Does anyone know whether the restrictions on French music (for example, they do not count either WWI or WWII as part of the seventy five year copyright on music) apply in England, please?

Specifically, is Vierne's Messe Solennelle now out of copyright in this country?

Any advice will be received gratefully.

Richard Barnes, owner of Cathedral Music (01243 379968) is the person to speak to about this. He is very knowledgeable on this subject and as lots of opinions about it. He also has connections with the music section of the Bibliotheque Natonale (which he visits regularly) and several Paris music shops and publishers. He also publishes the Vierne Mass considerably cheaper than UMP.

He is marvellous at getting copies of obscure but wonderful 19th and 20th century French church music that people suppose to be unobtainable. I think, for example, that he currently has all the Widor choral music in his catalogue. You can arrange to visit his premises, browse over coffee and partake of an excellent lunch in a nearby pub afterwards.

Tell him I recommended him.

Malcolm

Thank you for this, Malcolm. I shall try to contact him tomorrow.

I'm not sure whether you will get an answer on Saturday. I would wait until Monday. If he's not there has an answerphone or his wife, Annie, will take a message.

Malcolm

Does he? Oh good! I hope he's as knowledgeable about English law because his catalogue contains two of my editions that I certainly have no recollection of ever having authorised for publication.

Website here: http://www.cathedral-music.co.uk/

Interesting catalogue: http://www.cathedral-music.co.uk/LinkClick...166&mid=517