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 (score) exist outside the action, while uplifting it. With regard to the space docking sequence, Ebert stressed the peculiar combination of slowness and majesty resulting from the choice of Strauss's "Blue Danube" waltz, which brought "seriousness and transcendence" to the visuals. Speaking of the music generally, Ebert wrote: 2001: A Space Odyssey (score) The "2001: A Space Odyssey" score is an unused film score composed by Alex North for Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film, "." In the early stages of production, Kubrick had commissioned noted Hollywood composer Alex North, who had written the score for "Spartacus" and also worked on "Dr. Strangelove",