There's a couple things wrong with the below statements. "But the printed music is not public domain as long as the publishing company exists"
This is simply not the case. It's only the case if the copyright is still valid. If you're unsure, you can call the publisher or check your country's laws on the length of a copyright. (Prior to the 70s, copyrights had a relatively short life span. Things have changed recently though). "There are also the rights of the editors, which must be respected" Editors have rights only as long as publishers have rights - it's the same length of term again as the previously mentioned copyright. Of course, "respect" and "the law" mean two different things. If the editor is still alive and you wish to "respect" him/her, you may always feel free to compensate them personally. However, the "business" of music nowadays means that, the likelihood is that the editor has probably changed a dynamic marking or an articulation somewhere in the piece recently and has therefore re-updated his edition and his copyright. However, most older editions are in the public domain - again, if you're not sure, call the publisher and ask. They will tell you. "The original scores may be accessible free of charge, but not parts as they are not written by the composer but by the publishers or on order for the publisher who still owns the publisher rights." Again, this is dependent upon the length of the copyright. If you have an orchestral part from Boosey and Hawkes that was last published in 1948 and they haven't made any changes since then, you may feel free to copy, disseminate or do any other thing you'd like with that part. You as the purchaser now have the rights to that piece. (This, however, is a poor example as B&H very much play the musical system and would have republished this piece 10 times since then to ensure a lasting copyright.) If copyrights existed as long as publishers were still in existence, there would be a LOT fewer recordings on the market and the recording of the long call on your website would be subject to fines and perhaps even jail time. (Breitkopf, right?) -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of hans Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 1:20 AM To: 'The Horn List' Subject: RE: [Hornlist] Mahler 9 And the publishers, who published this kind of music ? They invested a lot to get it engraved. You are right, most of these pieces are now public domain, but just the original & you do not have to pay royalties to the composers. But the printed music is not public domain as long as the publishing company exists. This makes a big difference. There are also the rights of the editors, whih must be respected. If you get access to the originals from the libraries & if you edit them (make clear text), you would allow free public circulation ? Would you do this as a public service. I doubt. The original scores may be accessible free of charge, but not parts as they are not written by the composer but by the publishers or on order for the publisher who still owns the publisher rights. And why not buying these very low priced Dover scores & get the parts written out by yourself. We did that in the past. It is not a violation of any rights if you do this for study purpose, but you have a great benefit, getting the things into your brain without any extra effort just by writing them out. ============================================================ ============================================================ === Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.5/988 - Release Date: 9/4/2007 9:14 AM _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
