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      Section 4th
      Circular

                        Several music teachers have indicated
                        to Your Majesty the Governing Queen the need for
                        a regulation that protects the ownership of their
                        original works of art. These tend to be recorded and
                        performed in theatres without the authors’ permission;
                        and if Your Majesty were to consider that productions
                        of this kind deserve the same protection as literary works
                        as they are all the fruit of imagination and understanding,
                        that it be declared that all current regulations with regard
                        to printing written documents be extensive to engraving
                        musical compositions. Orders should also be given for
                        their observance, pursuant to the Royal Orders of 5 May
                        1837,and 8 April last, for performing dramatic pieces:
                        all this should be understood while the Spanish Parliament
                        passes the draft bill that will be submitted on the different
                        parts of literary and artistic property. By Royal Order,
                        I hereby notify Your Majesty for your intelligence
                        and corresponding effects. May God save your Majesty many
                        years. Madrid, 9 May 1839






Translation by: Kay Leach