Copyrighted music question

I am entering a film in a contest that will not let you use copyrighted music, i was wondering if i could use a classical piece, like Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture, no one owns the rights to those songs, do they?

 

As far as I know, the actual piece is public domain, but specific performances of said piece may be copyrighted.

 

I'm pretty sure someone does, but I'm not sure who.

 

2 different answer, lol well now im confused. Doggans i am pretty sure i will be using 1812 overture, do you know for sure? does anyone?

 

copyrites expire after a while... but as to these, i'm not sure... sorry.

 

I do believe that music as old as Tchaikovsky is in the public domain. The only problem is this: Specific performances usually are copyrighted. You'll need to find either a public domain performance or record your own.

-Paul

 

Exactly. Even though the music itself is in the public domain, a musical recording of the piece is protected by copywrite. So you couldn't use it.

You could just record your own version of the overture.

 

Haha, yeah, do a "vocallly emulated" version where you record yourself as all the instruments and mix em!

 

As far as I know, the actual piece is public domain, but specific performances of said piece may be copyrighted.

This is spot on. Copyright on music lasts until 75 years after the death of the composer (used to be 50), with the exception of Gilbert and Sullivan (their family has the copyright indefinately).

You can record your own version and use it, but specific performances are copyrighted by the performers

 

Art: Look up the "Swingle Singers" for an acapella version of the 1812 overture.

-Spiff