Is it a Cover, Derivative, or ....?

[DMerkel]

I have a track I collaborated with another artist that is a re-envisioned O Holy Night (public domain).
Same lyrics
Different chord progressions
Way different melody

How would you classify this song?:
A) Cover
B) Derivative
C) All new song
D) Something else

Thanks, gang!
D

[funsongs]

Hi Dave.
If you believe what you find on Google: (this reads like a good definition to me), for what it's worth:
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A "derivative work" is any song that takes a preexisting work and uses that material to create a new composition.
It differs from a cover song, which is a more straightforward interpretation of an existing composition without significant alterations to the melody or lyrics.
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That stated, I'd vote for B) DERIVATIVE WORK.

HTH,
Peter

[DMerkel]

Thanks, Peter,

My mind wandered to the same conclusion, but then, I started doubting myself.

I appreciate your response,
Dave

[AlanHall]

Since the lyric is PD, I'd offer it as a new work based on an existing text.
It may be more likely to be considered derivative if the original text and music were written at the same time by the same composer(s). Not always the case for hymns.

[DMerkel]

That's an interesting take, Alan, thanks. Similar to the 'doubts' I had running through my mind. What you said makes total sense, though. I appreciate your input.
Dave

[AlanHall]

That's an interesting take, Alan, thanks. Similar to the 'doubts' I had running through my mind. What you said makes total sense, though. I appreciate your input.
Dave

I'm sorry that I made an assertion and then immediately walked it back... so really not much help, eh?

[DMerkel]

That's an interesting take, Alan, thanks. Similar to the 'doubts' I had running through my mind. What you said makes total sense, though. I appreciate your input.
Dave

I'm sorry that I made an assertion and then immediately walked it back... so really not much help, eh?

Actually, it is helpful.

[funsongs]

... SO: "what's it gonna be?"
(curious minds want to know...)

[AlanHall]

Found this on the interwebs:

Placide Cappeau, the author of the French lyrics, was a wine merchant and poet. Although he was never particularly religious, Cappeau was asked in 1843 to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the recent renovation of the church organ in his home town. He obliged and, soon after, Adolphe Adam composed the accompanying music.

-www.classicfm.com

So the lyric (in French) was written separately and prior to the music. So new music would be a new setting* of the poem, and not a derivative work. There.

*of a translation! Insert head spinny thing here.

[funsongs]

Found this on the interwebs:

Placide Cappeau, the author of the French lyrics, was a wine merchant and poet. Although he was never particularly religious, Cappeau was asked in 1843 to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the recent renovation of the church organ in his home town. He obliged and, soon after, Adolphe Adam composed the accompanying music.

-www.classicfm.com

So the lyric (in French) was written separately and prior to the music. So new music would be a new setting* of the poem, and not a derivative work. There.

*of a translation! Insert head spinny thing here.

hmmm... but Dave's project uses the original lyrics... not new lyrics.