I'm learning Rachmaninoff's "Second Piano Concerto," which brings
up the copying of classics to popular tunes yet another time.

The third movement is also the popular piece of some time ago,
"Full Moon and Empty Arms."  I do think this was credited at the
time it was stolen, as was "'Till The End of Time" credited to
Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat.

It's not all bad, swiping classics for popular tunes.  They are
romantic and pretty, so why not enjoy them on all levels?  If the
original composers turn over in their graves over it, they shouldn't.
After all, the best things last and even get introduced to the
'hoi polloi', who would otherwise never hear it.  Why not put words
to music like "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows?"

Pianist Victor Borge used to do a wonderful show playing classical
pieces and then playing and singing the popular songs to them, while
clowning around.  We should reserve a tolerance and a sense of humor
about it.  Where would jazz be without Bach?  Have you ever syncopated
his "Inventions" and thrown in a few blue notes?  My music teacher
hates me!

Patty Slayton