Leaderboard

Absolutely agreed with both. As I've stated quite a few times before, I think "originality" by itself is an overrated concept, especially in art. In my opinion, it's authenticity what a composer should strive for - find a way to communicate your thoughts while staying true to yourself. Enrich yourself by studying a diversity of styles - but don't allow anyone to tell you that you must compose in a given style just "because it's what must be done in these days" or "because it's the way it has been done for the last three centuries". There's no point in looking for "originality" by itself - don't worry about being different from others, but instead in saying what you really want to say, and there will eventually be a point where your voice will not be mistaken.