Thus Spoke Richard Strauss: Introduction (05:05)

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Listen to the New York Philharmonic play the prologue of "Thus Spake Zarathustra." Leonard Bernstein explains the origins and influences of the tone-poem by Richard Strauss.

"Thus Spake Zarathustra": Sunrise (04:36)

The tonal poem depicts the struggle between man's need for immortality and his urge to accept that he is mortal. The piece begins in C (using major and minor chords) and switches to B minor.

"Thus Spake Zarathustra": First Half—Analysis (07:10)

"The Men of the Primitive World" incorporates religious chords and sounds into the movement. In "The Great Yearning," man is trapped between religion and nature. Bernstein discusses the musical conflict that occurs in the remaining movements; major themes include disgust, nature motive, and striving man.

"Thus Spake Zarathustra": First Half—Performance (09:04)

Bernstein conducts the New York Philharmonic in "The Men of the Primitive World," "The Great Yearning," "The Grave Song," "Of Science and Learning," and "The Convalescent."

"Thus Spake Zarathustra": Second Half—Analysis (06:37)

The major themes of disgust, nature, and man striving continue in the second half of the Strauss composition. "The Dance Song" culminates in a Viennese Waltz. Man comes to terms with himself in the "The Night Wanderer's Song." Bernstein examines the ending of the tonal poem.

"Thus Spake Zarathustra": Second Half—Performance (15:33)

Bernstein conducts the New York Philharmonic in "The Dance Song," "The Night Wanderer's Song," and "Epilogue."

Credits: Thus Spoke Richard Strauss (01:05)

Credits: Thus Spoke Richard Strauss