Prism Quartet: Pitch Black

Album Description

Dive into the avant-garde world of Jacob Ter Veldhuis with the Prism Quartet's "Pitch Black," a captivating album released in 2007. This unique collaboration between the innovative Dutch composer and the renowned PRISM saxophone quartet offers a fresh and exhilarating take on contemporary classical music. The album, released under the Innova label, features six tracks that blend jazz and classical elements, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape.

"Pitch Black" opens with the title track, a powerful piece that sets the tone for the entire album. The composition is scored for saxophone and ghetto blaster, adding an urban edge to the classical framework. Other standout tracks include "Billie," a tribute to the iconic Billie Holiday, and "Postnuclear Winterscenario No. 10," a thought-provoking piece that reflects on the aftermath of nuclear winter. The album also features "Grab it!," "The Garden of Love," and "Jesus is coming," each offering a unique perspective on Ter Veldhuis's distinctive style.

Recorded between May and September 2007, the album showcases the PRISM Quartet's virtuosity and Ter Veldhuis's innovative compositional techniques. The result is a compelling and engaging listening experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional chamber music. Whether you're a fan of jazz, classical, or avant-garde music, "Pitch Black" is sure to captivate and inspire.

January 1, 2007

2007 Innova

About Jacob Ter Veldhuis

Jacob ter Veldhuis, known professionally as Jacob TV, is a pioneering Dutch composer who seamlessly blends contemporary classical music with elements of popular culture. Born in Westerlee in 1951, Jacob TV's journey began as a rock musician before he delved into the world of composition and electronic music at the Groningen Conservatoire. His unique style, dubbed "avant-pop," draws inspiration from minimalist composer Steve Reich and incorporates speech melodies from politics, commercials, and talk shows, creating a postmodern fusion that is both innovative and accessible.

Jacob TV's compositions are renowned for their melodious and heartfelt qualities, often exploring themes of speechlessness and devastation. His boombox repertoire, which combines live instruments with digital sampling and DJ-like repetitions, has garnered international acclaim and turned him into a popular figure in the contemporary music scene. Beyond his musical prowess, Jacob TV is also known for his dynamic career, including a three-day festival at the Whitney Museum of America and a reality opera that is constantly updated. His work is a testament to his ability to liberate new music from its isolation and make it relevant to a broader audience.