DRM-free classical music download site launches in UK

Passionato is free to join and offers a flexible pricing system, based on whether users want to download individual tracks, complete works, or whole albums.  The site offers a bespoke player into which users can upload their own classical music collection. 

Its extensive recording information (metadata) means that the Player can identify any classical CD a user imports by matching it with Passionato’s own database, providing instant information on, for example, composer, date of recording, record label, recording location, recording producer, recording engineer and period.

The DRM-free tracks can be transported to audio devices and CDs as the user desires.  Available file formats include 320kbps MP3 and lossless FLAC.

Users can post links to their favourite classical albums on 34 of the most popular online social networks, including Facebook and MySpace, directing friends to the Passionato Store where they can hear free audio samples. Users can also send personal recommendations/links to their friends directly via email via the ‘Send to a Friend’ function, and bookmark their favourites using sites such as Del.icio.u.s.

To coincide with Passionato’s launch, everyone who registers at passionato.com can claim 10 free pre-selected tracks.

James Glicker, Founder and CEO of Passionato, said: “I’m an avid consumer of classical music myself and, having worked in the industry for twenty years, I am aware of how technology and the internet are becoming increasingly a part of how people access, consume and share knowledge about classical music. Passionato is delighted to have the cooperation of the largest majors and we will over the next six months and beyond be signing up even more labels – all with the ultimate goal of presenting people who love classical music with an easy and cost effective way of organising and expanding their music collections.”

www.passionato.com