For classical music lovers, it’s no secret that not all streaming services were created equal.
Rigid search algorithms based only on composer and track name left out most of the essential ingredients of classical music recordings, namely the performing artist(s), year of recording, and all the other important differentiating details.
With a view to improving that experience, presumably, Apple acquired dedicated classical music streaming service Primephonic in August 2021. In a press release, the company promises Apple Music subscribers “a significantly improved classical music experience.”
Primephonic built its budding reputation on specific features that enhance the user experience. Primephonic playlists were its key selling point, including lists curated by professional musicians around specific themes. Many listeners found them especially useful as an introduction to different types of music. Other subscribers favourites include:
- Easy to use interface;
- A large catalogue of more than 3.5 million tracks;
- Includes little known works for connoisseurs;
- Additional information, including album credits and liner notes, among others.
With those advantages in mind, Apple aims to up the ante, and come up with a new and improved Apple classical experience.
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats, says in a press release, “Together, we’re bringing great new classical features to Apple Music, and in the near future, we’ll deliver a dedicated classical experience that will truly be the best in the world.”
The new Apple Music app for classical music is set for release in 2022, and promises better searching, including the specific metadata classical music listeners are looking for. A brand new feature (for Primephonic subscribers) will be capability for lossless and spatial audio.
As the new app is being prepared, Primephonic was taken offline on September 7, 2021, with current subscribers offered six months of Apple Music access for free.
According to a recent company update, the project is ongoing.
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