Volker Bertelmann (born 22 September 1966) is a German pianist, composer, and music producer, widely recognized under the stage name Hauschka. He is noted for his innovative use of prepared piano techniques and for his contributions to contemporary classical music, experimental electronic music, and film scoring.
Early Life and Education
Bertelmann was born in Heidelberg, West Germany. He pursued formal musical training at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, where he studied piano and composition.
Musical Career
Prepared Piano and Solo Works
Since the early 1990s, Bertelmann has developed a distinctive approach to the piano by inserting objects such as screws, rubber, and metal between the strings, creating a palette of percussive and resonant timbres. This technique forms the basis of his releases under the Hauschka moniker, beginning with “Hauschka” (1995) and continuing with subsequent albums such as Friendship (2001), Everything Is Good Here (2003), Abandoned City (2008), Snowflakes Are Dancing (2015), and What If (2021).
Collaborations and Ensembles
Bertelmann has collaborated with a range of artists across genres, including Brian Eno, Thomas Fehlmann, and the experimental quartet Penguin Cafe. He has also performed with orchestras, integrating his prepared piano sound into larger acoustic settings.
Film Scoring
Bertelmann entered the film music arena in the 2010s. Notable works include the scores for the feature films Lion (2016), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score, and All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), which earned him the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. Additional film credits include Undine (2020) and The White Crow (2018).
Awards and Honors
- Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2016) – Lion
- Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (2023) – All Quiet on the Western Front
- German Film Award (Deutscher Filmpreis) for Best Music (2022) – All Quiet on the Western Front
Style and Influence
Bertelmann’s work is characterized by the exploration of timbre and texture through altered piano sound production. His approach bridges contemporary classical traditions with experimental electronic practices, influencing a generation of musicians interested in extended instrumental techniques.
Discography (selected)
Albums as Hauschka
- Hauschka (1995)
- Friendship (2001)
- Everything Is Good Here (2003)
- Abandoned City (2008)
- Snowflakes Are Dancing (2015)
- What If (2021)
Film Scores
- Lion (2016)
- Undine (2020)
- All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Personal Life
Bertelmann resides in Berlin, Germany, where he continues to compose, record, and perform. He is active in music education and frequently conducts workshops on prepared piano techniques.