MUSIC COPYRIGHTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21912, 22 September 1934, Page 10 (Supplement)

MUSIC COPYRIGHTS

MOVE TOWARD PERPETUITY A movement has been initiated in Germany to establish the principle that the copyright in music or other artistic works shall bo in perpetuity. At present the law throughout the world vests copyright in the owner for a limited period—usually for the life of the author aud 50 years after. The new proposal was made by Dr. Richard Strauss, president of tho Association of German Composers, in an address at Leipzig to music publishers, his desire being not alone to retain ownership to the originators of music, but to preserve intact musical works as the great masters left them. It is proposed also that copyright should be " complete," the word meaning the withdrawal or the confining within much narrower limits of the licence of quotation. It was decided by a judge on one occasion that 28 bars quoted out of 82 was, in certain circumstances, permissible, although this decision was reversed upon appeal. Among composers, authors and publishers, Dr. Strauss' proposal is being keenly discussed. One publisher fears that it might become possible for television and sound film magnates to buy up all the classics by whomsoever held, and then do their worst with the wliolo or any part of them. Albert Ketelbey, the English composer, does not think copyright in perpetuity would be remedy for mutilation of the classics. In his judgment, lengthening the period of copyright would not bo of much benefit to those who really deserve the benefit. Bather, he considers, the composer's rights should bo strengthened while he is alive. Arthur F. Tate, another notable in musical circles, agrees with the idea of perpetuity, and suggests international action to establish the principle for all time.