Apple Launches Its New Classical Music Streaming App For Preorder (techcrunch.com) 47
Apple is launching a new music streaming service focused on classical music. TechCrunch reports: Based on its 2021 acquisition of Amsterdam-based streamer Primephonic, the new Apple Music Classical app will offer Apple Music subscribers access to more than 5 million classical music tracks, including new releases in high-quality audio, as well as hundreds of curated playlists, thousands of exclusive albums and other features like composer bios and deep dives on key works, Apple says.
However, while the app is being announced today, it's only available for preorder on the App Store for now. The release date will be later this month, on March 28. In addition, the app will only support iOS devices running iOS 15.4 or newer at launch. Apple Music Classical will present a simple interface for engaging with classical works. Users will be able to search by composer, work, conductor or even catalog number, to locate recordings. These can be streamed in high-quality audio of up to 192 kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Lossless. And thousands of recordings will be available in Apple's immersive spatial audio, as well.
The app will also let users dive into the recordings to read editorial notes about the composers and descriptions of their key works. Famous composers will have their own high-resolution digital portraits available, which Apple commissioned from artists. These were designed with color palettes and artistic references from the relevant classical period, Apple notes, and more will be added in time. At launch, portraits will be available for Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach. The service will continue to be updated with new music over time, too. There's no additional charge for Apple Music Classical if you're an Apple Music subscriber. Android support is coming "soon."
However, while the app is being announced today, it's only available for preorder on the App Store for now. The release date will be later this month, on March 28. In addition, the app will only support iOS devices running iOS 15.4 or newer at launch. Apple Music Classical will present a simple interface for engaging with classical works. Users will be able to search by composer, work, conductor or even catalog number, to locate recordings. These can be streamed in high-quality audio of up to 192 kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Lossless. And thousands of recordings will be available in Apple's immersive spatial audio, as well.
The app will also let users dive into the recordings to read editorial notes about the composers and descriptions of their key works. Famous composers will have their own high-resolution digital portraits available, which Apple commissioned from artists. These were designed with color palettes and artistic references from the relevant classical period, Apple notes, and more will be added in time. At launch, portraits will be available for Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach. The service will continue to be updated with new music over time, too. There's no additional charge for Apple Music Classical if you're an Apple Music subscriber. Android support is coming "soon."
Metal Up Your Ass! (Score:1)
'Nuff said.
Re: Metal Up Your Ass! (Score:3)
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There will be three choices (Score:5, Funny)
During the pre-order phase the music selection will be limited to three choices:
A. Bach
B. Rock
C. Bacharach (for the indecisive)
Re: There will be three choices (Score:2)
Symphonic metal FTW! (Score:2)
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No, really.
You shouldn't need to justify it. You should just say it Symphonic metal is awesome. It's a shame Nightwish's last tour had to be done digitally due to COVID :(
The best of all worlds for Apple Music Subscribers (Score:3, Insightful)
The only real way to do this was with a separate database and optimized-for-classical search algorithms. And the fastest way to do that was through acquisition and rebadging.
Kudos to Apple for not charging extra for existing Apple Music subscribers. Hope it stays that way!
Interesting to see how this goes.
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The only real way to do this was with a separate database and optimized-for-classical search algorithms
Yes because we all know databases can't contain fields that identify different data sets and search algorithms can't change dynamically for different types of searches. /s
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The only real way to do this was with a separate database and optimized-for-classical search algorithms
Yes because we all know databases can't contain fields that identify different data sets and search algorithms can't change dynamically for different types of searches. /s
And there lies the dark and dangerous path to Spaghetti-Code "Business Logic". Here a Field; There a Flag. Pretty soon it grows more and more rickety.
No thanks. Classical Music Cataloging and Searching is Fundamentally Different from the typical Genre/Artist/Album/Song Data Structure. It just is.
I've Developed my share of DB Applications. Apple appears to have thought this through. This was definitely the cleaner way to handle these disparate Music Librarians, while connecting the experiences in a useful wa
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And there lies the dark and dangerous path to Spaghetti-Code "Business Logic".
Making a database functional enough to describe the data inside it does not create "spaghetti-code". I'm not proposing some MBA sanctioned throw everything in the datalake approach. We're talking about simple structure data in a purpose built database.
No thanks. Classical Music Cataloging and Searching is Fundamentally Different from the typical Genre/Artist/Album/Song Data Structure.
Only slightly, and only in very easy to define ways which would allow it to happily co-exist with any other music collection when appropriately flagged.
I've Developed my share of DB Applications.
This scares me. But at least you appear to know your limits.
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And there lies the dark and dangerous path to Spaghetti-Code "Business Logic".
