Also sprach Zarathustra (German for Thus Spoke Zarathustra) is a symphonic poem composed by Richard Strauss and inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's novel, Thus Spoke Zarathustra .
The full piece consist of 9 sections, depicting the feelings from the novel. Its most well known section is "Einleitung, oder Sonnenaufgang" ("Introduction, or Sunrise"), which became popular from it use in the film, 2001: A Space Odessey. As such, that one section is often associated as the entire song (similar to how "Finale (March of the Swiss Soldiers)" is considered the entire song of "The William Tell Overture"). The entire piece is played for about 30 minutes, but "Sunrise" is played in under 2 minutes.
"Sunrise" consist of a low note followed by the brass fanfare commonly associated with the song and the sound of kettledrums.
Following its use in 2001: A Space Odyssey, the opening theme of the tone poem became well-known, and is often used in films, television shows or sporting events to indicate that something of significant importance is about to happen.
Usage on Married... with Children[]
In "Kelly Does Hollywood (Part 1)" the song is played as Bud, in an attempt to get on Vital Social Issues N' Stuff, begins a routine similar to a bodybuilder as the song plays. In a tank top and jeans, he flexes his muscles while posing in front of a horrified Kelly, who eventually screams and runs out the door as he walks towards her in one of his final poses.
In "Pump Fiction", the song serves as the soundtrack to Sheos. It also the only time that the section is played in its entirety on the show.
In "Shoeless Al", the song is played as Al calls a stop to the championship game at Jim's Bowl-A-Rama. He then emerges from the back of the bowling alley, wearing a pair of Air Earl Anthony 5000 shoes, despite having claimed to be afraid of shoes earlier in the episode.
In "Children of the Corns", the song is played as Peggy and Kelly look at and circle around the microwave on the coffee table, as they try to figure out what it could be.