Legal Audio Background?

Simmer wrote on 10/1/2004, 8:46 AM

Hi all:

What legal ramifications, options, legalities etc. do we have in using audio for background of Video or slideshow productions? For, example, what legal restrictions do we have if we use, say, some Mozart for backgound music?
Could someone come back and sue for something like this?

Thanks

-Mike

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 10/1/2004, 8:57 AM

Howzabout a search of the forum for this one? There are literally HUNDREDS of posts on this subject.
Or conversely
for more information.
Short answer is...Mozart can go into your slide shows, but the recording probably can't unless you performed it yourself. And if you didn't perform it yourself...yes, you can easily be sued.

Simmer wrote on 10/1/2004, 9:23 AM

Thanks Spot

Question (and sorry for my ignorance on this subject . . . :-/ )

How can Mozart go into a slide show if the recording cannot? I'm assuming you mean that I can record a Mozart composition on, say, MIDI performed by myself, but may have legal remifications if I put Mozart performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchistra on that slide show.

Is this correct?

Thanks

-Mike

Spot|DSE wrote on 10/1/2004, 9:26 AM

EXACTLY correct.
Mozart's MUSIC is public domain. however, various arrangements and performances of Mozart's music are likely NOT public domain.
Even if you found a 'free' midi file from the web, you likely couldn't use it because of the musician's MIDI recording. He/she could easily release you to use it though.

sjlocke wrote on 10/1/2004, 11:14 AM

Hi,

You buy royalty free music like a search at google for mozart royalty free brought up:
http://shockwave-sound.com/royalty-free-classical-music-mozart.html

sj