Grand Rights, also known as Dramatic or Theatrical Rights, pertain to the use of music in a dramatic context, such as in opera, ballet, musical theatre, film, or any performance where the music contributes to a larger narrative or story. These rights are distinct from small or “small performing rights,” which cover non-dramatic public performances of music, like concerts or radio broadcasts.
The concept of Grand Rights covers various aspects, including:
Performance Rights: This includes the right to perform the music as part of a dramatic work, such as in a theatrical production or film.
Adaptation Rights: This includes the right to adapt or rearrange the music for the specific needs of the dramatic performance.
Reproduction Rights: This encompasses the right to reproduce the music for use in the production, whether through printed sheet music or recorded audio.
Securing Grand Rights usually requires negotiating directly with the composer, publisher, or copyright owner of the music, as most standard performing rights licenses (typically obtained from performing rights organizations) don’t cover dramatic performances. The complexity and specifics of a Grand Rights license can vary significantly depending on factors such as the nature of the performance, the prominence of the music within the work, the venue, and more.
For example, if a theater company wants to stage a production of the musical “Les Misérables,” they would need to secure the Grand Rights for the music from the copyright holder, which would cover the various elements needed for that specific dramatic presentation.
Given the complexity and specificity of Grand Rights, professional legal advice is often sought to navigate the licensing process and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Grand Rights page on Wikipedia