Beethoven's 7th Symphony - Copyright issues/Public Domain?

[Aaron]

I'm going to start recording an album with my fusion trio and we plan on recording a bludgeoned reworking of the second movement of Beethoven's 7th Symphony and 7-9 of our originals. Being that I believe copyrights only last for the life of the author/composer plus 50-70 years in most countries, I assume there would not be a valid copyright and the work falls under public domain. But I wanted to be absolutely sure. Are there any resources I should check?

[BassChuck]

Originally Posted by Aaron

I'm going to start recording an album with my fusion trio and we plan on recording a bludgeoned reworking of the second movement of Beethoven's 7th Symphony and 7-9 of our originals. Being that I believe copyrights only last for the life of the author/composer plus 50-70 years in most countries, I assume there would not be a valid copyright and the work falls under public domain. But I wanted to be absolutely sure. Are there any resources I should check?

I believe you are correct that all of Beethoven's works are in the public domain. If you sample a recording of one of his works, you might be on thin ice however.

In the bigger picture you probably should get with a lawyer who deals with copyright laws to make sure you are doing the right thing with your original work. It might seem like a lot of money right now, but its always good to be protected.

[tkozal]

Ludwig Van is free to all - not so any recorded performance, that will depend on the country of its origin

[evan_phi]

the music itself is public domain...

a recording, on the other hand is a different story.

know anyone in an orchestra? see if you can record them for cheap.

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by evan_phi

the music itself is public domain...

a recording, on the other hand is a different story.

know anyone in an orchestra? see if you can record them for cheap.

Our version is a stripped down, fairly avant garde, double bass/drums/guitar arrangement- hence "bludgeoned reworking". Strangely enough, there have been people that have recognized it at gigs, although sometimes it is "that music at the end of Zardoz!"

There are no samples of a recording, so I guess I'm in luck. Now I just have to fear Beethoven purists.