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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.

To listen on most smart speakers say "Ask ѿý Sounds to play Essential Classics”

3 hours, 30 minutes

Music Played

  • 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 09:30

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