Classical music copyright.

[Pitpin]

Can someone tell me if its legal to use classical music for a commercial purpose ie for a website movie?

I dont understand when it is said that some classical music is in the "public domain" but then goes on to say the material is copyright.

[mats.hogberg]

The music is free, but a recording of it may be copyrighted. That means you can play it yourself (and use the recording like you want to) without paying any royalties and stuff.
So you can play Beethovens 5th on your harmonica and use that for free, but you can't use the recording by Royal Philharmonics of the same piece.

/Mats

[Pitpin]

Thanks for that, I get it now.
I shall start practicing with the harmonica immediately

[ntscuser]

In the United Kingdom you may use a recording for commercial purposes provided it is over 50 years old, and the composer has been dead for 50 years. There are moves to extend this period beyond 50 years as in other countries but they do not yet have legal status. Meanwhile, the National Music Archive has complained that even 50 years is too long as it prevents them from making archive recordings of endangered recordings.

[olyteddy]

You may find suitable music at Archive.org. All their collections are Public Domain and Royalty Free.