copyright

2005-04-15 11:35 am

I would like some suitable 'background' music which I could put on a slideshow which would not break any copyright rules - can anyone help?

Re: copyright

Reply #1 – 2005-04-15 03:43 pm

Best bet is classical music, old enough that it is now public domain. Mozart, Brahms, Bach, etc. There are also many old church hymns in the public domain, but generally the melody is not what you would use to accompany a slide show.

The Scriptorium has a large selection of classical music files (and other kinds of music) in NWC format. Be warned that the Scriptorium also contains some modern compositions that are NOT public domain, so read before you use.

You can also surf the Internet for MIDI files of classical works.

Be aware that even if a composition is public domain (say, Bach), then the music file you use (NWC, MIDI, or any other format) might NOT be public domain, because the music file is a contemporary rendition. Again, read before you use.

Some copyright holders allow their work to be used in certain non-commercial contexts. This is not automatic: Merely being non-commercial does not necessarily give you such a right. You must see what the copyright holder says. Also be aware that no matter what you think, your slide show is likely to be "commercial" unless it is only offered to your own friends in the privacy of your home.

No doubt you do not intend to pay for a license to use copyrighted music that you otherwise couldn't use. But if that thought enters your mind, be aware that using the music as a slide show background is a different kind of license (I believe it is called "coordination," but am not sure) than one would use for merely playing music stand-alone.

Copyright is so complicated, and persons such as myself are so poorly informed, that your best bet is to use 19th century or older music from a source that clearly is not reserving copyright for its own music file.

Re: copyright

Reply #2 – 2005-04-15 03:56 pm

Thanks Robert - that was useful.
I have since found a midi site which allows free use of their music unless it is for commercial purposes - so I'll have a look at that one.

Re: copyright

Reply #3 – 2005-04-15 07:20 pm

you could just use anything you want and not tell anybody

Re: copyright

Reply #4 – 2005-04-15 11:06 pm

Looks like I'll be welcoming Christian soon.
How ironic.