Contemporary V Classical – What Inspires You To Compose?

It seems that orchestral music is coming full circle in terms of what is popular to listen to. It was not that long ago that orchestral music from the classical era was a niche thing of refined taste for the older gentleman or lady. Of course when music of that nature was first made it was for the (all be it high class) masses and was the ‘go to’ music. Once this changed, with the rise of jazz, pop, rock and roll, dance and so on taking over mainstream music, classical music became a lesser genre reserved only for those of which it represented. And because of this, film music also became separated from the world of popular culture due to its similarities in use of an orchestra.

However today, film music and its composers are becoming more popular and mainstream than ever. With the rise of the likes of John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Howard Shore, to name a few, film music has become its own genre liked by many. Even the latest Star Wars OST has as much fandom and hype with fans of all ages as the film itself (Wooo Star Wars!!!). And with digital downloads being so accessible, you can instantly download any piece of film music, old or new now, you have heard and liked.

So this brings us to what inspires you when making music. For a long time, composers have been inspired by that of the classical era, Mozart, Beethoven and the like. And while I personally enjoy that genre too, I find myself more passionate about today’s film composers. Perhaps this is because they are living in my time, I am hearing them new for the first time and this is what modern music is. While music of classical era is still regarded as some of the best pieces ever composed, I find that modern film music can challenge those preconceptions.

And because of the rise in popularity of film music, it seems the orchestral genre has come full circle and is now enjoyed by the masses. Even in shows not of that nature (Britain’s Got Talent, Top Gear), film music is used and recognised by many.

So has inspiration to compose orchestral works finally shifted from the classical era to modern day idols? I think so. Every composer out there seems to want to be the 'next Hans Zimmer'. And I feel that film music has even revitalised orchestral music, making a younger generation excited about it again and can even lead them into classic works they might not have dared to try before. I know I would have never started composing small orchestral pieces if it weren’t for hearing film scores.

Some might argue that film score’s and classical works do not fall into the same category. And there is a lot to be said about that. But for this argument I am going to say that they do. So the original question. What inspires you? For me it is the current modern film score composers. I enjoy the way they push new boundaries and create new original sounds. It can be said that is why Howard Shore’s LOTR score was so popular. It was a completely original sound that captured the feel and epicness and themes of the film. And Hans Zimmer’s scores that excite and evoke emotion. I could give more examples (but I will save that for a ‘favourites’ blog). While it is important that we never forget the amazing works from the classical era, I find it exciting that that genre of music is being worked on, challenged, changed and bettered in the modern age, inspiring all new generations to keep doing so in the future.

Do comment on what inspires you to compose or simply what orchestral works you love, old and new!

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