SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025

SAT 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002ng13)
Chill out in the twilight

Feel cool and cosy in the twilight chill. Immerse yourself in the natural sounds that magic hour between daylight and darkness, as faint music hang on the air - a perfect soundtrack to help guide you to a peaceful state of slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and environmental sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo & Alice Boyd.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


SAT 06:00 Mindful Mix (m00267l3)
Choral Christmas: serene choral music for the festive season

An uplifting selection of warm and reflective choral music to cast out the stresses of the festive period. Featuring serene and seasonal choral favourites, alongside glowing textures by Morten Lauridsen, Elizabeth Poston and Harry Burleigh.

To listen to more festive tunes on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Christmas Music.”

For more Mindful Mixes and calming classical music, listen to Radio 3 Unwind on BBC Sounds or search "Mindful Mix".

Produced by James C Taylor and Steven Rajam
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


SAT 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002nglw)
Embrace the Christmas spirit with gentle classical sounds

Peaceful festive classical music to lift your spirits and bring warmth to your Christmas morning. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring cherished carols, glowing choral harmonies and gentle orchestral favourites, this special Christmas edition offers a comforting soundtrack for rest, reflection and togetherness. Across three hours of music, we explore the sense of connection that singing brings, the nostalgia woven into familiar melodies, and the quiet joy that emerges in moments of stillness.

Plus, Professor Catherine Loveday shares insights into how Christmas music can positively shape our mood, strengthen memory and evoke a powerful sense of belonging.


SAT 12:00 Piano Focus (m002nrb2)
A calming piano soundtrack to help you focus. Boost your productivity with two hours of piano-led classical music to motivate and inspire you.


SAT 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002nglt)
A Winter Wander: Festive music for the cold outdoors

Wrap up warm, and get a breath of fresh air, with a selection of classical music to listen to and soothe your soul as you walk in nature this wintertime. Featuring glistening piano textures, slow-moving strings and serene contemporary works that mirror frosted landscapes and crisp winter air - perfect for walking, wandering and quiet reflection.

With music by Rachel Portman, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Eric Whitacre, and more.

For more Mindful Mixes and calming classical music, listen to Radio 3 Unwind on BBC Sounds or search "Mindful Mix".

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds. MM


SAT 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002nrb4)
Welcome in the evening with calming Christmas music.

Three hours of calming classical music designed to light up the winter darkness, and help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a seasonal blend of radiant music. Plus, a chance to Press Pause, and some Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel, all about the benefits of going for a long walk after a big meal.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


SAT 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m00267mj)
Get cosy with calming scores from Frozen Planet and Fargo

Get cosy with calming scores from winter films with Edith Bowman. Featuring music from George Fenton's Frozen Planet, Fargo by Jeff Russo and a moment from Frozen by Christophe Beck.

Produced by Lucy Winter
A Granny Eats Wolf Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind


SAT 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001g9pb)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 1

Music to bring calm amidst the chaos feat. Benjamin Hardman

Join Icelandic composer and pianist Ólafur Arnalds for an hour-long musical journey into the world of calm.

In the final episode of the series, Ólafur focuses on music that seeks to bring calm amidst the chaos with a selection of songs to help you escape the hectic stresses of this time of year. He shares music from Poppy Ackroyd, Voces8 and Nils Frahm, and reflects on the importance of tuning out the noise and the pressures of the everyday in order to claim back a moment of stillness for yourself.

Plus the photographer Benjamin Hardman transports us to his Safe Haven, the place where he feels the most calm, with recordings from the eruption of Icelandic volcano Meradalir where he spends a lot of his time - demonstrating the ultimate definition of calm amidst chaos.

Produced by Katie Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds


SAT 22:00 Night Tracks (m00262fh)
A meditative moonlight soundtrack

Hannah Peel presents an immersive soundtrack for Boxing Day, with an eclectic mix of traditional folk and new music, relaxing classics and electronics, plus wintery ice sounds.


