Klarinet Archive - Posting 000402.txt from 2009/01

From: Bear Woodson <bearwoodson@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Copyright Question
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:06:40 -0500

I was never good at understanding legalese, and every
time I think I understand Copyright Issues, someone says
something to confuse me, again.

Most Copyright Issues are irrelevant to me, since the
only involvement I have that comes close to altering the
music by other composers, is occasionally having written a
Cadenza to a Mozart concerto. In those cases, it is more
than welcomed to write a Cadenza, and I am clearly giving
credit to the composer for his Themes that I am altering.

But what if I were to orchestrate the gorgeous "Gaspard
de la nuit" ("Demons of the night" for piano alone, 1908) by
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)? Considering how long he's
been dead, wouldn't ALL of his works now be in the Public
Domain? I think a few people have tried to orchestrate it over
the years, but I'm not sure if I've ever heard a recording of
an orchestrated version of it. Fortunately there are a few
really excellent recordings of the piano version available.

(If any of you don't know this work, it is one of THE
most difficult to play of Virtuoso Piano Works, but it is
also one of the Most Schmaltzy, Gorgeous and Intriguing
works ever written! It is music to fit the mood of 3 poems,
and therefore has 3 movements, but the text of the poems
should be read separately. It is not a song, nor even a
narrated work, but is only for piano alone. However few
pianists can cut the notes at all, much less do it justice for
its poetic, sensuous styles.)

By the way, what is the progress on the impending
In-Dog-uration?

Bear Woodson
Tucson, Arizona, USA

Home: 520 - 881 - 2558
"Bear Woodson" <bearwoodson@-----.net>

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