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**back on topic*** I compose music simply so I have something unique and original to perform. I know the strengths and weaknesses of myself and the musicians I work with; as such, I can exploit this to my advantage.

Sort of adds on to what phil has said. Its no different to anything else. You say you have done choral writing? Why don't you apply that technique to a theme or movement? Could work well in a slow movement... could work well in an quick one... who knows! Get listening to orchestral works, get books on orchestration, get scores, analyse other people's works etc. If you want to take on your friends challenge make sure you create something that will make them step back in awe!

Hardly...many composers have expressed their exceptional suffering in their art, and this goes for other art forms. The art that was created by this catalyst has often been what holds their names through time. So, to not celebrate their life would mean to not celebrate their art. And it should go without saying that this is relevant to the topic. The attempt to heal yourself through your art, is reason enough 'to compose'. However, many artists who have undergone this, ended up killing themselves, so they were unable to heal through their attempts. Speaking to someone who will listen is enough to help someone get over something, so expressing it in another form, would hopefully be a viable option...Though, I think it's interesting how many artists aren't recognized in their time...when they needed someone to listen.