On its way to becoming the biggest winner at this year’s awards season, All Quiet on the Western Front has already picked up several accolades, including for its score. The music uses an intense fusion of violins, cellos, and brass instruments in tandem with highly textured, modulating electronics which creates a moody soundscape reminiscent of the sodden battlegrounds of No-Man’s Land. The use of classical instrumentation reflects the music of the early 1910s, but by incorporating electronics, it mimics the advent of new technology never seen in war.
The soundtrack makes use of a three-note motif, which makes its debut appearance on the first track “Remains”. The motif sounds synthesized but is played on an older instrument called a harmonium. At the beginning of the track, the motif is repeated every 15 seconds, but this cycle shifts to 9 seconds upon its final repetition. The shortening of the interval happens alongside increasing dynamics. Tension is built up until the final repeat, after which, the piece settles to a more minimal style. The structuring mimics the emotion of the film, which begins calmer, reaches a fever pitch at its climax, and ends in a more emotional, quiet way.
The track “Tanks” is the best example of how instrumentation is used to portray the emotions of the soldiers as well as the atmosphere. The piece starts on a menacing drumbeat, suggesting that something dangerous is in the distance, getting closer as the dynamics increase. At the 40 second mark, a large electronic noise is played, followed by the main motif and a marching beat; tanks are moving towards the front line. Electronics are much more aggressive in tone than the strings, I believe the electronics represent the terrifying new machinery on the battlefield, whilst the acoustic instruments are used to portray the naivety of the soldiers. In times of crisis, violins arpeggiate and cellos play with higher intensity. In the final track, the two musical families are battling for the attention of the listener, as the main motif is played on strings in your left ear, while louder electronics play into your right ear.
Overall, All Quiet on the Western Front’s soundtrack works wonders in the context of the movie. Whilst not my favourite score of 2022, it does a fantastic job of capturing the emotions of soldiers on the front line, even when listened to independently of its visuals.
