Apple Music Classical Comes to iPad

[m828s]

Sure, once you reach a certain age, all you want to hear is what you liked when you were 14-23 YO. I'm speculating you've already arrived at that point.

You're not being "spoon fed" music. You're being presented with options to hear music you may not have heard before, possibly an entire genre you didn't know anything about. And you I bet you know what to do if you don't like what you're hearing on a given channel at a given moment.

Nah. 44,000+ songs later, I listen to all kinds of stuff. Even the tiny sliver of my library visible in the screenshot shows an eclectic and current taste. I’m exactly the opposite of what you suggest — which is exactly why I won’t be spoon-fed music — because the music I used to hear on XM was never interesting enough. But please do speculate further if it pleases you to do so.

You did get one thing right though. I am middle aged.

 

[Ntombi]

I wonder how many have actually used the app? Have a feeling that it's a flop since better alternatives are availible.

I use it quite a bit, and I’m thrilled it’s finally optimized for the iPad, since I tend to use that for my classical listening more often than not.

It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn good. I especially like the “editor’s choice” recommendations, because it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with certain recordings or orchestras.

 

[Ntombi]

I’ve had it on my iPad since it was released earlier this Year.

I’ve used it on my iPad since the beginning, but it was very clearly not made for iPad, and it was wasting a ton of space and just not organized well.

Being able to use it doesn’t mean it was a pleasure.

 

[victorvictoria]

Nah. 44,000+ songs later, I listen to all kinds of stuff. Even the tiny sliver of my library visible in the screenshot shows an eclectic and current taste. I’m exactly the opposite of what you suggest — which is exactly why I won’t be spoon-fed music — because the music I used to hear on XM was never interesting enough. But please do speculate further if it pleases you to do so.

You did get one thing right though. I am middle aged.

Impressive! I only recognize two of them! (Genesis and Gaga), and only like one of those two. So, if you don't listen to any radio, how do you hear anything new? Or vintage music you haven't heard?

 

[gank41]

I wish they'd include the information listed when you tap the " i " all the time for the "Now Playing" view. I'm pretty sure that's why we're here, right? 😜🙃

 

[m828s]

Impressive! I only recognize two of them! (Genesis and Gaga), and only like one of those two. So, if you don't listen to any radio, how do you hear anything new? Or vintage music you haven't heard?

Thank you. Appreciate the open-mindedness. I think a lot of people underestimate the power of curated playlists (I’m not a fan of Apple’s non-curated playlists, but admittedly I might be an edge case that doesn’t tidily fit into an algorithm.). A basic classical playlist search on the OG Apple Music pulled up 40 or 50 playlists curated by Apple and other curators (non-member) and that’s just scratching the surface when you consider their Essentials playlists. NPR Classical playlist is easily the best for me, but tastes vary.

Apple Music Classical takes all of that and includes even more ways to discover. And of course search is much better (and could still be even better).

That’s not to say that overall AMC couldn’t be better. There is a gross (as in literally grosses me out) difference between Thomas Adès and Einaudi, both of which AMC calls 21st Century composers. Adès is a difficult genius, and Einaudi (and so many others) sound like little more than AI-generated elevator music.

Putting those composers in the same category shows a lack of bravery and pandering on Apple’s part. I suspect they’re padding out a category where the true masterworks of the past 23 years just aren‘t fully considered (or even streamed) yet. 30 years or so from now and simple composers like Einaudi and others like him will be filtered out. There’s just no comparison. And the category is less useful to me because of the pandering.

I‘d rather see Apple go lean and mean with late 20th and 21st century classical. Be ruthless. Include serious work only. But this is where the NPR Classical playlist generally outshines Apple. Though NPR’s is not perfect by any stretch, at least it’s also on Apple. And its updates are mostly eclectic, even adventurous at times.

Pulitzer Prize nominations, serious classical music websites, Gramophone lists, it just goes on. I‘ll even pay attention when Pitchfork devotes time to a classical review.

Honestly. There’s so much more and better than XM. Maybe the service has gotten better. I stopped listening when Spotify and then Apple came on the scene.

It also pays big, big, BIG rewards to invest in the best Audiophile equipment you can reasonably afford. True ear candy is powerful incentive to keep exploring music. I mean like seriously. Arvo Pärt on an 800s vs. AirPods Max, I mean come on.

