2001: A Space Odyssey OST

The original soundtrack album to the iconic 1968 Stanley Kubrick film by the same name. Known for its use of many classical and orchestral pieces, it is credited for giving many classical compositions resurgences in popularity. From very early in production, Kubrick decided that he wanted the film to be a primarily nonverbal experience that did not rely on the traditional techniques of narrative cinema, and in which music would play a vital role in evoking particular moods.

The film is notable for its innovative use of classical music taken from existing commercial recordings. In the early stages of production, Kubrick had actually commissioned a score for 2001 from Hollywood composer Alex North, but during postproduction, Kubrick chose to abandon North’s music in favour of the now-familiar classical pieces.

Tracklist

Side 1
1. “ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA” 1:37
2. “REQUIEM FOR SOPRANO, MEZZO-SOPRANO, 2 MIXED
CHOIRS AND ORCHESTRA” 4:09
3. “LUX AETERNA” 5:54
4. “THE BLUE DANUBE” 6:55

Side 2
1. “GAYANEH BALLET SUITE” (Adagio) 5:12
2. “ATMOSPHERES” 8:26
3. “THE BLUE DANUBE” 3:25
4. “ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA” 1:37