Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra

Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra was inspired by eight chapters from Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous philosophical treatise of the same name. The prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) is a vehicle for Nietzsche’s own thoughts on the progress of man towards the highest spiritual level. The eight segments of Also sprach Zarathustra are preceded by a majestic prologue, in which four trumpets herald a heroic sunrise. This opening fanfare became famous when it was used by Stanley Kubrick in his film 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Mariss Jansons, chief conductor

Mariss Jansons was chief conductor of the Concertgebouworkest from 2004 to 2015. Jansons has been music director of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra since 2003. He has made numerous appearances throughout the world as a guest conductor of the Berlin, the Vienna and the London Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as the leading orchestras in the United States. Jansons has been awarded various honours and awards, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize.

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