Ballad of a Small Player – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack accompanies the 2025 Netflix original psychological drama Ballad of a Small Player, directed by Edward Berger and starring Colin Farrell, Tilda Swinton, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip and Alex Jennings. The film’s original music was composed by Volker Bertelmann (also known as Hauschka), an Academy Award-winning composer noted for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front, Conclave, Lion and Dune: Prophecy. Bertelmann’s score blends atmospheric piano motifs, textured string arrangements and ambient textures to reflect the film’s emotional depth, tension and psychological complexity amid its casino-set narrative.
The soundtrack album was released October 29, 2025 via Netflix Music in digital format and is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify. It contains 26 original score tracks running approximately 53 minutes, offering a complete presentation of Bertelmann’s musical palette for the film. Vinyl editions — including a red colored collectible LP — have also been issued for collectors.
Bertelmann’s music underscores Ballad of a Small Player with a balance of intimate character themes and atmospheric tension, using sparse melodic material to convey both internal struggle and narrative momentum. The score contributes to the film’s immersive sound world without relying on conventional Hollywood bombast, instead favoring subtle harmonic shifts and evocative textures.
Licensed music note: In addition to the original score, Ballad of a Small Player features several licensed pieces (not included on the official soundtrack) credited in the film’s music listings, including traditional, instrumental and international works.
Composer: Volker Bertelmann
Release Date: October 29, 2025
Label: Netflix Music
Tracks: 26
Genre: Original Score
Score Soundtrack
- Volker Bertelmann – The City of Dreams
- Volker Bertelmann – Cloaked In Invisibility
- Volker Bertelmann – Spirit World My Arse
- Volker Bertelmann – Skin Her Alive
- Volker Bertelmann – Hungry Ghost
- Volker Bertelmann – Waking Up
- Volker Bertelmann – Handbag Theft
- Volker Bertelmann – Sit Back And Relax
- Volker Bertelmann – Not So Lucky After All
- Volker Bertelmann – Open The Door
- Volker Bertelmann – 1955-09-01
- Volker Bertelmann – Plates
- Volker Bertelmann – Tell Me It’s You
- Volker Bertelmann – Lamma Island
- Volker Bertelmann – Not Too Late For You
- Volker Bertelmann – Take Play Win Part 1
- Volker Bertelmann – Take Play Win Part 2
- Volker Bertelmann – Fucking Hate Champagne
- Volker Bertelmann – All Of It
- Volker Bertelmann – Asking You To Dance
- Volker Bertelmann – Another Card
- Volker Bertelmann – Fucking Hate Cigars
- Volker Bertelmann – I Was With Her
- Volker Bertelmann – Apartment, Running & Ghost Day
- Volker Bertelmann – Ballad Closing Credits
- Volker Bertelmann – How About That Dance
