I did not know anything about the nature, style or whose music is used as source music

Tan Dan

Tan has said that the professor is confusing the film's original soundtrack with additional music chosen by director Ang Lee for the movie.

He said: "Film music includes not only original music commissioned to a composer, but also source music that a director chooses."

Unsolicited cheques

He added: "Ang Lee did not consult me about the choice and use of source music for his feature film.

"Therefore, I did not know anything about the nature, style or whose music is used as source music in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

Ning a told a Hong Kong newspaper that he was sent two unsolicited cheques for $200 (�139) each, one in May 2000 and the second last month.

Tan said the money was payment from the film's producers for the source music used in the film.

"If Ning Yong wants to question the rights and authorization to use his music in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he should contact the China Records Shanghai Company," Tan Dun said.

"The production company of the film negotiated an agreement and was given the authorisation to use Ning Yong music," he added.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won four awards at the Oscars in March and has become the most successful ever foreign language film in the US and UK.