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
2001: A Space Odyssey (soundtrack) the music from Ligeti's "Atmosphères" which is heard when Bowman actually enters the Star Gate. No music is heard during the monolith's much briefer final appearance in Dave Bowman's celestial bedroom which immediately precedes the "Zarathustra"-accompanied transformation of Bowman into the Star-Child. A shorter excerpt from "Atmosphères" is heard during the pre-credits prelude and film intermission, which are not in all copies of the film. The adagio movement "Carpet Weavers" from Aram Khatchaturian's "Gayane" ballet suite no. 3. is heard during the sections that introduce Bowman and Poole aboard the "Discovery" conveying a somewhat lonely and mournful quality. Other music