Review

Richard Strauss
Fanfare and Main Theme from Also Sprach Zarathustra:

Arranged by Jeremy Niles Kempton

6 trombones with optional timpani and organ

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 6 trombones

Also sprach Zarathustra was based on Nietzsche’s book of the same name, completed in 1885, and predicted the appearance of Superman some thirty years before his arrival from Krypton. At the point where this excerpt ends, he is still living in Kansas. The Fanfare is of course, now best known as the theme from Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 movie masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Originally scored for 4 trumpets, 4 horns, and 3 trombones, all the essentials are covered in this transcription, which is given in the original key. Each player has an interesting and moderately challenging part; first part for alto trombone should be really enjoyable to play with so much solid support. This is a valuable addition to the repertoire for college-level ensemble. First (alto) range is c–d2, 2nd (tenor) c–a1, bass trombone C–a-flat. Timpani are in C, E and G. Mutes are required for 2nd, 3rd and 5th parts. Jeremy Niles Kempton received his bachelor's degree at the Eastman School of Music as a pupil of Emory Remington, and his master's degree at the University of Illinois, studying with Robert Gray. He is currently active in New York as a conductor.

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada