Setting the poems of the recently deceased

[tonofbricks]

Hello there.

I am a composition student wanting to set some poetry of a recent poet.

I know there are a certain number of years that have to go by after a poet dies before their work becomes public domain.

My question is: Can I set a piece of poetry that isn't yet public domain and still have the piece performed publicly without making any money from it?

Also, if anyone could point me in the direction of some good material on the subject of public domain, that would be very appreciated.

Thanks

[Yagan Kiely]

Can I set a piece of poetry that isn't yet public domain and still have the piece performed publicly without making any money from it?

You still have to get permission from the current copyright holder.

I'm not sure how to be honest.

[Carolus]

The permission is somewhat dependent upon what country you're in. In several EU countries, you can set the words to music as long as 1) the author is fully credited; and 2) there is no publication or performance for profit. In the USA, permission is absolutely required - in writing - before you can start setting a copyrighted text.

[tonofbricks]

thanks very much both of you