How can I check whether a composer or work is in copyright?

The Classical Composers Database gives a good overview of the dates of the major classical composers and will enable you to make a preliminary investigation as to whether a work might be in copyright.

Although this will give a guide based on the rule of thumb that copyright exists until 70 years after the death of the composer, it will not cover exceptional circumstances eg where a work has more than one collaborator, or where a later edition of a work acquires its own copyright status. Please see our Information Sheet 3: Performing rights for more information about copyright and performing rights (please note that you can only download this information sheet if you belong to a Making Music member organisation).

It might also be useful to check with the Music Publishers Association on +44 (0)20 7580 0126