Unavailable music.

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Level 1

30 points

Unavailable music.

I have been an Apple Music subscriber for several years now and I understand how the App works. I understand that music which is greyed out is not available on Apple Music and that there are various reasons for this, some temporary, some regional etc. However, I don't understand the following:

I want to listen to Scarlatti: Sonatas 2016 performed by Angela Hewitt on Hyperion Records,

It appears as a listing in Apple Music as an Apple Digital Master but is greyed out, BUT IT IS available in iTunes Store to BUY as separate pieces or in its entirety. In the buy options it offers me subscription to Apple Music, but I am already a subscriber. What is the point of subscribing if you have to buy too?

Can anyone explain? Thanks in anticipation. JM

Mac mini, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 16, 2023 3:53 AM

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Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

63,440 points

Jan 16, 2023 5:43 AM in response to macmack

Mac Mack,

You are probably right about the label not supporting streaming. It would be interesting to check if they have put their material on a more classical-oriented streaming service, such as Idagio.

"Apple Digital Master" refers to a set of audio production criteria that Apple specifies for the masters (or re-masters) of the tracks. (Information here: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/apple-digital-masters/docs/apple-digital-masters.pdf ). It doesn't imply ownership by Apple.

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Answer 2

ed2345

Level 9

63,440 points

Jan 16, 2023 4:52 AM in response to macmack

Mac Mack,

There are occasional cases of an album being available for download but not for streaming, or vice versa. It is a decision of the rights holder. The reason for the decision is usually not made known.

BTW, that particular album is not available for streaming on Spotify either.

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Answer 3

macmack Author

Level 1

30 points

Jan 16, 2023 5:08 AM in response to ed2345

Thanks for your reply, I suspected it was an issue with Hyperion Records as I read that they were in principle against streaming. Your observation that it is not available on Spotify would suggest that they have not allowed their content to be streamed at all. My confusion was that the recording appeared on Apple Music as an "Apple Digital Master", suggesting that they had permission to stream. Ho Hum.

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Unavailable music.

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