If you're an Apple fan and a lover of classical music, chances are you've already heard about Apple Music Classical, a version of Apple Music that focuses exclusively on classical tunes. Launched in Spring 2023, this app offers a rich experience for classical music enthusiasts, featuring hundreds of playlists, in-depth search functions, and thousands of editorial notes. The app has just received an exciting new update, bringing in features like album booklets and a Recently Added section, making the experience even more immersive.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what Apple Music Classical offers, its latest features, and answer some key questions around the app.
Is Apple Music Classical Included with Apple Music?
Yes, Apple Music Classical is included with the regular Apple Music subscription. This means if you’re already paying for an Apple Music subscription (currently $10.99 per month in the US), you won’t need to shell out any extra money to access the Classical app. It’s a complementary service designed specifically for classical music lovers, offering them a tailored experience that focuses on this genre’s unique demands.
Unlike the regular Apple Music app, Apple Music Classical allows users to search by composer, conductor, or even catalog number, giving users a deeper understanding of the classical music world.
Why Did Apple Make Apple Music Classical?
Apple launched Apple Music Classical to cater to the specific needs of classical music listeners. Classical music, unlike modern music genres, often comes with intricate details that are essential to the listening experience. For instance, a single piece of classical music may have been performed by multiple conductors or orchestras, and every performance can have its own nuances.
To cater to this complexity, Apple Music Classical offers a refined interface that allows users to search and discover music in ways not possible on the regular Apple Music app. Apple made this move following the acquisition of Primephonic, a classical music streaming service, in 2021. Primephonic’s technology and vast catalog were integrated into Apple Music Classical, creating a highly specialized service for fans of classical music.
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What Is the New Apple Music Classical App?
The Apple Music Classical app is a specialized version of the Apple Music service designed exclusively for classical music. This app makes it easier for users to navigate through the complex world of classical music with its unique features such as:
- Hundreds of curated playlists: Explore playlists based on composer, era, and genre.
- In-depth metadata: Find detailed information on every track, including composer, conductor, and performance details.
- Search by catalog number: A rare feature that caters to true classical music aficionados.
- Editorial notes and insights: Thousands of composer biographies, details about key works, and historical context.
- High-quality audio: The app offers lossless audio, providing the best listening experience for classical music.
- New Features in Apple Music Classical: Album Booklets and the "Recently Added" Section
With the release of version 2.0, Apple has introduced some new and exciting features to the app.
Album Booklets
The new album booklets feature gives users access to digital versions of the booklets that typically come with CD and vinyl releases. These booklets include valuable insights into the compositions, artist notes, exclusive photos, and even lyrics. With this feature, listeners can deepen their understanding and appreciation of the music they are enjoying.
To make it easier to discover these booklets, Apple has introduced a “Dive into Album Booklets” section on the app’s Home tab. A small icon next to the Add to Library button will indicate when a booklet is available for a particular album.
Recently Added Section
Another noteworthy addition is the Recently Added section in the Library tab. This feature allows users to easily sort their library by the latest tracks they've added. Previously, the app didn’t offer any way to filter music by when it was added, so this new feature is a convenient and much-anticipated upgrade.
How Much Does Apple Music Classical Cost?
As mentioned earlier, Apple Music Classical is bundled with the Apple Music subscription. This means that for $10.99 per month in the US, you not only get access to Apple Music Classical but also the entire Apple Music catalog.
If you're already a subscriber, you can simply download Apple Music Classical from the App Store at no additional cost. The app is designed to be an extension of Apple Music, allowing you to dive deep into the world of classical music without needing a separate subscription.
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Does Apple Music Have Good Classical Music?
Yes, Apple Music Classical has one of the most comprehensive collections of classical music available on any streaming service. With thousands of playlists, curated selections, and a search engine tailored specifically to the genre, it stands out as the best platform for classical music lovers. The app offers:
- Full-length albums from world-renowned orchestras, soloists, and composers.
- Exclusive content such as insights and biographies of key composers.
- Curated playlists for every mood, occasion, or genre, from Baroque to modern classical.
- High-resolution audio to ensure that even the most intricate details of the performances come through with clarity.
The platform has been lauded for its attention to detail, particularly in how it handles classical music’s unique requirements, such as composer attributions and performance metadata.
Is Apple Music Classical on Android?
At the moment, Apple Music Classical is not available on Android. The app is exclusive to iOS users, and it can be downloaded directly from the App Store. However, given Apple’s history of releasing Apple Music on Android, there’s always a chance that Apple Music Classical could make its way to Google Play in the future.
For now, Android users can still access classical music through the regular Apple Music app, though it won’t offer the same refined experience tailored specifically for classical music.
Conclusion
With Apple Music Classical, Apple has created an experience tailor-made for classical music lovers. By offering unique features like album booklets, in-depth metadata, and a specialized search engine, this app is ideal for those who want to dive deeper into classical music.
Whether you're a casual listener or a lifelong enthusiast, Apple Music Classical brings the richness and complexity of the genre to your fingertips, all while being bundled with your Apple Music subscription. With its recent updates, including the addition of album booklets and a Recently Added section, the app continues to evolve, making it an essential tool for classical music discovery