Music piracy is just as old as the music industry itself. Casa Ricordi, the Italian publishing house funded in 1808, has been fighting the improper use of its compositions as far back as the beginning of the 19th century. And it was not an easy battle: any experienced musician, after attending performances, could quite easily transcribe the most appreciated arias in secret, and sell them. From the Ricordi Historical Archive, a tale of copyright, etched plates and sleepwalkers.
