Copyright?

Question

I know that a lot of classical music doesnt have copyrights anymore, but how do you tell which ones are up for grabs? Like to put in a movie?

Answer 1

The quick answer is that once the composer has been dead for at least 70 years, the music becomes public domain property, and copyright ceases to apply unless it is expressly renewed, i.e. by the composer's surviving family.

That said, a publishing company can claim a copyright on a piece of music that may be centuries old if they make a new engraving or recording of the work. The music itself remains public domain property, but the music in its new format is protected by copyright.

Answer 2

There are two copyrights which last:

1) Copyright on work of music: 70 years after death of composer
2) Copyright on performance recording: 50 years after recording

Answer 3

The composition has no copyright, but a recent performance of a work which isn't copyrighted still has a copyright on the performance.

Answer 4

Be careful: There are two things that you need to verify.

If you have a particular recording, then the artist may hold the copyright
to that and of course the original composer may have another copyright.

Copyrights expire after a period of time (dunno how long) and then
things become part of the public domain.

A piece of music that is 100 years old is certainly free of copyright
protection. However, if you took, say, a Boston Pops recording of
it and put it in your movie, you would need to use that recording
with their permission.

Answer 5

A song's copyright expires after 75 years. After that it goes into the public domain. Anyone can use it then.

go to pdinfo.com to see what songs are usable.

Answer 6

Most classical music is up for grabs, but who is going to play it?