Are you in search of free and legally available Argentine Tango music downloads? Delve into the world of this enchanting genre with our guide to navigating copyright laws and accessing timeless tunes.
Understanding Argentine Copyright Laws
In 1933, Argentina introduced its first copyright law (Ley N° 11.723 | english translation), establishing copyright protection for artistic works for a duration of 50 years from their initial publication. This initial law granted both individuals and corporations the right to safeguard their creative endeavors.
In 2009, Argentina updated its copyright legislation with Ley N° 26.570 (english translation), extending copyright protection for phonographic recordings to a span of 70 years from the year of their first release.
As of 2019, the audio on phonographic records made before 1949 are now in the public domain. Under the previous law, records made before 1959 were in the public domain. (Since the law was changed in 2009, 2008 – 50 years = 1958)
Key Provision in the Modified Law
The modification to the law introduces a crucial provision:
Los fonogramas e interpretaciones que se encontraren en el dominio público sin que hubieran transcurrido los plazos de protección previstos en esta ley, volverán automáticamente al dominio privado por el plazo que reste, y los terceros deberán cesar cualquier forma de utilización que hubieran realizado durante el lapso en que estuvieron en el dominio público.
This provision states that artistic works previously in the public domain under Ley N° 11.723, now protected by Ley N° 26.570 (Enacted: December 11, 2009), have reverted to private domain status until their protection expires again under the new rules. Additionally, the new law mandates that third parties cease using such works that have transitioned back to private domain status.
Summary of Copyright Status for Argentine Tango Music:
- Music recorded in Argentina before September 28, 1933 — Always in the Public Domain.
- Music recorded in Argentina more than 70 years ago — Public Domain.
- Music transferred from original records and republished (CDs, digital files, reprints on vinyl records, or any other audio format) with a claim of a new Phonogram Copyright are not in the Public Domain until 70 years after their publication. For example, the audio on a vinyl record created in 1980 is protected by copyright until 2050 (1980 +70 years), even if the audio on that record is public domain tangos from the 1930’s.
- Music you, or others, copy from original records (78RPM shellacs) that are more than 70 years old, who then share them freely, are in the Public Domain.
Discovering Public Domain Argentine Tango Music
Two valuable sources for accessing public domain Argentine Tango music are:
- The Internet Archive: Explore an array of public domain media, including Argentine Tango music from original 78RPM shellac records. Check out this advanced search link on the Internet Archive to access these gems.
- UCSB Discography of American Historical Recordings: Despite its name, this resource from the University of California at Santa Barbara houses numerous Golden Era recordings by Orquestas Típicas. Discover these recordings through searches based on keywords like “Orquesta”, or a more complex search with a data range and location.