Q: May this find you well and good.
I have a question with regards to hymns in public domain. I believe that you were in a choir some years ago, hence the enquiry.
My query is, whether one can take a hymn in public domain and use its melody but substitute the lyrics. Is this an infringement somewhat? And vice versa?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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A: I’m not a lawyer, but my understanding is that music in the public domain is indeed in the public domain. You may use the melody with new lyrics and old lyrics with a new melody.