57 episodes

In this weekly podcast, a panel of critics and broadcasters choose their Top 5 on a variety of subjects, arguing their case between themselves and the listeners.

The Classical Top 5 classicaltop5

    • Music
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

In this weekly podcast, a panel of critics and broadcasters choose their Top 5 on a variety of subjects, arguing their case between themselves and the listeners.

    Classical Top 5: Final Edition!

    Classical Top 5: Final Edition!

    In the very last Classical Top 5, Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner look back at their favourite guests, moments and music from the series and discuss issues that have emerged in what has been an extraordinary 18 months for the industry. The show has welcomed some incredible guests and thousands of pieces of music have been mentioned in a wide-range of subjects. We hope you've enjoyed being with us and discovered things along the way - we've certainly loved doing it. But now things are inching back to 'normal' we return to our day jobs! Please continue to let us know your Top 5s on our Facebook and Twitter pages - we love hearing from you. Thank you for your company and support throughout. It's been a blast!
    Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 
    On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5
     

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Top 5 Myths about Classical Music

    Top 5 Myths about Classical Music

    Our guest this week is the superstar harpsichordist, organist, writer and commentator Mahan Esfahani and he's got a few things to get off his chest about the classical music industry. Mahan chooses his Top 5 Myths about Classical Music - those oft-accepted views, approaches and ideas in music that can remain unchallenged. Why should a composer's wishes always be respected? Is every work we hear on radio really a masterpiece? Is fame and talent really down to just good PR?A wide-ranging discussion about many key issues in the classical music world. With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. 
     
    Producer: Simon Funnell
     
     

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Top 5 Violin Concertos

    Top 5 Violin Concertos

    A huge subject for the team this week: Violin Concertos. So many to choose from, everything from rare curiosities to much-performed classics. Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner dive in with a mix of 'Bible and Shakespeare' choices and personal picks from the baroque to last month and everything in between! 
     
    Producer: Tommy Pearson
     
    If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!  
    For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 
    On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Top 5 Game-Changers

    Top 5 Game-Changers

    What are those pieces, performances, recordings or events that changed your entire perception of them and perhaps turned a dislike into a love?This week, Tommy, Richard and Charlotte highlight the moments that, for them, were game-changers in their classical music life. It's a deeply personal trip of memories through favourite teachers, revelatory recordings, performances and surprising discoveries. Share your game-changing moments in classical music over on our Facebook page!Producer: Simon Funnell
     
    If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!  
    For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 
    On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

    • 1 hr 7 min
    Top 5 Trios

    Top 5 Trios

    Our guest this week is pianist and writer Susan Tomes, one of the world's finest chamber musicians; member of the Florestan Trio, Domus Ensemble and solo recitalist as well as a brilliant writer on music. Susan's latest book, "The Piano: A History in 100 Pieces" is published in July. Susan chooses her Top 5 Trios - all of them classics in the repertoire - and the team adds theirs. From Mozart to Judith Bingham and all points between, it's the usual Classical Top 5 mix!With Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. 
     
    Producer: Simon Funnell
    If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!  
    For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 
    On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Top 5 First Symphonies

    Top 5 First Symphonies

    This week the team tackles First Symphonies; those that were numbered the first by their composers, or were written first but given another number (or no number at all) or are the only symphony they wrote. The first symphonies of some of the greatest composers are amongst their least known works - for others, it's their biggest hit. Lots to choose from, as always, for Tommy Pearson, Richard Bratby and Charlotte Gardner. Who will make it onto the final list?Producer: Simon Funnell
     
    If you enjoy our podcasts, please help us continue by making a donation at paypal.me/classicaltop5.  Thank you!  
    For all latest info:Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theclassicaltop5 
    On Twitter: twitter.com/classicaltop5
     

    • 1 hr 9 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

ReiboldRenegade ,

Expanding my musical horizons

Every episode of this pod teaches me something new about classical music, and the playlists from the guests’ selections are now in constant rotation. Thoroughly enjoyable and well-moderated show.

Boulez25 ,

Quickly becoming addictive

This is a fun and intelligent new podcast. Each guest chooses their top 5 of whatever classical music topic the terrific host Tommy Pearson chooses. I find that I start to imagine what I would choose were I on this show. It’s a little like Desert Island Discs where I (and most people?) also imagine what they would choose. But since Desert Island Discs has slipped in quality of late, Top 5 is a welcome podcast. Plus with a new topic each week, it keeps things consistently fresh. I know there are accompanying Spotify playlists (good idea), but it would still be nice to have a few short excerpts thrown in to whet the appetite. But overall, this is a really wonderful podcast

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