In the UK copyright is somewhat different.  The actual tune or
arrangement is copyrighted for a period of 70 years from the death
of the artist.  If the artist was employed by a company to produce
the work and was paid, then the copyright dies with the company or,
if the company still exists, then the 70-year rule can be extended
indefinitely.


In the UK sound, paintings, written words and photographs all come
under the same rules.  If, for example, the assets of a piano roll
company were purchased by another company, then in theory the copyright
of the roll would still exist with that company even if the artist
has been dead more than 70 years.

It is a total minefield and I believe in if in doubt, _don't._

Jonathan Holmes
Penzance UK