You are probably aware that Neil Sedaka is about to tour Australia. (Yes the old codger that was a chart topper before many of us were born)

He has always been quite diverse in his musical talents with skills in both classical and popular music. The diversity continues as he has branched into children's music in conjunction with his grand children and now he is taking a fairly unique approach to Classical Music.

Although he will apparently be engaging in a range of styles he is apparently going to incorporate a component of classical music with his lyrics attached when performing in Australia. I believe Enya used to do that type of thing. Although my guess is that Sedaka would use livelier pieces.

What are people's thoughts on using classical music this way and indeed sampling that is sometimes used in popular music? Do you consider it legitimate creative artistic expression or something as inappropriate as plagiarising?

Most real progress is partly derivative anyway, and classical music is out of copyright to the composer.

Neil Sedaka I don't know, but he certainly doesn't pretend to be Rachmaninoff. My guess is his music will be the better for 'standing on the shoulders of giants'.

What are people's thoughts on using classical music this way and indeed sampling that is sometimes used in popular music? Do you consider it legitimate creative artistic expression or something as inappropriate as plagiarising?

Well, if it means even only a few moments reprieve from the crappy noise that's normally played then I don't really have any objection how Neil Sedaka uses his artistic whatever.

If Sedaka uses classical music..So be it.

Listen to what NS has to say about his music here: "Words and Music " Interview with Neil Sedaka

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhgnuwg5yuc

Using classical music for pop songs, I don't want to hear it but hey, some might say classical music has something to thank Freddie Mercury for too.

But I do not think Neil Sedaka will be hitting the highs in "Der Hölle Rache".

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Neil Sedaka so don't know his style of music. But sampling itself I think is a really creative art. To be able to bring all kinds of different sounds together and combine them to make a unique product is simply another way of extending musical creativity to my mind.

I don't think the plagiarism issue comes into it at all. I have thought about this a lot and wondered if, for example, a new genre of writing emerged which combined dozens of different pieces, would I get my knickers in a twist if any of mine were used? And I honestly think that I would instead be absolutely thrilled and excited to see what new use the words could be put to.

Everyone knows what sampling is and understands the concept so I don't see how it can be counted as plagiarism - the very nature of sampling is really recycling!. I think its great stuff.

I recall the issue being raised previously but never heard much more about it. It seems that noone really has a problem with sampling. That probably explains why it didn't fire up as a controversy.