In honor of Richard Strauss‘ 150th birthday, we compiled a selection of tributes to one of his most famous works: Also Sprach Zarathustra!
We know Also Sprach Zarathustra best from the opening sequence in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, but did you know that Strauss’ music was originally intended to serve solely as placeholder sound until the film score was completed? Alex North, the successful Hollywood composer who was hired to write the score, did not learn of Kubrick’s decision to forgo use of his composition until the film premiered! Ouch.
Other Also Sprach Zarathustra fun facts:
-Strauss’ piece is an homage to Friedrich Nietzsche’s poem by the same name.
-Human life and nature are illustrated in the piece by using contrasting tonalities. Can you tell what they are?
–Also Sprach Zarathustra‘s fame is a result of its presence in the opening of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The work wasn’t often performed (or heard) prior to its placement in the film.
And now for the tributes!
First, the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Without this one, the others probably wouldn’t exist!
Eumir Deodado’s jazz/funk Also Sprach Zarathustra rendition was released in 1972. Shake it down!
Do you dig dubstep? Check out Koyunbaba’s remix!
Phish got in on it too!
The list wouldn’t be complete without some Also Sprach Zarathustra fails. This is probably the best one out there. Get ready to laugh ’til you cry! WOW.
Okay, one more fail. We’ll stop while we’re ahead! (Or behind?)
Do you have a favorite Richard Strauss remix to share? Let us know!