Why this opening is so powerfully iconic

Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra Op.30 has one of the most famous openings in all of classical music. The sheer expansiveness in orchestration and dramatic contrasts in dynamics are key to the breathtaking nature of the piece. The dawn motif presented by the trumpets, meant to represent the light of the rising sun over mountains, is based off the harmonic series (outlining the fifth and octave over C) and further emphasises the connection to the laws of nature and the most fundamental intervals of the universe. Strauss shifts dramatically between C major and C minor to create a rather cinematic effect, almost like a change in lighting and shading. But perhaps the real genius is in the gradual layering of orchestral textures and the sudden contrasts in dynamics that bring a sort of immensity to such a short extract.
Recording (Lud and Schlatts): • Also Sprach Zarathustr...

[@johnchessant3012]

classic, love it!

[@Teabonesteak]

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER! And so is Ric Flair...WOOOOOOOOO!!!

[@VallaMusic]

the most epic opening in all of classical music - I can imagine even Strauss himself must have trembled a bit at the awesomeness of it all when the sound of it first came to him

[@FredericChopin-if5rn]

One of my favorite openings EVER. True, Raw, Strauss

[@karlsengupta7185]

I've loved this piece for ages..._2001_ only deepened that, and this analysis expands my appreciation still further. Well done! Keep up the outstanding work.

[@uncertainity188]

Why 2001?

[@karlsengupta7185]

@@uncertainity188 Because the opening of the movie is a beautiful pairing of music and imagery. (The music goes beautifully with the appearance of the Star Child, too...One might almost say that _2001_ is a cinematic interpretation of the music.)

[@uncertainity188]

@karlsengupta7185 Sorry, I had never heard of the movie.

[@jasarinvorawathanabuncha6620]

Could you explain why the last bar (and also first beat of next bar) harmony at 1:16 is not I64?

[@skylarlimex]

Both are possible, I personally choose V64 now as the function is that of the dominant chord. I've got a community post on it if you're interested.

[@SpaghettiToaster]

@@skylarlimex I never quite understood how people who label this chord as V64 would then label an actual V chord in second inversion. I'm curious!

[@hfkazi1194]

oh, сan you please make a video anout new disoverd Chopin's Waltz?

[@skylarlimex]

Perhaps...

[@skylarlimex]

Seems like it's getting enough attention as it is already.

[@sandeegrey5977]

Another Chopin piece that's already overrated and it hasn't even been a month. Impressive!