The Best Classical Music Streaming Services
Contents
We all know that classical music can be great for relaxation, focus, and concentration. But with so many streaming services out there, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best classical music streaming services, so you can choose the one that’s perfect for your needs.
What is classical music?
Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.
The best classical music streaming services
Naxos Music Library
Naxos Music Library is an online music streaming service that offers a comprehensive collection of classical music. With over two million tracks in its database, Naxos Music Library is one of the largest classical music streaming services in the world.
In addition to its vast library of recorded music, Naxos Music Library also offers a wide range of educational resources. These include composer biographies, playlists, and program notes. Naxos Music Library is also one of the few streaming services that offer a la carte downloading of individual tracks or albums.
Naxos Music Library is available on both desktop and mobile devices. There is also a Naxos Music Library app for iOS and Android devices.
Primephonic
Primephonic is one of the newer streaming services on the market, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite among classical music lovers. That’s because Primephonic offers lossless audio streaming, meaning you can enjoyCD-quality sound without compromising your listening experience.
Plus, Primephonic’s interface is sleek and user-friendly, making it easy to find the perfect pieces to suit your mood. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by the sheer wealth of classical music available, never fear: Primephonic offers expert-curated playlists to help you get started.
Whether you’re a seasoned symphony-goer or just getting started with classical music, Primephonic is definitely worth checking out.
IDAGIO
German-based IDAGIO is one of the newer classical music streaming services, but it’s already making a big splash in the industry. One of its defining features is its focus on high-quality recordings: all of the music on IDAGIO is lossless, which means that it sounds exactly as the composer intended it to. In addition to its excellent sound quality, IDAGIO also offers a well-curated selection of music, with something for everyone from beginners to hardcore classical fans. And if you’re not sure where to start, IDAGIO’s mood-based playlists are a great way to explore new pieces and find something that fits your current mood.
How to listen to classical music
Classical music streaming services offer a great way to listen to classical music. You can find a wide variety of classical music streaming services that offer a great selection of music. There are also many free classical music streaming services that you can use. Let’s take a look at some of the best classical music streaming services.
Create a playlist
Now that you know some of the best places to find classical music online, it’s time to start creating your own playlist. If you’re not sure where to start, try picking one composer and finding a few of their most famous pieces. For example, if you choose Beethoven, you could add “Für Elise,” ” Symphony No. 5 in C Minor,” and ” Moonlight Sonata” to your playlist. You can also try searching for specific pieces that you know you want to listen to, like “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi or “The Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky. Once you have a few pieces in mind, look for recordings of those pieces on the streaming service of your choice and add them to your playlist.
You can also try finding playlists that other people have created. Many streaming services allow users to share their playlists with others, so you may be able to find some great classical music recommendations this way. If you’re not sure where to look, try searching for terms like “classical music playlist” or “best classical songs” on a search engine like Google.
Find a radio station
If you’re just getting started with classical music, one of the easiest ways to find something you like is to tune in to a classical music radio station. Many public radio stations offer at least some programming devoted to classical music, and there are also several dedicated classical music stations that you can listen to online or through a mobile app.
Here are a few places to find classical music radio stations:
-iTunes Radio: If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can access classical music stations through the iTunes Radio app. To find classical stations, open the app and tap on the “Browse” tab at the bottom of the screen. Then scroll down and tap on “Classical.”
-Pandora: Pandora is a popular streaming music service that offers a handful of dedicated classical music stations. To find them, simply create a free account and then search for “classical” in the station directory.
-SiriusXM: SiriusXM offers several commercial-free classical music channels that you can listen to online or through the SiriusXM app. If you’re not already a SiriusXM subscriber, you can sign up for a free trial and listen for 30 days without having to pay anything.
Go to a concert
If you want to hear classical music performed live, the best way to do it is to go to a concert. You can find concerts featuring all different kinds of classical music, from Bach to Beethoven to Brahms. Look for a concert series in your area, or check out the schedule for a local symphony orchestra. If you’re really adventurous, you could even travel to see a world-renowned orchestra like the Vienna Philharmonic or the New York Philharmonic.
The benefits of listening to classical music
Classcial music has been shown to have a plethora of benefits. Listening to classical music has been linked to improved brain function, increased concentration, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and even better sleep quality. Whether you’re looking to boost your productivity, reduce stress, or just wind down before bed, consider giving classical music a try.
