IMSLP Forums

There is a page on the IMSLP dedicated to Sergei Bortkiewicz and there is an extensive catalogue of his works. These, unfortunaterly, are marked TB (70 years have not yet elapsed since his death). While some of his music is available from Peters and Boosey and Hawkes, his 7 Preludes op 40 are not in print and are to be had only in manuscript from the Netherlands Music Institute.

In there any way I could have access legally to the score? I am a pianist and woul enjoy playing this work.

Did you already ask for reproductions from the NMI?
http://www.nederlandsmuziekinstituut.nl ... roductions

I was trying to avoid deciphering an original if a printed copy could be obtained.

Actually, the block at IMSLP [TB] has to do with the work's status in the USA. If you would receive written permission from the heirs or estate of Bortkiewicz, the items no longer in print could be unblocked and you could add similar items. We added links to Sheet Music Plus for the blocked items which are still available for sale.

I thought for a moment it might have to do with their being republished, as some of the blocked ones are, strangely, in print, but not the Preludes op 40. I notice that his Preludes op 33 are also blocked and these have been republished within the last 3 months.

Anyway, I might see the point in blocking something you might be able to come across in a shop, but blocking something wich is otherwise unavailable...

It doesn't matter if they're not available in most other places, they're still under copyright in the US. Unblocking them could bring the legal status of the site into question. You can see this thread for more information.

I see your point and do not argue it and I certainly do not wish this most useful site to come under fire. Still, it is funny that something out of print, even when protected by copyright, can earn no royalties and the whole point of copyright is to make sure the author or his heirs receive them.

Anyway, his Preludes op 33 and his "From Andersen's Tales" are in print and the latter I ordered on Friday, while the former I shall order today.