Vangelis definitely the best the new age composer. No one can compare him !

True, Vangelis' compositions are very hot, hot, hot! But keep a look out for other great recent works by other composers, while still enjoying Vangelis' musical magic. As a trained choral singer, composer and experienced choral director, I must say that Vangelis' choral and orchestral writing isn't necessarily the greatest I've heard. Although the choirs, solo vocalists and orchestras he works with are of a high calibre, what really makes his music special are all his synth effects and sound scapes (which can become overbearing at times). However, soon all the works start to sound rather the same as Vangelis seems to be trying to work new sounds and effects into older compositions, whether they are his own originals or other composers'. After a while monotony can set in and some listeners will become bored! The Vangelis "Big Bang" is exciting, but only if experienced now and again. Trying to use music to depict a certain period or event in history can be tricky. I think one or two gentle and subtle madrigal or motet would have been nice, especially in keeping with the period in history that this music was intended to depict. Also, perhaps playing around with some early musical ensembles with authentic period instruments would have worked out nicely!

Keep in mind that Howard Shore's orchestral and choral scores for the Lord Of The Rings trilogy are very rich indeed. Also, if you can, get a hold of a superb album called "The Mass" by a new age choral group called "Era" (produced and arranged by Eric Levi and Yvan Cassar)! These other works easily provide some stiff competition for Vangelis