Liner notes (the booklet included with a CD) can be excellent sources of information on composers, musicians, genres, musical styles, and more. These databases include full-text liner notes, along with streaming audio and video:
Streaming audio access to Naxos and other labels. Emphasis is on classical music with jazz and world music represented. Limited to 15 simultaneous users.
Provides streaming audio access, original liner notes, and essays from New World, Composers Recordings, and other independent labels with an emphasis on American music.
Listen to the entire Smithsonian Folkways collection along with partner archives; includes original liner notes. Search or browse by geographic area, musical instrument, or cultural group.
Streaming video recordings of major orchestral performances, chamber music, oratorio, and solo performances, as well as masterclasses and interviews with master teachers.