Indeed the EW software looks interesting, Thomas!
Just wanted to state my opinion regarding choice of sequencer. I believe that I have tried them all
.... When it comes to composing classical music there are some major disadvantages with Cubase. At the moment I am using Cubase SX 3 and there is no doubt that the interface is nice, easy and complex at the same time. It has alot of features that would suit most composers needs. The main problem, in my opinion, is the so called "key editor" i.e. where you alternate the key, velocity, lenght etc. of each note. The interface in this part of the program is extremely anoying! It's difficult to zoom and add filters and there is a generel lack of shortcuts in the program which can be quite anoying when you have to alternate over 100 notes! Also the sustain pedal function could really need some re-programming.
Reason, on the other hand, is perfect is this part of the composition-process. It is easy to use and the programming of notes is going smoothly!
The biggest disadvantage with Reason is definately the fact that it does not support VST (and similar) instruments. If it did so I would use nothing else!
So the way I am working at the moment is first to record the work into Cubase via my piano (through MIDI), then transfer the file to Reason to do the alternation of notes and finally move it back to Cubase to do the last brush-up and export.
That is my preferred way of doing it.
I have never really used Fruity Loops. I did try it some time ago but have been able to take it seriously (sorry, Thomas S.) as a sequencer. The whole fruit thing and the spooky interface just doesn't work for me
... But when you get into it I guess its a pretty good program....