Airpods Max are nice (if overpriced). But Listening on the HD 800S properly amplified, well, you’re on a completely different planet (particularly) with classical. And there are even better choices than those depending on what your ear prefers.



Focusing on Classical here because that’s the thread. Take care.

 

[m828s]

I wonder how many have actually used the app? Have a feeling that it's a flop since better alternatives are availible.

Oh the bitterness, the angst, it must be a difficult life for you.

 

[m828s]

I just installed it. Upon start it asks to connect to my library (to import classical music I assume). However, it imports only one album, which I recently bought. I have a lot of classic albums, but these don't show up in the Classical app. Am I overlooking something?

I already checked the genre/category of the albums missing.

Odd. Did you find a solution?

 

[m828s]

Finally I can sell/give away the thousands of LP's that have been cluttering two walls of our house, floor to ceiling!

Hold onto them. You never know which might suddenly become a worthy personal or financial investment. I don’t think it’s worth any money, but I have a copy of Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois with a tiny Superman flying on the cover. I adore it so much because “the man” forced its removal on subsequent printings.

And what an artist he’s become. Hope he recovers soon.

 

[m828s]

But why can’t curated playlists and series be integrated into the classical section of the Music app like every other genre? I mean, I’m glad people are enjoying it, and I can the benefit for both longtime lovers of classical music and those less familiar looking to discover more. But that could be said for any genre / category of music getting a dedicated app.

I think the better question is why let it bother you to the extent that you feel the need to post? It’s not hurting anything. Bloating the main app even further, not to mention likely coding challenges both Seem like good and likely reasons.

 

[m828s]

The app is still clunky in its design, particularly when trying to find your “recently played” songs. However, it’s welcome news!

Hmm. Click those three bars in the bottom right. But I agree there are fewer options than on the regular app.

 

[m828s]

I haven't tried too many alternatives, but I have used Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Apple Music Classical's curation, organized structure, and meta data set it apart from these 3, not to mention typically superior audio quality.

I do wish it was a bit smarter and rank selection from my favorite artists for certain pieces, however.

Roon. Qobuz.

 

[m828s]

I've been using it on my iPad from the beginning. Though it is incredibly improved now. Playlists don't work yet though (can't reproduce songs in a playlist I created with the same movement from different performances).

Not following this. If you have a chance to comment, please do. I don’t think I’ve tried to do this but… really?

 

[lexvo]

Odd. Did you find a solution?

No, alas not yet. I don’t understand I have about 100 classical albums, but the don’t show up.

 

[m828s]

No, alas not yet. I don’t understand I have about 100 classical albums, but the don’t show up.

Hmm. I truly have no idea. But I can speculate, for what that’s worth. there could be a problem if these were physical or digital albums, bought outside the Apple ecosystem, and maybe Apple doesn’t recognize these classical albums, despite your taggings. No excuse, of course. You’ve probably already thought of the stuff and perhaps you’ve already deleted and reinstalled both apps. The only other thing I can think of is that maybe you have different Apple IDs that you’re using somehow for each of the two apps. Good luck. Wish I could help more.

 

[CE3]

I think the better question is why let it bother you to the extent that you feel the need to post? It’s not hurting anything. Bloating the main app even further, not to mention likely coding challenges both Seem like good and likely reasons.

I think the better question is why did my comment on this article bother you? I wasn’t “bothered” and even said I could see the benefit of a separate app. Do we all need to have the same ideas and opinions about Apple Music? I don’t think so.

 

[whitby]

Without trying to repeat what has been said, until this is available on MacOS, so I can use my music server, this is a complete waste of time for me. I have had it on my iPhone since the beginning but at home my primary music source is a dedicated 24” iMac which feeds my Martin Logan/Krell via a Cambridge Audio D to A. A reasonable system and iPhone feeds do not cut it due to the terrible interface in IOS apps. I am not sure who Apple thought was the target audience, but playing decent high resolution audio via AirPods was not appropriate to me. I suspect I am in a minority, but Apple are gradually driving me away from their music feeds.

 

[lexvo]

Hmm. I truly have no idea. But I can speculate, for what that’s worth. there could be a problem if these were physical or digital albums, bought outside the Apple ecosystem, and maybe Apple doesn’t recognize these classical albums, despite your taggings. No excuse, of course. You’ve probably already thought of the stuff and perhaps you’ve already deleted and reinstalled both apps. The only other thing I can think of is that maybe you have different Apple IDs that you’re using somehow for each of the two apps. Good luck. Wish I could help more.

