Downloading already purchased iTunes music now requires Apple Music subscription?

I am trying to play or download music to my computer that I have purchased from the iTunes store but I receive an error when I attempt to turn on "Sync Library" setting in the preferences panel. The error says:

To add songs and playlists to your Library, you must use Cloud Music Library.

Songs and playlists from this computer will merge into Cloud Music Library so you can listen across all your devices.

The options given are "Not Now" or "Merge Library"

When I click on "Merge Library" I receive another error message which says:

This account does not have iCloud Music enabled

I do not intent to pay an additional subscription fee for Apple Music to be able to listen to the music I have purchased via iTunes. Please advise how to bypass this issue.