How old is a traditional song?

Subject: RE: How old is a traditional song?
From: GUEST,Eoin O'Buadhaigh
Date: 27 Feb 02 - 09:17 AM

Maybe the answer to this thread can be summed up by two questions. 1.How long is a piece of rope? 2.Who gives a d#*m? Frankly my dear, I dont think anyone does! as long as we enjoy singing and listening to 'our' inteputation of traditonal songs. It wouldn't matter anyway, because there's always someone out there who will find fault with our choices. There is always someone who thinks they know best. My opinion, just sing and enjoy! (as long as it's traditional)

Subject: RE: How old is a traditional song?
From: GUEST,rossey
Date: 27 Feb 02 - 10:02 AM

legally in the uk - a song falls into public domain 70 years after the death of the composer/author. 50 years was an outdated length as people usually now live longer. It is not 50 years or 70 years after the work was written. A work is copyrighted as soon as it appears in any fixed form, written down or taped. My own family have had works stolen by folk musicians who do not appreciate these technical points!

Subject: RE: How old is a traditional song?
From: GUEST,chanter
Date: 27 Feb 02 - 10:23 AM

Rossey I understand your point but how does that shed any light on the question posed within this thread. I too have had songs I composed used for a program by RTE. I wasn't contacted and asked permission nor given a mention,let alone being paid for my work.It happens, not only by folk musicians. Sure didn't Rod Stewart do it with the McPeak family a few years ago. Maybe a thread should be started on 'Copyright Vultures'

Subject: RE: How old is a traditional song?
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 Feb 02 - 12:55 PM

What some people here are saying is: "Traditional is what I say it is. Ignore dictionary definitions, I am a better authority."

Subject: RE: How old is a traditional song?
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha
Date: 28 Feb 02 - 06:49 AM

Boab, I remember being taught at School Tom Moore`s " I saw from the Beach". Now, in and around my home town of Lurgan here in norh-east Ireland, I cannot imagine anyone at the various folk and traditional music sessions rendering this fine song. So poor oul Tom will still be "Far from the land" and sunk without trace. Ard Mhacha.