I need to get hold of an out of print piece of music

[Rooners]

It's impossible to find so far. It's an arrangement of Orb and Sceptre by Walton, for piano.

It's for a wedding.

Only copy I have found is falling apart, and was on ebay for an extortionate amount which I actually paid in desperation but having found it's falling apart, I have asked to return it. (the seller won't lower the price due to the condition being totally crap - not sure why)

I don't want to copy the score before returning it as that would be dishonest and possibly breach copyright (unless copyright doesn't exist if something's out of print?)

If anyone can think of another way to get hold of this I'd be grateful.

Tried Foyles etc

Just a bit stuck.

[MooncupGoddess]

"I don't want to copy the score before returning it as that would be dishonest and possibly breach copyright (unless copyright doesn't exist if something's out of print?)"

It is still in copyright - Walton only died in 1983 - but given that it's not in print any more, and you're not performing for profit, I wouldn't be too worried about this.

How annoying the eBay seller won't compromise on the price, though.

[Rooners]

Oh that is reassuring. Yes I thought he had died fairly recently, poor chap. I don't want to be cheating the seller either though...I would feel I wanted to pay them something, if I did that.

£25 for an 8 page work seems so expensive. Maybe that's because it is out of print though.

I have emailed OUP to ask about permission and just in case a legal copy might still be obtainable.

Thank you for the reply.

[scarfaceace]

What about the library? I know our local one can get hold of sheet music. Also, if they don't have a copy they can usually get one from another county (Inter Library Loan) or even the British Library. There may be a small fee.

[Rooners]

That is a fantastic idea - thank you very much. I will ring them and ask.

[schoolchoicesdrivingmecrazy]

The guildhall music library in the Barbican is run by a mumsnetter - they are bound to have a copy you can borrow.

Tbh why not keep the ebay copy and photocopy it only for the purposes of having a more stable copy to use in church. There is no breach of copyright there because you have bought a copy, are copying it simply to preserve the original for the purposes of performing it and will destroy the copy afterwards. That is perfectly fair use.

[Rooners]

Oh really? I didn't know we had someone in such upper echelons

I would keep it but tbh it's the cost, I think it's outrageous though am leaning towards that if it doesn't become available elsewhere.

Thank you for all the help

[Rooners]

Update - they have a copy in a library near to us.

I think that might solve the problem, I can return this one and we can just borrow it, and probably copy it for personal use as long as the library says so? Or just keep it on renewal till after the wedding.

Thanks all - brilliant

[schoolchoicesdrivingmecrazy]

Good! No you can't copy the library copy. Just keep renewing until you return.

[Rooners]

Thank you...still not heard back from the OUP about it but that's Ok, my Dad was able to reserve the library copy online using his library card (I don't think I have one any more!) and they are sending it to the local library.

Bonzer job

Yes hopefully we can just keep renewing it. Thanks again for all the help and advice. I don't know where I'd be without MN sometimes.

[Rooners]

Despite the fact I used to work in a library ! (was only on short loan...)