Who Has Ownership?

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) was a Russian composer, conductor, and pianist. In a recent court case, there were disputes over the ownership of his original 300-page manuscript of the Second Symphony.

Rachmaninov's manuscript was to be auctioned last December in the Sotheby's sale. Members of Rachmaninov's family claimed to be the real owners, and Sotheby's took it out of the auction to avoid legal problems.

According to a BBC News article, it is very possible that the manuscript was left with someone for safekeeping when Rachmaninov fled Russia. It was found in Switzerland in a cellar with several pages missing.

The judge has ruled that both sides have a chance at winning, so the case must continue.