Shortly before winning the Academy Award for Best Original Score and the BAFTA Award for Best Original Music for his powerful work on All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), I had the opportunity to visit Volker Bertelmann — also known by his artist name, Hauschka — at his studio in Düsseldorf. There, I captured exclusive video and audio footage, later edited by Felix Zimmermann into the final production.
Hauschka’s Creative Process and Sound Philosophy
As a renowned German pianist and film composer, Hauschka is known for his deep connection to the piano — an instrument he’s explored since childhood. But Hauschka doesn’t just play the piano; he transforms it. His signature sound involves modifying the instrument with unconventional objects and alternative tunings, often turning it into something more percussive, playful, or abstract. In his hands, a piano might evoke the textures of a drum kit, the wonder of a toy store, or the grit of a cluttered garage.
To refine his sonic experiments and film scores, Bertelmann relies on HEDD Audio monitors and the HEDDphone, tools that provide the neutral and objective sound profile he needs to craft detailed, emotionally resonant mixes.
A Career Defined by Innovation and Collaboration
Volker Bertelmann’s body of work spans theater, ensemble performances, television, and film. His unique musical voice has shaped numerous productions and earned him global recognition. Notable collaborations include Grammy-winning violinist Hilary Hahn, Icelandic experimental band Múm, and director Garth Davis on the acclaimed film Lion, which earned him an AACTA Award.
Beyond his Oscar and BAFTA wins, Bertelmann has also been nominated for a Golden Globe, further cementing his place among the most innovative composers in contemporary cinema.
Music by Hauschka.