The Evolution of the Concept of Originality in European Musical Creation: From the Collaborative Practices of the Baroque to the Challenges of Contemporary Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The concept of originality, which constitutes today the legal foundation of authors’ rights in music, has undergone a complex evolution throughout European history. Emerging from the collaborative and non-proprietary practices of the Baroque period to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the twenty-first century, our understanding of the “original musical work” has transformed greatly over time. This paper analyses the conceptual metamorphosis of musical originality through the lens of historical development, exploring how philosophical, economic, and technological changes have shaped the contemporary legal foundations of intellectual property in music.