Do you know a good public domain classical piece of music?
I’m working on some video projects, and my group and I need classical public domain (free to the public to use, free of copyright) music. Also, if you have a favorite piece of music, do you have any ideas of a short story line that could go with that piece of music?
For example: Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata makes me think murder mystery. Unsolved murder actually. A family could be portraying sorrow, different people with different memories of the victim.
Great answers so far. I’m also looking to know individual’s favorite pieces of music. What does the piece make you think of? Feel?
I want individual SONGS that are YOUR favorites. Not sites to find the music, I know where to find music just fine.
Public Domain might not be quite what you think it means. Anything that’s out of copyright is generally considered as public domain, but copyright laws change from country to country. For instance, anything composed by a composer who died before 1954 is now public domain in Australia. However, a recording of a piece such as that that was done 1954 or later could not be used without a licence as the performers and producers retain rights (in Australia anyway). The time periods are longer in the US, I think 70 years generally + some extensions. So Saint-Saens’ music is still protected by copyright there even though he died in 1921.
So, to be able to effectively use something in the public domain you would need to find a recording that is out of copyright in whichever country you were in, or to commission your own recording of a piece that is public domain.
My suggestion as a piece of music would be the slow movement from Beethoven’s 7th symphony – the glorious funeral march. You could create some glorious visual images to match in a short film, or maybe listen to some of the Bach Toccata’s and fugues. With the Beethoven some old recordings from Berlin Phil might be in public domain where you are, but you’ll need to check or get a licence.
Good luck.
ROYALTY FREE MUSIC! Resources for Video and Filmmakers – QUICK FX
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