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Listening to the Weather with Naxos Music Library

November 30, 2010 | Ted | Comments (0)

Nml_logoOutside, it's a cold, damp, and very grey day.  Inside, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 effectively reflects the mood of this oppressive late November weather.  Fortunately, if I've had enough pathos and drama after the devastating 22-minute first movement, I can easily find something less overwrought from the over 48,000 CDs available instantly from the Naxos Music Library.

The Naxos Music Library (NML) is an online music streaming service that Toronto Public Library recently added to its digital collection.  All you need to access this vast catalogue of music is a computer with an Internet connection and a library card.  The collection is primarily Classical music but the genres list also includes: Jazz, World, Rock & Pop, Relaxation, Gospel, Folk, Blues, Nostalgia, Spoken Word, and Chinese Music.

Try it yourself right now (you'll need your library card number to login) or simply search for "naxos" in the library's search box and NML will be the first result.  Once connected to NML search or browse for a work, select the tracks you'd like to hear and then click 'play selections' to launch the music player.  Any modern web browser (Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Internet Explorer) and a current version of Adobe Flash is required for Mac & PC.

The NML also allows you to create and save your own playlists so you can curate personal mixes to enjoy and even share with others using the export/import feature.  This is a perfect solution for music teachers who want to create and share a listening list with students.  For detailed help with playlists, view the User Guide.

Another notable feature for music educators and students is the NML "Study Area" with a "music listening curriculum designed to support K-12 music curriculums" and Graded Music Exam Playlists in the Resources section.  You'll also find work analysis, a glossary, pronunciation guide, and more.

A set of headphones or decent pair of speakers is highly recommended, especially if you're using a laptop.  The sound quality is described as "Near-CD" (64kbps for you techies) and really is quite good for casual listening.  Of course, audiophiles can still borrow from TPL's large selection of CDs.

Feel free to drop in and ask about NML at our 2nd floor reference desk for a demonstration or to get help setting up a playlist account (this account also gives you free streaming access using the iPhone/iPod touch app!).

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Lillian H. Smith library, in the heart of the Discovery District, Chinatown and Kensington Market, is a district branch of Toronto Public Library. Learn more about your local library & community, and while you're at it, drop us a comment. If you are visiting us in person, look for the bronze gryphons guarding our door.