Relaxation
There are many benefits to listening to classical music, including relaxation. One study found that participants who listened to classical music for 30 minutes had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who didn’t listen to music.
Another study looked at the effects of listening to classical music on patients undergoing surgery. The patients who listened to classical music before and after surgery had less anxiety and pain than those who didn’t listen to music.
Listening to classical music can also help you sleep better. One study found that people who listened to 45 minutes of classical music before bed fell asleep faster and slept more soundly than those who didn’t listen to music.
If you’re looking for a way to relax, reduce stress, and get a good night’s sleep, consider adding some classical music to your life.
Improved sleep
There are many benefits to listening to classical music, including improved sleep. Studies have shown that classical music can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. One study found that people who listened to 45 minutes of classical music before bed fell asleep faster and slept more deeply than those who didn’t listen to music.
If you’re struggling with insomnia, playing classical music before bed may help you get the rest you need. The slow, calming rhythms of classical music can relax your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep. In addition, the soft, soothing sounds of classical music can trick your brain into thinking it’s time to go to bed. As a result, you may find yourself dozing off sooner than you’d like.
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, give classical music a try. There are many great classical music streaming services available, so you can easily find the perfect piece of music to help you drift off to sleep.
Increased concentration
Research has shown that listening to classical music can increase concentration and focus. One study found that students who listened to Mozart saw a significant increase in their ability to solve spatial-temporal problems. Other studies have shown that classical music can increase task persistence and working memory.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your concentration and focus, consider listening to some classical music next time you hit the books. There are plenty of great streaming services that offer high-quality classical music, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
The history of classical music
Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820, this article focuses on the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods.
The Baroque period
The Baroque period of classical music is generally accepted to have begun in 1600 and ended in 1750. The term ‘Baroque’ comes from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning ‘misshapen pearl’. At the time, it was used to describe anything that was decadent or overly ornate. In music, it became a catch-all phrase for anything that was perceived as being too complex or too emotional.
The early Baroque period saw the development of monody, a style of composition where a single melody is accompanied by chords. This new style of music emerged in Italy and quickly spread throughout Europe. The most important composers of the early Baroque period include Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Gabrieli and Heinrich Schutz.
The late Baroque period is often associated with the rise of the concerto and the sonata. These forms became increasingly popular as composers began to write for larger ensembles and more soloistic performers. The late Baroque period also saw the development of opera, which quickly became one of the most important genres of classical music. The most important composers of the late Baroque period include Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann and Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Classical period
The Classical period was an era of classical music between roughly 1730 and 1820. The Classical period falls between the Baroque and the Romantic periods. Classical music has a lighter, cleaner texture than Baroque music and is less complex. It is mainly homophonic, using a clear melody line over a subordinate chordal accompaniment, but counterpoint was by no means forgotten, especially later in the period.
Classical music was created by composers who were trained in the traditions of Western art, church, and folk music. Many works were written for amateur performers, many of whom were not professional musicians. The level of virtuosity required for performance was often lower during the Classical period than during later periods; nevertheless, many works require great skill to perform well.
The term “classical music” did not appear until the early 19th century, when it was used to refer to a style of art music that originated in Europe and continued throughout the world from about 1600 to 1800 CE. It encompassed a wide range of styles including Gregorian Chant (the oldest classical repertory), Medieval polyphony (such as Ars Nova), Renaissance polyphony (such as Josquin des Prez), Baroque music (such as Bach and Vivaldi), Classical instrumental music (such as Haydn and Mozart), opera (such as Gluck and Rossini), and Art song (or Lieder).
The Romantic period
The Romantic period of classical music is conventionally taken to refer to the period from the early 19th century to the early 20th century. The term “Romanticism” itself was first used in the late 18th century, mainly to refer to artistic and literary styles.
The Romantic period is often said to have begun in 1815, with the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and to have ended in 1910, with the death of Edward Elgar. However, some scholars extend the beginning of the Romantic period back to 1789 (the start of the French Revolution) or even 1685 (the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach).
The main characteristics of Romantic music are:
– A greater emphasis on expressive emotions and feelings, rather than on objective reality;
– A greater focus on solo performers (particularly singers and pianists), rather than on performing ensembles;
– An increased use of vibrato (a wavering or trembling effect);
– A wider range of dynamics (from very soft to very loud);
– A greater use of extreme register (very high or very low notes);
– A greater use of chromaticism (using notes that are not in the key signature);
– A wider range of instrumentation; and
– An increased use of program music (music that tells a story).