SAT 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m00269fq)
Go on a sleepy voyage to the Antarctic

Excerpts from Ernest Shackleton's 1902 expedition journal with dreamy music from BBC Introducing and the Shipping Forecast. First broadcast in November 2021.

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast."

SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER 2025

SUN 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002mjkf)
Wander in the wintertime

Step lightly into sleep, through the surrounds and sounds of a wander in wintertime. Unearth some peace amidst the mist, the nature, the stillness, the solitude, and the music - a perfect mix to soundtrack your slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Alice Boyd and Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


SUN 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfz3)
Cosy classical music to curl up to by the fire

Enjoy three hours of cosy classical music inspired by wintry landscapes and seasonal relaxation, paired with festive soundscapes of crackling fire.

This collection includes arrangements of Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, and In the Bleak Midwinter as well as peaceful picks from Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.

Produced by Katie Hill
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.


SUN 09:00 Classical Unwind (m00267l1)
Fill your morning with gentle festive classical music

Calming and festive classical music to help you focus and set you up for Christmas. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring soothing stocking fillers from Hilary Campbell, Percy Grainger, and J.S Bach. Sian takes a festive breath and finds a special Christmas tree, while Professor Catherine Loveday explores Christmas music and nostalgia.


SUN 12:00 Piano Focus (m002nfz1)
Restorative piano music to unwind this winter

Immerse yourself in a gently flowing, winter-bright mixtape of restorative piano music and tranquil field recordings from the natural world. This festive edition blends new works by contemporary British artists such as OKOI, Alexis Ffrench and Bill Laurance with timeless pieces by legendary composers, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Howard Blake and Hildegard von Bingen.

Produced by Jamie Green
A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, “ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus”.


SUN 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfyz)
Peaceful Classical Sounds for Christmas

Find calm this Christmas with a flowing mix of warming festive favourites. Featuring glowing orchestral arrangements of carols from the London Chamber Orchestra, gentle piano works from Alexis Ffrench, and choral favourites by John Rutter, and many more.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM.


SUN 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002nfz5)
Happy Christmas Harmonies

Three hours of calming classical Christmas harmonies, designed to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a seasonal blend of radiant music from the likes of Holst, Elgar, Debbie Wiseman and Margaret Bonds. Plus, a chance to Press Pause, and some Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel, all about the relaxation of writing Christmas cards.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


SUN 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002nfz7)
Relax with cinematic magic from A Christmas Carol and The Snowman

From vintage classics to the magical family moments, these are the most soothing moments from Christmas films. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Vince Guaraldi Trio's ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ and the heart-warming score of 'It’s A Wonderful Life'. Drift to a world of festive wonder through Howard Blake's ‘The Snowman’ in a moment to unwind with this collection of cinematic Christmas magic.

Produced by Lucy Winter
A Granny Eats Wolf Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind


SUN 21:00 Soundwaves (m002nrb6)
Starry Nights and Candles Bright

Afrodeutsche presents a programme to bring winter solace - a soundscape where frost meets warmth, and silence becomes a canvas for melody. With seasonal selections by composers like Peter Gregson, John Rutter, Anna Lapwood, John Metcalf, Kerensa Briggs and others- it's music for the quiet hours, a sanctuary of sound, a gentle promise that even in the coldest season, beauty endures.


SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m002n8gx)
A musical nocturnal winter garden

Hannah Peel presents a wintry, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


SUN 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m00267th)
Nod off with Charlotte Ritchie reading A Christmas Carol

In our Sleeping Forecast Christmas Special, actor Charlotte Ritchie shares the Christmas magic of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol reading excerpts accompanied by tranquil music from BBC Introducing. To lull you into a restful dreamland, don’t be spooked and sleep tight!

Produced by Alexa Kruger
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast.”

