Hauschka, the artistic moniker of German composer and pianist Volker Bertelmann, is renowned for his enthralling work as a modern composer who inventively incorporates prepared piano into his music—altering the instrument with objects such as ping-pong balls, tinfoil, and leather to produce unique, unexpected sounds. Born on February 11, 1966, in Kreuztal, Germany, Bertelmann's foray into the music scene can be traced back to his classical piano training, but it's his experimental tendencies that have carved his niche within the contemporary music world.

Since adopting the Hauschka pseudonym in 2004, Bertelmann has crafted a distinguished discography that showcases his penchant for blending classical music traditions with avant-garde experimentation. His albums often tell wordless stories, engaging listeners with their cinematic and emotive qualities. "A Different Forest" (2019) is a prime example of his unadorned solo piano work, where he meditates on the theme of nature and its serene beauty, stepping away from his typical prepared piano antics. In contrast, projects like "What If" (2017) find him delving into a more rhythmic and electronic-infused approach. His talents have not gone unnoticed in film and television either; the hauntingly beautiful "Patrick Melrose (Music from the Original TV Series)" (2018) features Bertelmann's distinctive compositions that perfectly capture the series’ complex emotional landscapes. Hauschka's ability to straddle the realms of experimental music, classical composition, and soundtrack work has solidified his reputation as a visionary artist in contemporary music.

Genres

Compositional Ambient

Drone

German Soundtrack

Neo-classical

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Dustin O'Halloran

Peter Broderick

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Goldmund

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Yann Tiersen

Ólafur Arnalds

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Jon Hopkins

Latest Release

Philanthropy

Hauschka

Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 20, 2023