Thanks. Yes, the problem is mostly with albums that come from CD's I bought and imported in iTunes a long while ago.

Strange thing is, I bought an album in iTunes (a long time ago) and this one does not show up in the Classical app either. The only album that shows up is one I bought from Apple in 2021.

By the way I have the same problem on my iPhone.

 

[m828s]

Without trying to repeat what has been said, until this is available on MacOS, so I can use my music server, this is a complete waste of time for me. I have had it on my iPhone since the beginning but at home my primary music source is a dedicated 24” iMac which feeds my Martin Logan/Krell via a Cambridge Audio D to A. A reasonable system and iPhone feeds do not cut it due to the terrible interface in IOS apps. I am not sure who Apple thought was the target audience, but playing decent high resolution audio via AirPods was not appropriate to me. I suspect I am in a minority, but Apple are gradually driving me away from their music feeds.

So I’ll venture a thought. Just blind presumption and please take no offense: You use actual speakers. You should move away from Apple. They don’t care about you. You probably already know there are solutions out there. Apple doesn’t really care about the Audiophiles. 😉

I‘m a headphones guy who went all in on Apple digital once they went lossless. I won’t say my mid tier Schiit products make me Apple’s target audience either, but I can make it work because it’s a small footprint in my small-ish urban condo.

It will probably come to Mac, but is it the best place to be in the first place? I think I’m just reinforcing what you’re already saying…

 

[m828s]

Thanks. Yes, the problem is mostly with albums that come from CD's I bought and imported in iTunes a long while ago.

Strange thing is, I bought an album in iTunes (a long time ago) and this one does not show up in the Classical app either. The only album that shows up is one I bought from Apple in 2021.

By the way I have the same problem on my iPhone.

If you’ve still got them, re-rip the CDs. Did you do that conversion/match thing Apple offered many years ago now? Don‘t remember the name of it. If you did, maybe something went wrong. I suspect you’ve got precious classical recordings that aren’t even available for streaming. Could be some wonkiness there. Good luck. And I’d call Apple. You never know.

 

[3xBoom]

Still a hot mess... Apple's (and others') inability to design a comprehensive and usable app for classical (and even pop) music in 2023 is beyond me. I betcha any warehouse storing and selling billions of parts could do a better job than this.

 

[m828s]

Still a hot mess... Apple's (and others') inability to design a comprehensive and usable app for classical (and even pop) music in 2023 is beyond me. I betcha any warehouse storing and selling billions of parts could do a better job than this.

You must use something else instead then. Recommendation? You might be aware of an alternative that could be appealing to others.

 

[m828s]

I think the better question is why did my comment on this article bother you? I wasn’t “bothered” and even said I could see the benefit of a separate app. Do we all need to have the same ideas and opinions about Apple Music? I don’t think so.

Oh. By providing an actual idea or two, even if utterly simplistic and probably uninformed, I was hoping to make something out of… well… nothing.

 

[marvin_h]

As a classical novice I appreciate the curated playlists and the introduction to classical series.

Makes sense but doesn’t require a separate app.

Roger that. A lot of my faves are in the Music app, but I appreciate the deep dives in Classical.

Ditto

First, to those who say "why not just use Apple Music", the main difference with classical music is how works are organized. First, the composer is far more important for classical music than other genres. Second, with classical music, it's standard to have many recordings with different performers for the same piece of music. Third, with classical music, it's critical to group the movements of a single work together.

So why not add performer, conductor, composer, the option to play complete works rather than single tracks, and so on to the regular music app? We would then have what we need as classical music lovers, plus all the features of the music app like more platform support, CarPlay, downloads, Apple TV, macOS, more robust UI, etc.

 

[m828s]

Makes sense but doesn’t require a separate app.

Ditto

So why not add performer, conductor, composer, the option to play complete works rather than single tracks, and so on to the regular music app? We would then have what we need as classical music lovers, plus all the features of the music app like more platform support, CarPlay, downloads, Apple TV, macOS, more robust UI, etc.

Honestly think they haven’t considered this? If you code apps for Apple, consider a deep dive here to bolster your opinion. Otherwise your question is hard to take seriously.