MONDAY 22 DECEMBER 2025

MON 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m0025d0h)
Navigate to the North Pole

Take a dreamy voyage into a world of icy landscapes and soothing classical music. Drift to the Arctic with natural sounds and cool, calming melodies - a perfect mix to soundtrack your slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and peaceful nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Alice Boyd and Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


MON 06:00 Mindful Mix (m00267kz)
Christmas Carols: festive favourites to keep you cool and calm

Ring in the festive season with this soothing mix of timeless Christmas carols. Featuring old favourites including Silent Night, Hark the Herald, and O Come all Ye Faithful, and other classics from John Rutter and Bob Chilcott, as well as gorgeous newer recordings from Ola Gjeilo, Philip Stopford and Kerensa Briggs.

To listen to more festive tunes on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Christmas Music.”

For more Mindful Mixes and calming classical music, listen to Radio 3 Unwind on BBC Sounds or search "Mindful Mix".

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


MON 09:00 Classical Unwind (m00267l7)
Calming winter music to lift your mood

Calming wintery classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring uplifting and enriching seasonal melodies from Tchaikovsky, Florence Price, and Karl Jenkins, this special winter episode explores the smells of the season. Plus, Professor Catherine Loveday explains how it is possible to use music to banish the winter blues.


MON 12:00 Piano Focus (m002ngly)
Cosy piano sounds to centre the mind

Drift away with this cosy mix of mid-winter piano sounds, gathering the best of classical and contemporary piano from across continents and eras. From Alexander Scriabin’s fevered Romanticism and Duke Ellington’s jazz-inflected classical meditations to Kara-Lis Coverdale’s digital poetics and Vanessa Amara’s ambient drift, it’s a journey through a century of sound and style.

A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds MM.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: “Ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus”.


MON 14:00 Mindful Mix (m00267l3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


MON 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002n5n2)
Light up the winter darkness with relaxing classical music

Three hours of calming classical music designed to light up the winter darkness and help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a seasonal blend of radiant music from the likes of Holst, Max Richter, Monteverdi, Meredi and Carlos Simon. Plus, a chance to Press Pause, and some Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel, all about the relaxation benefits of lighting scented candles.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


MON 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002ng11)
Warm up in frosty weather with You've Got Mail and Stick Man

A winter-themed journey through the best music from film and TV that captures the charm and wonder of the colder months. From the romantic score for You've Got Mail by George Fenton to magical moments by René Aubery’s in Stick Man. Plus a look at some of the films that feature snow, including Ryuichi Sakamoto’s The Revenant and Harry Gregson-Williams music for the Polar Bear documentary.

Produced by Lucy Winter
A Granny Eats Wolf Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind


MON 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001thcy)
Festive sounds for winter warmth ft. The Staves

Ward off the winter cold and get cosy by the fire with a special seasonal episode of Ultimate Calm with Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds. Ólafur shares a selection of tracks to transport you out of the hectic noise that comes with this time of year, and reflects on how music can be an escape. With music from the likes of Anoushka Shankar and Erland Cooper.

We’ll visit the musical safe haven of some special guests - hearing the music that Ólafur’s special guests retreat to in times of stress. Jess and Millie from English indie folk band The Staves pick a soothing song that makes them take a deep breath and gives them respite from the busy chaos of life.

Ólafur also performs a very special live version of his piano piece ‘saman’, which means 'together' in Icelandic, and shares some reflections on the quirky festive folktales of Iceland, with stories of trolls and icy darkness.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production


MON 22:00 Night Tracks (m002ngf7)
A meditative moonlight soundtrack

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


MON 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m0026n8q)
Treat yourself to a good night's rest

Fall sound asleep with the help of soothing classical music from BBC Introducing artists, paired with weather reports and forecasts from Radio 4’s The Shipping Forecast and peaceful wintery field recordings.

Produced by Cat Gough
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast."

