Rudolf Kempe, born near Dresden in 1910, was considered one of the most important conductors of his generation, known for his accuracy and vision.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Richard Strauss, the composer of Also sprach Zarathustra, viewed the philosophical program of his tone poem as merely a structural basis for musical expression, not an attempt to put philosophy into music.
Performer Biography
Rudolf Kempe succeeded Sir Thomas Beecham as director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and later became chief conductor of the Tonhalle Orchestra in Zurich.
Composition History
Béla Bartók, the composer of The Wonderful Mandarin, was inspired to definitively pursue composition after experiencing the Budapest premiere of Richard Strauss's Zarathustra in 1902.
Performer Biography
Before becoming a conductor, Rudolf Kempe gained intimate knowledge of orchestral workings as a solo oboist with the Gewandhaus Orchestra and a répétiteur at the Leipzig Opera.
Interpretation
Rudolf Kempe's conducting style was economical and precise, eschewing effusive gestures, a 'understatement' similar to how Richard Strauss conducted his own works.
Cultural Impact
The grand sunrise opening of Richard Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra was made famous by Stanley Kubrick's film '2001 - a Space Odyssey'.
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