Public-domain classical music: which works are free — and why the recording never is

Only the composition. If the composer died more than 70 years ago, the work is in the public domain. Every recording, however, is protected in its own right: its performers and producer hold related rights (70 years from release in the EU and UK). Using a recording in a video therefore always needs a licence from whoever owns that recording.

No. Beethoven's composition is public domain, but the recording belongs to its label and performers. Without their licence the use infringes the rights in the recording — even though the composition is free.

In the EU and the UK, 70 years from the first release of the recording. In the US, recordings published after 1925 are still protected as of 2026. A new recording is therefore protected for decades, however old the work is.

The recording: €29.90 once for lifetime, worldwide sync rights (video, advertising, social media, film, broadcast), with an invoice and a licence certificate as proof. The composition is public domain, so this is the only licence you need. Playing music publicly as background in shops, venues or events is a separate matter for the operator.