copyright issues in public domain

[saintx]

Hi Guys, I would like to your assistance on issue below.

I am planning to rewrite Hanon - Virtuoso Pianist in Sibelius, and publish it under new name of publishing house, ex: "ABC Publishing" and sell the copies.

Since "Hanon - Virtuoso Pianist" is already considered as public domain, will I violate the copyright law by doing that?

If yes, please tell me the reason.

Thanks.

[vinteuil]

You will not violate any laws. Go ahead, and have fun.

[saintx]

wow thanks for very fast reply.

just for reassuring. on the IMSLP page, I see that the Hanon virtuoso pianist is published by Schirmer. Why is it considered as public domain now?

am I allowed to use Schirmer's Edition of Hanon as source?

[vinteuil]

You are allowed to use it. It is public domain in the U.S. because it was first published before 1923, and is public domain in the rest of the world (except Mexico and a few other very strict copyright regimes) because the last surviving contributor died over 70 years ago.

[saintx]

okay, thank you once again to you^^

[Carolus]

It's likely public domain even in Mexico, since their increasing of the term to 100 pma was not retroactive.