From its iconic opening (famously used by Stanley Kubrick in 2001: A Space Odyssey) to its concluding chord evoking the mysteries of the universe, Strauss’s tone poem based on Nietzsche’s book of the same title is one of the composer’s best-known works.
R. STRAUSS (1864–1949)
Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spoke Zarathustra), Tone Poem (freely after Friedrich Nietzsche) for Large Orchestra, Op. 30 (1895–96)
Rudolf Serkin, one of the most revered Beethoven interpreters of the 20th century, joins then Music Director Zubin Mehta in a 1978 performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto.
BEETHOVEN (1770–1827)
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, Emperor (1809)
1. Allegro
2. Ad...
Legendary violinist Isaac Stern solos in Brahms’s only concerto for the instrument — a work of nearly symphonic proportions and technical fireworks in the last movement.
BRAHMS (1833–97)
Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77 (1878–79)
1. Allegro non troppo
2. Adagio
3. Allegr...
Comedian Danny Kaye leads the Philharmonic in a loving send-up of orchestral performance practice by conducting with his back to the Orchestra.
VERDI (1813–1901)
Triumphal March (and Ballet), from Aida (1871)