Making a database functional enough to describe the data inside it does not create "spaghetti-code". I'm not proposing some MBA sanctioned throw everything in the datalake approach. We're talking about simple structure data in a purpose built database.
Since neither you nor I have seen the existing databases, let alone the Librarian Apps, that is a bold statement. And considering that Apple has taken 2 years and doesn't even have this rolling-out yet on iPadOS, let alone tvOS or macOS, this may not be the Weekend Project you are insinuating it would be. . . And please spare us the snarky comments about Apple's Coding abilities!
No thanks. Classical Music Cataloging and Searching is Fundamentally Different from the typical Genre/Artist/Album/Song Data Structure.
Only slightly, and only in very easy to define ways which would allow it to happily co-exist with any other music collection when appropriately flagged.
Sorry. My Spidey-Sense says you are being pretty damned bold with your Consultant-esque Pronouncements!
I've Developed my share of DB Applications.
This scares me. But at least you appear to know your limits.
You assume (a nasty habit o
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Classical Music Cataloging and Searching is Fundamentally Different from the typical Genre/Artist/Album/Song Data Structure. It just is.
Speaking as someone who has an extensive collection of both classical music and non-classical... I'm not sure I agree.
There are two main differences I can think of. Classical music fans are more likely to search by composer, instead of by "artist" (meaning the performer). But that's not a "fundamental" difference-- Apple Music already allows you to search by composer. A slightly bigger issue is that in classical music, you'll want your search results to produce ordered sets of tracks (e.g. the three move
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The real story here is that Apple Music wants to make you pay for their streaming service twice: once for classical, once for everything else. Sure, the classical will be thrown in for "free" initially, but that will change.
Unlikely.
It just isn't worth it. The database is small, and growing slowly. Plus, the number of potential subscribers is miniscule compared with other musical genres.
The other real story here (maybe) is that Apple is planning to aggressively assert IP rights over a vast array of classical recordings. This is already a big problem in the world of classical music: during the pandemic, classical musicians turned to livestreaming their performances in an effort to avoid going broke, and these performances were constantly being shut down mid-performance by "copyright bots". If a giant corporation like Apple starts buying up all the copyrights, we can look forward to even more of this nonsense.
This has never been Apple's behavior pattern.
Honestly, this feels more like a pet-project rather than an IP-grab. As I said, this Service is never going to be more than a single-line on Apple's Profit and Loss Statement; so I wouldn't get too worried that all Classical Music will end up with an Apple logo on it. It just isn't profitable-enough.
Re: The best of all worlds for Apple Music Subscri (Score:2)
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The database structure is totally different.
Actually it isn't. The *search terms* of interest to the user in the database are totally different, but there's nothing unique about classical music in terms of database (except maybe the opus number and era). Normal pop music can also be described in the same way, it's just that people don't normally say "oh I love the song by band X, I wonder if I can find other songs by that same drummer in that band, or written by the same person, or live performances at festival X".
Different end user requirements do n
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The database structure is totally different.
Actually it isn't. The *search terms* of interest to the user in the database are totally different, but there's nothing unique about classical music in terms of database (except maybe the opus number and era). Normal pop music can also be described in the same way, it's just that people don't normally say "oh I love the song by band X, I wonder if I can find other songs by that same drummer in that band, or written by the same person, or live performances at festival X".
Different end user requirements do not necessitate a completely different database. They necessitate someone who knows how to structure the data and a different structure for the search query from the UI.
With your logic, nothing should require or benefit from a purpose-built database. Afterall, you can just add fields and flags and more and more "business logic", so that you can store your media collection, phone contacts and lasagna recipies in the same clusterific heap of data.
Maybe when we have an AI-powered Librarian-Application rivaling Apple's 1987 hypothetical Knowledge Navigator. . .
Re: The best of all worlds for Apple Music Subscr (Score:2)
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Classical listeners, for a particular title (e.g. Symphony Number 2), want to know the composer first, then conductor, soloists, orchestra, opus number, era, first performance date and place, record label and sometimes recording date. They may want a playlist shuffled by work, but never by individual movements. They may be interested in recordings of the same work by different conductors or soloists, etc. For a popular music title, the main thing is the performer and songs can be shuffled freely. The database structure is totally different.
Exactly.
Re: The best of all worlds for Apple Music Subscri (Score:3)
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Classical listeners for a particular title (e.g. Symphony number 2) want to know the composer, conductor, soloists, orchestra, era, and sometimes recording date. They may want a playlist shuffled by work, not by individual movements. They may be interested in recordings of the same work by different conductors or soloists, etc.
Which is exactly why Apple wisely kept the databases and Librarian-Apps separate; with a portal between the two Services just large enough to keep the whole experience from being kludgy.
