OT - Westminster Chimes "melody" under copyright?

[Sonare Coeli]

Hello everyone,

This is a very odd question, but I was wondering if the common tune that Big Ben in London plays in different forms at different parts of the hour is under copyright. I suppose that because of the way in which I'd be using it, it wouldn't really matter - but I just thought I'd make sure.

Thanks,
Tyler

[rbowser-]

Hi, Tyler - I'm pretty sure the melodies ringing out of Westminster Abbey have been the same ones for centuries, which would make them having been created before there was a copyright law.

You should feel free to incorporate the progressions in your piece--I am certain.

Randy

[Sonare Coeli]

Hi, Tyler - I'm pretty sure the melodies ringing out of Westminster Abbey have been the same ones for centuries, which would make them having been created before there was a copyright law.

You should feel free to incorporate the progressions in your piece--I am certain.

Randy

Thanks Randy!

I assumed as much, but I do have to say - there are some very unlikely things under copyright!


Tyler

[rbowser-]

But nothing centuries old can be copyrighted - There can't be a problem.

Randy

[rwayland]

What a surprising co-incidence! I am about half done with a free fantasy for piano based very loosely on the Westminster Chimes! I saw your header, and wondered if I had posted something about it and forgot it!

Richard