I’m trying to figure out whether Sean O’Riada wrote a particular piece of music. Does anyone know who has the publishing rights to his music?
O’Riada died in 1971 but his work is still under copyright:
“The Republic of Ireland : A Music Industry Overview”
Mechanical and performing rights are under copyright in the Republic of Ireland for the lifetime of the songwriter plus an additional 70 year period. This duration was extended from the traditional lifetime+50 year period by the Irish Government’s statutory instrument no. 158 in 1995, and was in accordance with the European Community’s (Terms of Protection of Copyright) Regulations.
The above is from this website:
http://www.musicjournal.org/01ireland.html
So seventy years haven’t expired and I suspect his family, wife or children will hold copyright to his composed work.
What piece of music are you looking for or inquiring about?
MarkB
You should contact Peadar O Riada in Cuil Aodha.
MarkB - The melody is Àr nAthair which I learned as a child. Recently I’ve been playing the melody on the pipes and it sounds very nice (when I manage to play it properly). There are a few versions of Àr nAthair doing the rounds. I’ve read that SO’R composed a melody for Àr nAthair. Given his style, he may have written the version I play. If he did, I want to be sure that he is properly credited.
By the way, the ownership of copyright is only half the question. It’s also best to credit the composer, whether or not he still owns the copyright. I’m not sure whether the latter is obligatory or just courtesy.
Peter - Thanks for the link. There’s no email address but I left a message in the guestbook. Hope he reads.