Regarding your reproduction example of the symphony, from my understanding the composition is protected by copyright from the moment its put to paper (unless ex

Regarding your reproduction example of the symphony, from my understanding the composition is protected by copyright from the moment its put to paper (unless explicity noted as CC or public domain). As a musical composition in the US under current copyright rules, for anybody to record a performance of that composition (like a cover song), that entity would have to pay a mechanical license to you. The public performance is a different issue, by my understanding, but definitely addresses your IP rights with respect to compensation. In theory the protections align with your rights as an artist with respect to the recordings. You're right that copyright law is complicated - way too much so in my opinion - and we didn't even discuss whether you would be considered a member of a collection society (ASCAP/BMI) which would forbid the performance of your work in any venue which does not have a license from one of those societies! That comes up every once and a while when some record company finds out a coffee shop (not paying ASCAP/BMI) is hosting "Open Mic Night!" type events and people play cover songs by major artists. The coffee shop owners feel like getting a $2,000+ surprise bill isn't fair, which the societies would rightfully counter it's not fair for the coffee shop to make money from the Open Mic Night business without paying for the material that's increasing their business. Fun stuff eh!