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Episode details

Radio 3 Unwind,11 May 2026,180 mins

A classical music playlist to let the day go

Classical Wind Down

Available for 27 days

Three hours of calming classical music to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin. The programme also draws on a curated playlist designed to encourage small, positive actions in support of mental health. Alexis Ffrench’s Story of You offers gentle emotional reassurance, Ellen Reid’s Big Majestic creates a spacious, grounding sound world that supports calm breathing, and a harp arrangement of Dolores O’Riordan’s Dreaming My Dreams brings an intimate, tender stillness. Niall Breslin invites listeners to press pause, guiding them through simple ways to use the body to navigate stress and restore a sense of mental calm and positivity. Also, Caroline Steel brings some wind down wisdom on how changing the lighting in a room can have a restorative impact on your mood. To listen on most smart speakers, just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    Suite in B-Flat Major, HWV 434: IV. Menuet
    Suite in B-Flat Major, HWV 434: IV. Menuet
    George Frideric Handel
  3. 2.
    An Irish Blessing
    An Irish Blessing
    Anna Lapwood
  4. 3.
    Pavane, Op. 50 (Arr. for Saxophone, Cello & Harp by Anonymous)
    Pavane, Op. 50 (Arr. for Saxophone, Cello & Harp by Anonymous)
    Gabriel Fauré