Public-domain content
When the public domain applies and how to declare it.
A composition enters the public domain when its copyright expires.
The term depends on the country
It's often the author's life plus a number of years (for example, 70). So a work can be free in one territory and still protected in another.
What it means
- If you record a public-domain work, you don't need a mechanical license.
- Your recording (the master) is yours.
Public domain isn't "no credits"
You still credit the original composer. If your version has an arrangement of your own, you can credit yourself as the arranger.
Watch out for editions
A specific edition or arrangement of an old work can have current rights even if the underlying work doesn't. Check the score or source you use.
Declaring it
State the situation honestly in the release's metadata and in the license type.
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