2001: A Space Odyssey (soundtrack) 2001: A Space Odyssey (soundtrack) 2001: A Space Odyssey is a soundtrack album to the , released in 1968. The soundtrack is known for its use of many classical and orchestral pieces, and credited for giving many classical pieces resurgences in popularity, such as Johann Strauss II's 1866 Blue Danube Waltz, Richard Strauss' symphonic poem "Also sprach Zarathustra" (inspired by the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche), and György Ligeti's "Atmosphères". The soundtrack has been re-issued multiple times, including a 1996 version and a digitally remastered version in 2010. From very early in production, Kubrick decided that he wanted the film to
Monolith (Space Odyssey) Monolith (Space Odyssey) In Arthur C. Clarke's "Space Odyssey", Monoliths are machines built by an unseen extraterrestrial species. In the series of novels (and the films based on these), three Monoliths are discovered in the solar system by humans. The response of the characters to their discovery drives the plot of the series. It also influences the fictional history of the series, particularly by encouraging humankind to progress with technological development and space travel. The first Monolith appears at the beginning of the story, set in prehistoric times. It is discovered by a group of hominids and somehow triggers a