Classical download store to rival iTunes

A classical music download site was launched today to challenge Apple's iTunes store.

Containing 18,000 tracks, the new Passionato site is believed to be the biggest online for classical music. Downloaded music will be playable on any MP3 player, including iPods.

Tracks are priced according to their duration, but on average albums cost £7.99. This is more expensive than iTunes, which charges around £5.99.

Passionato claims it will also offer tracks at a far higher quality than Apple. Users will be able to listen to samples of up to 60 seconds of every recording in its catalogue, and to browse by composer.

"The UK and Europe have an incredibly vibrant classical music scene in terms of concert attendance, record labels and journalism," said Passionato founder James Glicker, a former president of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. "We are delighted to have the co-operation of the largest majors and we will, over the next six months and beyond, be signing up even more labels."

The UK recorded music industry association, the BPI, welcomed the launch. "Digital distribution already offers great choice as to how music fans can access and enjoy music online, and its potential is even greater," said a BPI spokesman.

"We expect the new Passionato service will greatly enhance the digital music offering for classical music aficionados and we warmly welcome innovation of this type in music retail."