Removing verses from a song or combining different parts constitutes a modification of the work, which always requires permission from the rights holder.

This was confirmed in Finnish legal practice when a modified version of the song “Joutsenlaulu” that was performed in the TV show “Vain elämää” was determined to require permission.

However, performing an excerpt from a song is allowed, whether from the beginning, end, or middle, as long as that part is performed as is. If you want to shorten the song in any other way, this must be done in cooperation with the composer and possible lyricist.