulz-Evler
Arabesques on a theme from 'The Beautiful Blue Danube'
Performer: Benjamin Grosvenor. -
Antonín Dvořák
Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22: I. Moderato
Orchestra: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Colin Davis. -
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Quartet in G major K.80 for strings: 2nd movement; Allegro
Ensemble: Armida Quartett. -
Joe Hisaishi
Merry-Go-Round of Life (from 'Howl’s Moving Castle')
Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Joe Hisaishi. -
Johann Sebastian Bach
Cantata No 118, 'O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht'
Choir: Monteverdi Choir. Orchestra: English Baroque Soloists. Conductor: Sir John Eliot Gardiner. -
Lennox Berkeley
String Serenade: 1st movement: Vivace
Orchestra: ѿý National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Richard Hickox. -
Rudolf Friml
The Donkey Serenade (From "Firefly")
Performer: Mario Lanza. Choir: Jeff Alexander Choir. Orchestra: Henri René & His Orchestra. -
André Messager
Véronique, Act 2: Duetto de l'âne. Donkey Duet "De-ci de-là, cahin-caha" (Hélène, Florestan)
Singer: Martha Angelici. Singer: Camille Maurane. Orchestra: Orchestre Lamoureux. Conductor: Jules Gressier.
Broadcast
- Wed 13 Aug 2025 09:30ѿý Radio 3