Copyright help for Meditation from Thais

January 6, 2005 at 01:01 AM · Help me Please! I have to find the copyright holders to Meditation from Thais (just the violin/piano edition). I'm supposed to play it in a televised program in July and need to supply the manager with the contact info of the copyright holders. If anyone has the music on them (I, like a fool, left it at school) could they give me the copyright info?

I've always thought it would be public domain as it was written long before the 1978 cutoff date, but perhaps that's only the solo violin with orchestral accompaniment version.

Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

Preston

Replies (9)

Preston Hawes

January 5, 2005 at 02:03 AM · Emile, you've done some recording...any ideas?

Preston

Lefebure Alain

January 6, 2005 at 10:14 AM · Copyrights depends on countries . In France,Massenet's country, rights last 70 years after the death's composer before falling in public domain.However the score might be adapted and therefore extend the copyright time. My version of Thais for violin and piano is a transcription by M.P Marsick Heugel Edition

The copyright was 1894 renewed in 1922. The publisher is Edition Alphonse Leduc,175 Rue Saint Honoré Paris Cedex 01

Peter Ferreira

January 6, 2005 at 03:32 PM · I have a couple of parts, but the one I can find for piano/violin just says:

Published 1950 by Carl Fisher, Inc, NY

I've recorded and performed it in the US and Portugal, didn't need that info. Why do they need it? Where are you playing it?

Rita Livs

January 6, 2005 at 07:49 PM · Could somebody answer my question:

I have several my own transcriptions for violin, violin ensembles, orchestra, etc. Do I need special permision from copyright or publisher, if I use sometimes original version of piano part?

Peter Ferreira

January 6, 2005 at 08:08 PM · No, I don't think so! When you PURCHASE the music and play from it, you purchased the right to play it. I know some places like France, have strange laws, especialy regarding their French composers. Not the case in the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain, etc. I've done a few recordings of the Meditation with orchestra and/or piano, played it in a few concerts and never had that sort of problem. I've never been prompted about copyright information about it either!

Remember, on a CD or in a concert, the name of the music should always be properly mentioned or displayed. If you are performing it, all parts should (must) be originals, including your part and all of the orchestra members playing it. No copies unless permited by the copyright/publisher.

Cheers,

Preston Hawes

January 6, 2005 at 08:24 PM · The reason the copyright is needed is because it is being broadcast (called Syncronization rights) and because the performance will be put to DVD and CD.

There are however, some transcriptions for Violin and Piano that ARE public domain. Therefore, it would seem to me that there would be no way of knowing which transciption was used in preparation (as many transcriptions only differ in bow markings, dynamics, etc.)

Thoughts,

Preston

P.S. thanks for all the help so far.

Peter Ferreira

January 6, 2005 at 08:28 PM · It's a complicated business!

But just make sure you are using originals, not in France, and give credit to the composer, etc.

It helps in my case, to be a member of BMI, ASCAP and the musician's union. They also can help you with this legal things!

Preston Hawes

January 7, 2005 at 06:47 PM · Thanks all!

Preston

Rita Livs

January 8, 2005 at 03:38 AM · Thank you all for answers.