Writing "epic" Music With An Orchestra

I was wondering if you have suggestions on how to give a composition an "epic" feel, in general or more specifically with an orchestra.

I know this is a very general vague question, I'm not exactly sure how to describe it better though....

Thanks!

I'm guessing that you are meaning "epic" in the sense of Lord of the Rings/Harry Potter/Fantasy type movie music? In that case, my best suggestion would be to listen to Mahler.

Aeolian minor triads.

lots of horns, and progressions like Gm, Ebm, Bm, Dm, Bbm, F#m :D

Brass is always good. But, support it with some percussion beats (timpani maybe?) and some nice high strings. Also, if you make the high woodwinds do accent work with lots of flourishes, you will get an even more epic effect.

Pretty much all of the above, esp. the massive amount of horns - I'd only add a fast-moving and rythmic bass line punctuated by timpani and bass drum.

Thanks for your suggestions! It's really helpful!

I agree with much of what has been written, but I urge you to compose something epic rather than orchestrate something to sound epic, because more often than not "epic" music can just sound overblown, pompous, insincere, cheesy, and probably a few other pejoratives that are slipping my mind at the moment.

I can't stress the kind of drama that stupidly loud horns can bring, or so I've found.

Also, trombone tight interval crescendos work well.