I have heard a number of conflicting theories recently as to where the law now stands in respect of copyright, and of works formerly in the public domain. Different rules apply in different countries, and the situation is made even more confusing through the Internet which crosses all international boundaries.
Some opinions hold that a British work which was clearly once in the public domain, based on the old fifty-year rule, will not have reverted back into copyright protection. But whatever the true legal position on this, I intend to play safe and not include on my website any musical show or song whose composer was still alive seventy years ago. Accordingly, this would seem to preclude any work by Sir Edward German, who died in 1936, and by Sidney Jones, who died in 1946 at the age of 84. I eagerly await the end of 2006 when I believe I can safely add the remaining twelve items to "The Emerald Isle" and install a MIDI version of "A Princess of Kensington" which has already been prepared. I fail to see how anyone can benefit from having such long-forgotten works suppressed, but nevertheless I prefer to adhere to the current U.K. copyright laws, as I understand them.
However, the vocal score of Sidney Jones's "See-See" is clearly marked "Copyright, 1906, U.S.A." and I have been advised that, under American law, a work published prior to 1923 is considered to be already in the public domain. In the absence of any conflicting information in this respect I have now added this particular work, and I await any feedback that advises me otherwise. Likewise, it seems I may now legitimately add the seven items that Sidney Jones wrote for "The Girl from Utah" which was staged in America ninety years ago. Naturally, if any objection should be raised I will immediately withdraw such items from my website. You may note also that I have made an exception in the case of Frank E. Tours who became an American citizen in 1917 and whose descendants have expressed their wish that his music be included.
In many Edwardian shows we find instances of extra songs contributed by lesser-known composers about some of whom I can find no details at all on the Internet. In a few cases I have taken a calculated risk, as with Harold Garstin, J. A. Robertson and Rolan Macurtha. However, if anyone knows of any reason why these songs should not lawfully be included here, please advise me, and they will at once be withdrawn.