In a new documentary produced by Expressive E, the company behind the Osmose, renowned German composer Hans Zimmer reveals how he utilized the cutting-edge instrument to craft the soundtrack for Dune: Part Two.
Hans Zimmer has made a new documentary showing his innovative approach to crafting the soundtrack for Dune: Part Two. Collaborating with Expressive E, the makers of the excellent Osmose, Zimmer has centered his work around their flagship instrument to redefine the possibilities of film scoring.
A New Chapter in Sci-Fi Film Scoring?
Released in March 2024, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two expanded on its predecessor’s success. Central to this cinematic experience is Zimmer’s score, which blends futuristic sounds with a deeply human emotional core. Zimmer turned to the Osmose, a keyboard that leverages MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) technology. We had the good fortune to try it ourselves this time last year. Its innovative key design allows players to shape sound dynamically through subtle gestures, such as pressing, sliding, or tilting the keys. These capabilities enable performers to control pitch, volume, intensity, and other nuances, making the instrument versatile and intuitive.
Zimmer x Expressive E
To maximize the Osmose’s potential, Zimmer worked closely with two musicians from Expressive E, integrating the instrument into his creative process. The team used the Osmose to design new sounds, interpret melodies, and manipulate the voices of actors and singers in the soundtrack.
The film’s score is a unique blend of acoustic and electronic elements, brought to life by the Osmose’s capabilities. Zimmer described the collaboration as a return to the essence of music, where experimentation and improvisation take center stage.
MPE Technology: The Foundation of the Osmose
The Osmose’s impact stems from its use of MPE technology providing musicians with unprecedented control over the articulation and nuance of each note, making the instrument particularly suited to film scoring.
Zimmer views the Osmose as a significant innovation in modern music, stating, “This is an important instrument. It’s a big step forward, and what might become the story of 21st-century music.”
The mini-documentary is available to watch on YouTube.
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