Naxos’s Premier Download Site, ClassicsOnline, Launches World’s Largest, Online Collection of 320-kbps, DRM-Free Classical Music – Nearly 22,000 Albums

NEW YORK & LONDON & HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Naxos today announced that music enthusiasts and audiophiles worldwide can now visit www.ClassicsOnline.com (COL) – the leading online, independent classical music store – and begin downloading from the universe’s largest online classical music catalog (nearly 22,000 DRM-free albums) at 320 kbps. This speed and quality make mp3 files indistinguishable from CDs. Membership is free and includes three free tracks/downloads.

Created by pioneers of the value-priced CD industry – independent classical music label, Naxos, and its Chairman Klaus Heymann – ClassicsOnline features titles from more than 100 independent labels. ClassicsOnline has been perfecting its site, technology and offerings since it was first launched in May 2007. Naxos is known as the world’s leading classical music label. It is the only record company that has a record label AND its own commercially viable download service offering labels outside of its own catalog.

Top Ranking:

ClassicsOnline was recently ranked third best out of 13 music download sites offering classical music in an article that appeared in the San Francisco Examiner authored by independent classical music expert, writer, professor, and musician Scott Foglesong. “ClassicsOnline is a gracious, friendly store with an excellent search engine and a deep catalog,” explained Foglesong.

Notable ClassicsOnline Offerings:

• Easy-to-use search features – visitors can search for composers, works, albums and artists alphabetically and by keyword search, special advanced search and with the site’s own unique music browser that allows highly refined searches under four categories;
• Competitive prices (typically $.99 for a track and $6.99 to $9.99 for an album);
• Free listening/sampling of every track;
• All tracks are digital rights management (DRM) free so that listeners can “burn” tracks to an unlimited number of CDs for personal use and can transfer them to nearly every mp3 player, including the iPod;
• A focus on independent labels and repertoire not available on other sites, while still offering essential classics;
• More than 500 new albums added every month; and
• The assurance of reliable, fast site performance and good user experience.

Biggest Customer:

“ClassicsOnline has an excellent variety of music at reasonable prices and is a goldmine for people who love classical music,” commented the site’s biggest customer, Roger Bassini, who has purchased more than 1,000 albums.

“ClassicsOnline is an incredible, leading-edge resource created by classical music lovers for classical music lovers,” explained Klaus Heymann. “This unique online destination is yet one more way Naxos is offering value, service and choice to classical music lovers everywhere.”

Free Upgrades:

To celebrate the debut of the 320-kbps catalog, ClassicsOnline will allow customers who previously downloaded mp3s from the store at lower speeds to upgrade tracks to 320 kbps – free of charge.

Free Downloads:

ClassicsOnline is offering three free tracks to all new visitors who register before December 31, 2008. A credit card is never required to register.

Special Features and Exclusives:

ClassicsOnline brings a host of features to keep classical fans in tune with new and critically acclaimed releases, the most popular downloads and exclusive albums, including:

• “Top 10” customer downloads;
• “Critics’ Picks” (new, “weekly reviews from the leading specialized magazines, quality dailies and online review sites”);
• “Recently Added” albums;
• Exclusive download manager;
• The Naxos Monthly Sampler – a ClassicsOnline exclusive;
• Beginners’ guides;
• Classical Points (store credit) earned by customers for their own purchases and those made by others they referred to ClassicsOnline;
• Playlists for audiophiles; and
• Lifestyle compilations.

About ClassicsOnline:

Naxos Chairman and Founder Klaus Heymann launched ClassicsOnline in May 2007 as a value- and customer-focused resource for the newest classical releases, standards, rarities and bargains from the most popular independent labels, including his own Naxos and Marco Polo labels. ClassicsOnline is yet one more example of Naxos bringing innovation and change to the classical and general music industries. ClassicsOnline does not give preferential treatment to any label, and offers customers a variety of label options and sales points that cater to every taste and budget. Some of the more than 100 labels ClassicsOnline offers include: BIS, Capriccio, CBC, Chandos, CPO, Delos, Haenssler, Hungaroton, Ondine, Profil and Wigmore Hall Live.

About Naxos:

Naxos has been focused on maintaining its value- and customer-focused philosophy since Heymann founded the company in 1987. It has become the world's leading classical music label, garnering awards from major music publications such as Gramophone, numerous Editor's Choices, GRAMMY nominations and awards, nominations and wins for the Cannes Classical Awards, and AFIM nominations and awards. Naxos offers music lovers a veritable encyclopedia of music at an affordable price. With offices in 12 countries, the company’s properties include: www.Naxos.com, www.classicsonline.com, www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com, www.NaxosRadio.com and www.NaxosSpokenWordLibrary.com.

Klaus Heymann is available for interviews to discuss:

• Naxos’s and ClassicsOnline’s business plans, growth, features and impact on the market;
• How digital music is transforming the classical music business;
• The impact Naxos and ClassicsOnline have had on the classical music and entertainment industries; and
• What other businesses can learn from Naxos’s value- and customer-focused philosophy.