TUESDAY 23 DECEMBER 2025

TUE 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m0025kvj)
Cosy up by the fireplace

Doze off to a mix of comforting sounds and cosy classical music. Warm yourself by a flickering fireplace, and rest awhile with this relaxing soundtrack for slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Alice Boyd and Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


TUE 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002nglt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]


TUE 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002n5my)
Soothing winter melodies to brighten your day

Calming wintry classical music to inspire focus and ease you gently into the day, with pieces shaped by snow, stillness and the quiet beauty of the colder months. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring atmospheric winter landscapes from Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Einaudi, Elgar, Mahler, Grieg and more, this three-hour special explores the clarity and calm we can find in colder days. Plus, Professor Catherine Loveday reveals how our musical choices change with the seasons, and why the playlists we turn to in winter carry their own distinct emotional tone.


TUE 12:00 Piano Focus (m002nrb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]


TUE 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


TUE 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002nrb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Saturday]


TUE 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m0026ljf)
Take a moment to chill with Christmas Classics from film and TV

Take time to chill to cinema's most relaxing music from Christmas films with Edith Bowman. Featuring Craig Armstrong's Love Actually, Alfred Newman's classic from Miracle on 34th Street and the Happiest Season by Amie Doherty.

Produced by Lucy Winter
A Granny Eats Wolf Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind


TUE 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001g3lz)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 1

Hopeful harmonies feat. Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Join Icelandic composer and pianist Ólafur Arnalds for another hour-long musical journey that seeks to find that elusive feeling of calm.

In this week’s episode, Ólafur looks for the silver linings in sound with a selection of songs inspired around the theme of hope. He reflects on how music can often provide the little glimmers of hope that you need to get through the toughest of times, and shares tracks by the likes of Alice Coltrane, Sigur Rós and JFDR.

Plus the British actress and UNHCR goodwill ambassador Gugu Mbatha-Raw transports us to her Safe Haven, the place she feels the most calm - her bath.

Produced by Katie Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds


TUE 22:00 Night Tracks (m002nggs)
Music for the darkling hour

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


TUE 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m00269fq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:30 on Saturday]

WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2025

WED 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002n5n6)
Fall asleep under snowfall

'Tis the season for sleeping! Drift with the snow, and sink deep into the depths of winter with restful nature sounds and festive classical music - a delightful soundtrack to bestow peace and goodwill upon you.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming environmental sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


WED 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Sunday]


WED 09:00 Classical Unwind (m00267l1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]


WED 12:00 Piano Focus (m002n5n0)
Festive piano tunes for warming winter days

From Claude Debussy and Erik Satie to Duke Ellington, Vince Guaraldi, and intimate piano takes on seasonal standards, this is a softly glowing journey into the Christmas spirit. The mix unfolds like a cosy Christmas Eve at home, woven with subtle sound design, a crackling fire, faint sleigh bells, and the soft hush of a snowstorm guiding you between musical passages. Piano arrangements of holiday film scores like Gene Wilder’s Pure Imagination, and festive favourites sit alongside timeless classics.

Produced by Áine Devaney.
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds MM.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus'.


WED 14:00 Mindful Mix (m00267kz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


WED 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002nfz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]


WED 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002nfz7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 on Sunday]


WED 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001thcy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Monday]


WED 22:00 Night Tracks (m002ngct)
Immersive music for late night listening

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


WED 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m00267th)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:30 on Sunday]

THURSDAY 25 DECEMBER 2025

THU 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002ngm2)
Still your mind at Midnight Mass

Becalm your body, mind, and soul. Reach peace in the quiet, reflective atmospheres of a late night service, accompanied by festive classical pieces and carols - a perfect mix to soundtrack your slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and gentle nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


THU 06:00 Mindful Mix (m00267l3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


THU 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002nglw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]


THU 12:00 Piano Focus (m002nfz1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Sunday]


THU 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002nglt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]


THU 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m00267l5)
Soundtrack your evening with soothing festive music

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.

This episode features a rich blend of festive music and carols from the likes of Anna Lapwood, John Rutter and Debbie Wiseman – plus some essential Wind Down Wisdom on how to keep your holidays as peaceful as possible.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


THU 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m00267mj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 on Saturday]


THU 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001g9pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Saturday]


THU 22:00 Night Tracks (m002nl9z)
Dissolve into a nocturnal soundworld

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


THU 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (p0ddfs10)
Dreamy music for cosy nights

Settle down with gentle music from BBC Introducing alongside Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast.

Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to "play The Sleeping Forecast."

FRIDAY 26 DECEMBER 2025

FRI 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002c1d3)
Chill under the cherry blossom

Slip serenely into sleep with a mix of natural botanical sounds and warm, slow music. Bunker down on a soft bed of petals as music from Japan (and beyond) drifts in on the breeze - a perfect soundtrack for rest.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search Sleep Tracks on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes. To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Sleep Tracks.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo with additional support from Saskia Cookson.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


FRI 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002833x)
Lose yourself in gentle melodies

Enjoy time to unwind with this selection of some of the most calming melodies in classical music - the perfect escape from the stresses of the everyday.

Featuring gentle music by Alexis Ffrench, John Rutter, Hania Rani and Dan Jones. And gorgeous classics from Edward Elgar, Gustav Mahler, Florence Price, Ronald Binge, and more.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM.


FRI 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002mjmk)
Begin the day with glowing classical sounds

Calming classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring beautiful melodies and enchanting harmonies from Beethoven, Daley, and Dett, this episode explores the freedom of cycling as a child. Plus, Professor Catherine Loveday explains why listening to new music can aid our brains.


FRI 12:00 Piano Focus (m0029xxr)
Peaceful piano to centre the mind

Delve into this peaceful piano soundtrack, designed to help you foster a calm, focused headspace away from distraction. Featuring a curated selection of piano gems, including a live performance from Australian-Taiwanese composer Belle Chen, the healing keys of Alfa Mist, and a new cover of Joseph Canteloube’s ‘Chants d'Auvergne’—a collection of folk songs from the Auvergne region of France.

Produced by Jamie Green
A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say, “ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus”


FRI 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002m1kk)
Reflective classical music for peaceful moments

Sweet and mellow classical sounds for those rainy days, with wistful shades of light and dark.

Featuring rich and warming harmonies from John Rutter, Christopher H. Harris, and Marianna Martines, plus gentle string textures from George Enescu, Joseph Boulogne Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and Dan Jones.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM.


FRI 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002mjmt)
Let the evening enfold you in a gentle musical embrace

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.

This episode features a rich blend of music from the likes of Dvorak, Haruomi Hosono and Ruth Gipps. Plus, a chance to Press Pause with therapist Helen Marie, and some essential Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel on how wearing comfortable clothes in the evening can help you wind down.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


FRI 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002mjmm)
Find true escapism with Casablanca and Surface

Escape into the immersive worlds of film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. Featuring Max Steiner's score for the classic, Casablanca and Olafur Arnald's Surfaced. Plus music from the series Wolf Hall by Debbie Wiseman and a moment from Philip Glass from Neverwas.

Produced by Lucy Winter
A Granny Eats Wolf Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind


FRI 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m0024r1h)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 3

Restful music for recovery ft. Laufey

It seems that more and more of us are suffering from burnout - a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.

Ólafur Arnalds invites you to take this hour of Ultimate Calm as a breather from the stresses of your everyday life. He reflects on his own relationship to pressure and burnout, and shares music that feels like taking a deep breath including tracks from Voces8, Cephas Azariah and Alice Sara Ott.

Plus we hear from the Icelandic singer, pianist and cellist Laufey on the song that brings her ultimate calm - a classical piece from childhood that always reminds her of home.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 3 Unwind.


FRI 22:00 Night Tracks (m002mk1d)
Dissolve into a nocturnal soundworld

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


FRI 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m002nrbd)
Coast off to a soothing slumber

Settle down for a soothing slumber with help from this mix of gentle classical and ambient songs from BBC Introducing artists, paired with excerpts from Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast as read by Neil Nunes and peaceful sounds of nature.

Produced by Alex Yates

A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind

To listen on most smart speakers just 'ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast'.