Bolero is free at last

Ravel’s Bolero is now free. The copyright has expired and organizations no longer need to pay royalties to a network of corrupt people who aren’t related to Ravel or his family. This is where copyright law gets sticky.

According to The South China Times Ravel’s brother, Edouard, had been the beneficiary of Ravel’s royalties. Ravel died unmarried and with no children. The total number amount of money from said royalties is in the neighborhood of $500 million. Here’s the problem. Ravel’s brother died in 1960, also with no children or surviving spouse.

Since 1960 it is estimated that Bolero has generated $50 million by itself. Who gets the money? Who has been profiting from Ravel’s genius?

A 2001 article from The Guardian explains the convoluted and disgusting process by which Ravel’s music has been exploited. Laws were changed and there is a general tone of extortion, but that is conjecture on my part.

Bolero will probably become even more popular now that royalties are no longer required. It is estimated that globally there is a performance of Bolero every 10 to 15 minutes. The piece is about 16 minutes long, so it is being played nonstop.

With the new liberation, Bolero’s power will grow. Soon it will be played every 8-12 minutes, then 6-9, until it finally achieves its ultimate purpose — an omnipresent eternal repetition. It is unstoppable.