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Episode details

Radio 3,08 Jan 2026,210 mins

Your perfect classical playlist

Essential Classics

Available for 28 days

Ian Skelly 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 [email protected]. 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'.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Hungarian Dance no.4 in F sharp minor
    Hungarian Dance no.4 in F sharp minor
    Johannes Brahms
  3. 2.
    Requiem, Op. 48: Pie Jesu
    Requiem, Op. 48: Pie Jesu
    Gabriel Fauré
  4. 3.
    String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96: I - Allegro ma non troppo
    String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96: I - Allegro ma non troppo
    Antonín Dvořák