I had somehow managed to hear nothing about this before just now, and the article is so poorly conceived that it gives virtually no background on the case. Time to Google!
Odd timing for Friedman's apology, only after a dispositive ruling by the court. Was it only then that he was made aware of the music expert's mistake? He could have "apologized" before then by withdrawing the suit. LOL lawyers
I'm sure Korngold, Holst and Stravinsky would have been fascinated to hear Williams Star Wars. Likewise Prokofiev hearing many of Horner's scores. ( and practically anyone you can name )
Apologies, I know this is old, very old discussions on this board, I'm sure they'll go on and on and be brought up time and again
Yes, Holst died in 1934 but copyright endures 75 years after death (you can thank Disney for that). So when Gladiator happened his appropriation without credit or licensing the piece from Holst was a copyright infringement. I can't imagine what the defense might be, in any case I'm just wondering what the outcome was in the lawsuit considering Gladiator has become a classic.