leonardcohenforum.com

I have created a Mass about forgiveness and reconcillation, called Mercy, based on 9 songs from Leonard Cohen and some parts from his Book of Mercy. Me and musicians are on tour this winter and next year.
The problem is; I have tried to get permission and rights to use parts from Book of Mercy, but could not find a Swedish publisher.
We are soon on tour, the interest for the Mass is heavy, and I must solve this problem.
Is there a publisher in Canada who I can ask, or what shall I do?

Thankful for any help and best regards from Sweden.

Udo

The book HAS been published in Swedish in 1987, so it obviously must have a local publisher. I made a search in the database of the Stockholm Library, and looks like copies are available on the shelves in several local libraries, have a look here:
http://www.opac.ssb.stockholm.se/pls/bo ... rd=opac_e1
Just give a phone call to one of these libraries and ask them to check the publisher for you.

You may also try with Leonard's management at Cohensings@aol.com but that will be a much longer road.

Jarkko

Thank you, Jarrko, for your help! I must go the long road. I did buy the book in 1988 from the Swedish publisher who not longer exist. Also spoke with libraries, author- and translator-organizations with no result.
So I´ll try with Leonard´s management.

Udo

If it is your intention to perform rather than record these songs you don't require permission from anyone. Leonard has signed his 'Performing Rights' away to an organization to administer on his behalf. Trust me. Good luck with your tour.

Hello Linda, and thank you for your answer and your consideration!
I´m familiar with the performing rights (I´m a songwriter myself) and know about the Swedish Performing Rights Organization - STIM.
My problem is getting rights for the text from Book of Mercy, and therefore I must get in contact with the Swedish (or International) publisher and even the translator. So far, I´ve found none of them.
We´ve already sold some concerts and I don´t want to do anything wrong at this time.
To be continued...

Best regards
Udo

Now, I'm not a lawyer and am not attempting to impart legal advice, but if you are in fact simply performing the material the same would apply for a book as it would for a song. There is nothing to prevent you from performing excerpts from the book. I'm sure you've heard book readings-no permission is required. You mentioned that you wanted to include parts of it in a mass - I don't know the degree to which you may have 'changed' the original text but to do so would require permission of the copyright owner.

So, I would have to tell you the same thing as Jarkko - go to the source. Have you attempted to reach Leonard's management? If not, do so. If you've had anything printed to promote your tour make sure credit is given. In future, get your permissions before making your plans! In the absence of any publisher info, the quickest route would be to contact Leonard's management. I can't comment too much as I don't know exactly what it is that you've done but you, as a songwriter, should know if you've crossed the line. I know time is of the essence so email or call if need be.
Sorry I can't be of more help but these things can be tricky especially if money changes hands! Again, without knowing precisely how you've used Leonard's material I really can't add much more. I don't think there is an international licensing org. for books! I have a feeling that Leonard might own his own publishing rights so contact his management!!! Fast! Good luck and don't worry, I think you'll be fine. You could even try Sony-they have a legal dept. with lawyers well versed in Copyright Law. The only one that can give you the permission is the copyright owner.

I am sure Leonard will gave you written permission in email if it is for the mass, just ask him, his assistant will answer you, and later write the thanks and credits in booklet or somewhere. (Leonard is, by the way, helder of copyrights for his books).

Just one more thing I'd like to add, you did mention that some conerts have been paid for. If you are the promoter of the tour you should contact STIM as you might need to pay your Performing Rights license fees! Simply because a concert has 'religious' content, does not necessarily mean that it would be regarded as a 'religious' performance by your performing right org. Also, you mentioned 9 of Leonard's songs and the fact that some concerts have been paid in advance. It is quite possible that Leonard may be entitled to renumeration for these performances. Performing rights organizations all over the world have varying methods of registration and may regard certain performances differently. By simple virtue of the fact that money has already been paid to you, make sure you are covered and call or visit STIM and they can instruct you on how to proceed. I think that's about it from me!

I´m working with all your advices, and will be back when I have more news (good news I hope) to tell you and thank you for.

Regards
Udo

Thanks to everyone for all help and advices. I´ve got permission from LC:s management to use parts from Book of Mercy.
Without your help I would´nt succeed.

That's wonderful news, Udo ! Congratulations ~ and may everyone enjoy your unique venture, your Mass. What a wonderful and creative way to use Leonard's work .

~ Elizabeth

Gee, that was fast! Good for you! Now you can go forth, do your thing and be not afraid.

Now, I would like some kind of audio recording with the part of the mass with Book of Mercy lines, sometime, in the future

Yes, they work really fast in Canada. I spend half a year to search for help in Sweden.

For the time we have no opportunity to do a audio recording.
Maybe we can perform our Mass for you sometime?

Some filmstudents was contacting us - they want to do a concertmovie for their examination in februari. Well, if they copy that movie, they must have permissions... (to be continued)

Kind regards
Udo