red-clay

I myself, love classical music. It isn't "popular" but it is so prevelent that people seem to take it for granted. For instance, movies, tv shows, commercials, and even social events are permiated by the soft twang of classical music. Popularity aside, it is essential for all music in the western world to have some classical basis, even if it's just the chord progression. That's my blurb on the matter.

What I would do is start out quoting a powerful piece. Wagner, Mahler, Bruckner, and Zimmer are all great composers to take ideas from. Taking someone else's musical ideas may seem unoriginal at first but you can do so much with that base theme by developing it and using your personal musical language to make it your own. If that doesn't get your juices flowing then try and keep it simple. Get a good pulse on the root going with some powerful fifths octaves. A minor key is a good idea. D minor is my personal favorite. Also try and use fugal and canonic concepts. It's easy and it makes the piece sound really active. Good Luck, A. D. Berinato Conductor, Composer, and Music Educator