Re: The best of all worlds for Apple Music Subscri (Score:2)
Netflix classic movies (Score:2)
I dunno, to me it seems like if Netflix were to launch a separate app for content which really should just be a genre within their existing streaming service.
Or if Paramount+ launched an app just for streaming Star Trek and... damn, I think I broke my analogy.
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My prediction: Apple will make the new app byzantine and impossible to use, just like they did with iTunes/Apple Music.
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My prediction: Apple will make the new app byzantine and impossible to use, just like they did with iTunes/Apple Music.
Nothing like keeping an open mind.
A very good thing (Score:2)
Too bad it's Apple. (Score:4, Insightful)
I pay $30/month for Naxos Music Library, a streaming service exclusively for classical music. It's the only service of which I am aware with a fully functional music database that's properly constructed for classical music. It has a compelling number of tracks and offers high-quality audio.
The differences and distinctions between classical and pop music are substantial enough that standard services are never going to do anything but suck for classical music. In my mind, there's no excuse for not using the classical music database schema for everything; music databases were very often built on a terrible foundations because of the assumptions of popular recording.
I'd love to support another service, but I also have a strongly held opinion that Apple as an organization does not deserve to exist, for reasons too numerous to mention.
With that being said, I do hope this spurs the very expensive service I DO use will find its way to lower the price of its subscriptions in the name of competition.
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I'd love to support another service, but I also have a strongly held opinion that Apple as an organization does not deserve to exist, for reasons too numerous to mention.
Oh, come on now; favor us with some of your Great Wisdom!
Re: Too bad it's Apple. (Score:2)
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Needless Anti consumerism, false advertising, silently covering up issues so you have to buy new devices (battery gate), anti privacy position despite privacy claim. Shall i go on?
Yes. Please do.
I'll stop you when you get to something true.
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Fix Shazam (Score:1)
Why do we need to pre-order? (Score:2)
Is there a limited supply? Will it be so much in demand on launch that Akamai wonâ(TM)t be able to handle the traffic? Is the price changing from free???
How do you monotize.. (Score:2)
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Classical music is not free. The original pieces may be public domain, but just try laying your hands on the sheet music for Beethoven's 9th - for an entire orchestra and choir! - for free.
Last I recall, I couldn't walk into a store that sells physical-media music (yes, such places still exist - they used to be called "record stores", now they're called "wal-mart") and walk out with a CD of the Cleveland Orchestra's performance of Beethoven's 9th...for free.
And if I were to
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Why? (Score:2)
I use music apps only casually so I don't see any benefit of having multiple apps divided by genre. I want to listen to X, then I have to search for it in the proper app, otherwise I won't find it or find a different version of it. Then how about music that crosses borders, like modern version of classical music or classical interpretation of modern music?
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I use music apps only casually so I don't see any benefit of having multiple apps divided by genre. I want to listen to X, then I have to search for it in the proper app, otherwise I won't find it or find a different version of it. Then how about music that crosses borders, like modern version of classical music or classical interpretation of modern music?
It is not the listening that suggests separate Apps; it is the Search and Data-Structure.
I do believe, however, that these will gradually merge to become merely "Tabs" in a common App.
Your point about "crossover" genres/arrangements is valid. Let's see if Apple has thought that through. Right now, all there is is speculation. My feeling is that "The Boston Pops Do The Butthole Surfers" is likely to be offered on the "Pop" side, as will Electric Light Orchestra's "A Fifth of Beethoven".
Just give me the liner notes/back covers already (Score:2)
The app will also let users dive into the recordings to read editorial notes about the composers and descriptions of their key works. Famous composers will have their own high-resolution digital portraits available, which Apple commissioned from artists. These were designed with color palettes and artistic references from the relevant classical period, Apple notes, and more will be added in time.
This is an absolutely stupid idea. Why does anyone need Apple to commission portraits of classical composers? Why would I want to read their insipid "editorial notes" about a composer? (If I want to read more about a composer, there's no shortage of places to do that, online and otherwise).
Now, what I *would* like is for them to reproduce the liner notes to recordings-- along with high-quality scans of both the front and back album covers. It's incomprehensible to me why this isn't already offered.
From multiplatform, now locked to Apple devices (Score:1)
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I was a payed subscriber on Primephonic, until it disappeared after the acquisition of 2021. It had a web version for the office computer and an android version for the car. Obviously now it will be locked only for iPhones.
Wrong, Hater.
The announcement specifically mentioned an Android App is coming; and if Apple Music is any example, there will eventually be a web app and perhaps bespoke macOS and Windows Apps.
Re (Score:1)