I don't know much about music copyright expiration - but i presume that the law covering written word was converted to recorded media?
Is it not true that one has to own the publshing rights to publish a book. I would have thought that only a certain few companies could publish the king james 1st bible for example, because they own publishing rights - is this correct? - if so, then the owners of the publishing (eg mr Jackson with the beatles back cat.) would still receive a fee from anyone recording and performing a song.

do symphony orchestras have to pay to play beethoven? - I presume they have to pay for the score, and have to buy it from someone...who therefore owns the copyright?

It is an interesting subject, cause we're reaching a point in history where copyrights are running out on rock'n'roll - where there is a lot of material coming into this 'zone' - but - who owns the copyright of irving berlins stuff - or "somewhere over the rainbow" - which must have run out by now...i don't know, but presume someone does!

I agree - the copyright or publishing should be treated like physical property - and should be able to be brought and sold for generations...but i don't know if this is not already the case...hope someone here does - cause it's an interesting subject.

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