Main content

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 BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.

3 hours, 30 minutes

Music Played

  • Vladimir Valivov

    Ave Maria

    Composer: Giulio Caccini. Music Arranger: Maria Leszczynska-Thieu. Ensemble: SCS Cello Ensemble. Conductor: Jacob Shaw.
    • The Road to Vienna.
    • Evidence Classics.
    • 1.
  • Frank Bridge

    Seascape (The Sea)

    Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • Chandos.
  • William Grant Still

    Lyric Quartet (The Jovial One)

    Ensemble: Catalyst Quartet.
    • Uncovered, Vol 3.
    • Azica.
    • 6.
  • Arthur Sullivan

    The sun, whose rays are all ablaze (The Mikado)

    Singer: Lesley Garrett. Orchestra: English National Opera Orchestra. Conductor: Peter Robinson.
    • The Mikado (Highlights).
    • That's Entertainment.
    • 13.
  • Joaquín Rodrigo

    Concierto de Aranjuez (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Miloš Karadaglić. Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Yannick Nézet‐Séguin.
    • Milos Aranjuez.
    • DG.
    • 2.
  • John Barry

    Capsule in Space (from You Only Live Twice)

    Orchestra: John Barry. Conductor: John Barry.
    • Columbia.
  • Joaquín Turina

    Piano Trio No 1 in D minor, Op 35 (3rd mvt)

    Ensemble: Nash Ensemble.
    • Turina Chamber Music The Nash Ensemble.
    • Hyperion.
  • George Frideric Handel

    Organ Concerto in B flat major, Op.4`2

    Performer: Bob van Asperen. Orchestra: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
    • Virgin.
  • Sergey Prokofiev

    The wedding of Kije; Troika (Lieutenant Kije Suite)

    Orchestra: Los Angeles Philharmonic. Conductor: André Previn.
    • TELARC.
  • Gabriel Fauré

    Barcarolle No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 26

    Performer: Pascal Rogé.
    • Fauré: Barcarolles; Dolly Suite.
    • Decca.
    • 1.
  • Grace Williams

    Roundelay (The Dancers)

    Singer: Eiddwen Harrhy. Choir: The Richard Hickox Singers. Orchestra: City of London Sinfonia. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • Grace Williams: The Dancers etc.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 3.
  • John Philip Sousa

    The Liberty bell - march

    Ensemble: The Band of the Coldstream Guards. Conductor: Major Roger G. Swift.
    • DENON.

Broadcast

  • Today09:30