2001: A Space Odyssey (score)

Did You Know?

• The final track of the Jerry Goldsmith recording, 'Main Theme,' was later discovered to belong to the television documentary Africa, not to 2001.
• The CD cover art for the Jerry Goldsmith recording was by Matthew Joseph Peak.

Background

Kubrick commissioned Alex North, who had scored Spartacus and worked on Dr. Strangelove, to write the score for his upcoming film. During post-production, Kubrick chose to abandon North's music in favor of classical guide pieces he had earlier selected. North did not learn of this decision until he attended the film's premiere screening. The world first heard North's unused music in 1993 on a Telarc compilation album. Shortly after, a commercial recording by Jerry Goldsmith and the National Philharmonic Orchestra was released on Varèse Sarabande CDs. Later, a mono mix-down of North's original recordings, which had survived, was issued as a limited edition CD by Intrada Records. Kubrick explained that he had always intended to use the classical pieces. North was devastated at the premiere and later described the experience as frustrating, stating that his Victorian approach with mid-European overtones was not in keeping with the film's concept. The original three-track score masters were kept at Anvil Studios in England until 1980, but were erased when the facility closed. Only mono fold down tapes kept by North's family remained.

Original theme music

North's main title theme, listed on his original score sheet as 'Bones,' differs greatly from the 'Also sprach Zarathustra' used in the final film. It would have appeared three times: as the main title, during the 'Dawn of Man' sequence when an ape smashes skeletal remains, and at the end during the 'Starchild' scene. This theme debuted publicly in early 1993 on a Telarc compilation, where it was titled 'Fanfare for 2001.' North later recycled the theme for his scores to Shanks, Dragonslayer, and The Shoes of the Fisherman.

Official original recording

In January 2007, Intrada Records issued 3000 copies of a limited edition CD featuring North's original 1968 recording. The release was authorized by North's family, the Kubrick estate, Dylanna Music, and other entities, but not by Turner Entertainment. The album contains nine score tracks plus an alternate version of 'The Foraging,' and three bonus tracks of additional takes. The music was conducted by Henry Brant, who had helped North with orchestration in 1967-68 after North was taken to the recording session in an ambulance due to muscle spasms and back pain. The CD includes liner notes and precise cue points for syncing with the film.

Reception

George Burt, in The Art of Film Music, considered North's score outstanding and called Kubrick's decision to abandon it 'most unfortunate,' though he acknowledged merit in the classical choices. Film scholar Gene D. Phillips argued it is difficult to see how North's music would have improved the final background music. Conversely, Kevin Mulhall contended that 2001 would have been better with North's score, as the eclectic classical selections resulted in a disturbing melange of sounds and styles. Roger Ebert noted that North's rejected score provides emotional cues, while the final music exists outside the action. He highlighted the slowness and majesty of the Blue Danube waltz in the docking sequence, which brought seriousness and transcendence to the visuals.