Volker Bertelmann and the Music of Conclave
January 31, 2025 Listen to the episode
Academy Award®-winning composer Volker Bertelmann joins guest host Jon Burlingame to discuss his tense and atmospheric score for “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger. Nominated for his third Oscar, Bertelmann — who won in 2023 for Berger’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” — shares how he crafted the film’s unique musical palette, eschewing the sounds of traditional church music in favor of experimental instruments like the Cristal Baschet. He also discusses his approach to scoring thrillers as well as his deep collaboration with Berger.