Volker Bertelmann Conclave Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Label: Mutant
Volker Bertelmann’s gripping score for Conclave amplifies the film’s tense political drama, showcasing his mastery in suspense and cementing his place among cinema’s most innovative composers.
Mutant, in collaboration with Back Lot Music and Focus Features, has released the premiere physical release of Volker Bertelmann’s gripping score for Conclave. The film, set within the high-stakes, shadowy corridors of the Catholic Church, explores the tense, closed-door drama that surrounds the election of a new Pope, unfolding a web of secrets, betrayals, and political maneuvering. Bertelmann's score captures the raw undercurrent of this labyrinthine world, where allegiances are as fragile as the papal crown itself.
Mutant co-founder Mo Shafeek describes Bertelmann’s approach as "a masterclass in building tension," noting that the composer knows exactly when to dial up the pressure, making the score an essential part of the film's emotional landscape. The music's recurring melody is hypnotic, with strings swirling in stereo, echoing the fragile alliances that hang by a thread among the cardinals. As each twist and turn of the story unfolds, Bertelmann’s score amplifies the suspense, underscoring the delicate and often dangerous balancing act at play.
This release follows Bertelmann’s award-winning work on All Quiet On The Western Front, solidifying his place among the most innovative and impactful composers in film today. With Conclave, Bertelmann once again proves his ability to weave profound tension through every note, inviting listeners to experience the film’s complex political drama through an immersive sonic lens. The score doesn’t just accompany the film; it is an integral part of its narrative, building an atmosphere where every decision could have life or death consequences. A must-have for collectors and film score lovers, Conclave promises to be another modern classic in Bertelmann’s growing legacy.