Einleitung
from "Also Sprach Zarathustra" [aka, Theme from "2001"]
by Richard Strauss, arr. by Nikk Pilato
Also Sprach Zarathustra is perhaps Richard Strauss’s most popular work, particularly its introduction, which was prominently featured in the Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey. What most people do not realize is that this introductory fanfare is just the tip of the iceberg; the rest of the tone poem goes on for another 18 minutes! The work derives its title from Friedrich Nietzche’s infamous philosophical treatise on the nature of man. This arrangement was commissioned by the Western High School Marching Band; Davie, Florida, for their 2004 marching show.
Richard Strauss was born on 11 June 1864, in Munich, Bavaria (modern-day Germany). His father, Franz, was the principal horn at the Court Opera in Munich. He attended Munich University, where he did not study music, instead choosing to learn about philosophy and art history. Despite this, one year later he was chosen to be the assistant to conductor Hans von Bulow, taking over for him when he resigned in 1885. During his lifetime, his music was considered polarizing, he once stated: "I now comfort myself with the knowledge that I am on the road I want to take, fully conscious that there never has been an artist not considered crazy by thousands of his fellow men." His most famous works were tone poems, and include Tod und Verklärung, Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus spake Zarathustra), Don Quixote, Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life), and Don Juan. Richard Strauss died on 8 September 1949, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany at the age of 85.
For an audio sample (MIDI), please click 
Details
Catalog#: NN04-002
Duration: 1:10
Difficulty: Moderate
Instrumentation:
Flute/Piccolo
Clarinet I-II-III
Alto Sax I-II
Tenor Sax
Trumpet I-II-III
Mellophone
Tenor I-II-III (includes Trombone and Euphonium)
Basses
Timpani
Percussion
FULL SET: $40.00 (includes shipping)
For school purchases, purchase orders, or other forms of payment, please use the order form (in Adobe Type-and-Print Format) and mail the form in along with your payment or purchase order number. You may also scan and send via email.