Using a Media Player

It is likely that you will already have iTunes or Windows Media Player installed on you system. You will benefit from using a good media player and organiser for your music downloads. Passionato recommends using the MediaMonkey player as it can play, burn to disc and organise Flac as well as mp3 files. iTunes and Windows Media Player at the present moment do not allow importing of flac files. Passionato has detailed guides for using iTunes, MediaMonkey and Windows Media Players which can be accessed by clicking on the relevant links. iTunes
MediaMonkey
Windows Media Player

Other Media Players

Winamp Media player is available in a standard version (free) which does allow importing and playing FLAC files as well as mp3, WAV and WMA. However encoding (ripping) and file conversion to MP3 format is only available in the purchased version, Winamp Pro. Importing and transferring your Passionato files is a similar process to previously mentioned Media players and just as straightforward. Winamp is available from; www.winamp.com/mediaplayer

Songbird is a free Media Player that also has FLAC compatibility but as it is free there is no option to encode mp3 files. Instead Songbird uses another ‘lossy’ file format known as ‘Ogg Vorbis’ (up to 250kbps bit rate). Unlike the licence on MP3 this encoding format is free and can be used for unlimited encoding on Songbird and has the added benefit of linking to artist discographies and other useful information. For more information go to http://getsongbird.com/

dBpoweramp (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/)is a useful ripper and converter and also has one of the most powerful and consistent data search facilities (including AMG) for the correct naming of your files. A free version is available for a trial period but as with other players for mp3 encoding you will need to purchase this application.

Whether you decide to use our recommended Media player, MediaMonkey or any other player, we hope we have given some useful tips on playing and organising your Passionato downloads.

Classical Composers

At Passionato you can search for classical music composers in our composers A-Z list.. From the most popular, like Bach, Beethoven or Mozart, to those more obscure composers. You can read composers’ biographies, catalogues, recording recommendations, download composer’s recordings or listen to multiple samples of each work.

Record Labels

Some classical music labels have achieved iconic status within the classical music recording industry: Deutsche Grammophon, EMI Classical, RCA Victor for example. Then there are those like Harmonia Mundi, Chandos and Delos who offer rare repertoire and the super-budget labels like Naxos who offer great music. Passionato has them all!

Conductors

In classical music, the conductor has assumed a position of unequalled authority and in many cases almost mythical status. Passionato guides you through this array of greats and shows you what are the best downloads for composers such as Karajan, Toscanini, Bernstein, Furtwangler, Rattle, Dudamel and many more.

Classical Catalogue

The world of classical music downloads is available at your fingertips. Search our classical music catalogue to find the music you want. Search genres such as orchestral, chamber or opera; or by composer, artist, labels and more. Passionato has an unrivalled selection of music on offer from baroque opera to romantic symphony.

Help

If you’re new to classical music downloads read our download tutorial to help you easily access the music the you want. Visit our FAQ section which features answers to the most commonly asked questions about Passionato. If you require further assistance, our dedicated customer services team is ready to help with any enquiry.

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The Passionato range includes

... with more being added all the time

Portions of Content Provided by:

AMG Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.
All Music Guide is a registered Trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.
© 2008 Passionato Ltd. Passionato and the Passionato logo are registered trademarks in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.
iTunes© is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a partner or sponsor of Passionato.

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