Copyright
I am relatively new to MuseScore and have been looking for SATB arrangements for an amateur quartet that I sing in. I have found a lovely arrangement of Both Sides Now. The arranger is listed as "madrigal". I am not clear regarding copyright rules in the UK. My understanding is that any adaptation or arrangement of a copyrighted piece of work requires the consent of the owner. How do I know if the arranger "madrigal" has sought that consent? Even if they have sought consent my understanding is that the copyright still rests with the owner. I guess my question boils down to...how can I legally use this arrangement?
Comments
Chances are good there are no UK-based copyright lawyers reading this, so I would take any advice you get here with a grain of salt. Better to ask on a forum that specializes in copyright law that has actual lawyers participating (or consult a lawyer in person).
But FWIW, in the US, my understanding is that the norm is one needs permission to *publish* (including online for free) an arrangement of a copyrighted piece (which generally would ential paying royalties), but even so, one also as a totally separate matter needs permission to *perform* the composition (and this generally invovles paying royalties to the copyright holder). Usually it is the responsibility of the venue, not the individual performer, to secure these permission, which is why in the US you will see most music venues having "ASCAP" and "BMI" stickers in the window. Those are the two biggest organizations in the US that represent composers for performance rights. Other countries have other systems.