Is there any way to make sure something is in the public domain...someone asked about Ibsen, specifically the early translations SEEM to be...any help is appreciated.
Thanks...
Contact the publisher of the book the translation is in.
The general rule is after 100 years it is in the public domain - hence "Alice in Wonderland", Shakespeare and (soon to be) "The Wizard of Oz"
Except for anything Jerome Robbins choreographed
lol
Understudy Joined: 12/21/07
But if the rights haven't been re-issued. Remember, too: If you are using an interpretation or any published cutting or specific dramatization THAT is still NOT Public Domain.
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/09
Any work in which copyright hasn't been re-newed is considered Public Domain. This is why so many early literal works such as Shakespeare, Chekhov and the like are considered Public Domain. There simple isn't anyone to re-new copyright.
There's a wonderful website of available works which are Public Domain including some by Ibsen. You can download them to MP3 like an audiobook and listen to them (I do when I travel) or read them yourself. If you don't see the title you're looking for, just send an e-mail and ask. Keep in mind that works 75 to 100 years old are not likely to have a re-newed copyright and are most likely Public Domain even if you don't see them listed, however; family and publishers can re-new copyright, so always check before you assume a works to be Public Domain. Enjoy the website - it's one of my favorites.
http://librivox.org/
I am busy cleaning out and backing up my hard drive today and found a list that I saved from goodness knows where of musicals that are in the public domain. Thought I would find somewhere relevant to post these on here, in case anyone was interested.
BABES IN TOYLAND
BING BOYS ARE HERE
BLUE BEARD
CARMEN
EARL AND THE GIRL
EVANGELINE
FLORODORA
FORTUNE TELLER
FORTY FIVE MINUTES FROM BROADWAY
GARRICK GAIETIES
H.M.S. PINAFORE
IRENE
LA TRAVIATA
LITTLE JOHNNY JONES
MESSIAH
MIKADO
MUSIC BOX REVUE
NAUGHTY MARIETTA
NUTCRACKER
ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD
PATIENCE
PIRATES OF PENZANCE
THE RED MILL
SALLY
SANTA CLAUS CHRISTMAS CANTATA
THE SORCERER
THE STUDENT PRINCE
TALES OF HOFFMAN
TRIAL BY JURY
YEOMAN OF THE GUARD
I just copied and pasted that and I see that operas and oratorios are also represented here. I'm guessing that this list is at least 10 years old. Anyone got anything to add or discuss?
It would be great if people who do not actually know the answer would not post information in threads like this. Unfortunately, there is no simple rule that can be relied upon without asking a series of factual questions. I find the chart I have linked the easiest to understand.
To underscore what the first post correctly assumed, for a translation, it is always the date of the translation and not of the original work to which the copyright term applies. So, even if it is in the public domain in another language, the translation is a new work that is not.
copyright chart
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
It would be great if people who do not actually know the answer would not post information in threads like this.
EL OH EL. Clearly you are new here.
LOL!
And great list Jude-- (I know that *I* am filled with grattitude that Bing Boys are Here is included :P )
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