Magnatune offers membership without obligations

Members pay a minimum of $5 (£3.30) per month to stream or $10 (£6.70) to download, with full access to the site's podcasts and support for iTunes, Amarok, Rhythmbox and Songbird available to all subscribers.

Creator John Buckman explained to Musolife that the previous model proved to be a psychological barrier: 'Since most people who become members later go on to renew on a regular basis, there was no good business reason for requiring a three month minimum. More people are likely to become Magnatune members now that it is gone.'

An independent internet-based record label that prides itself in giving musicians 50 per cent of revenue, Magnatune currently has about 80 classical artists signed up alongside new age, jazz and metal acts.

'I'd like people who are curious about classical music to come to Magnatune and spend hours listening for free to our albums,' Buckman says. 'Discover what kind of music you like: is it Renaissance, baroque, classical period or modern, instrumental or singing? Find out what kind of thing appeals to you.'

New releases, including Cary Chow's Piano Music of Robert Schumann, flute-guitar duo AlmaNova's Debut and three recordings from the Kyiv Chamber Choir, are currently available for streaming or download.

www.magnatune.com

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