Once again today, one single composer takes the spotlight: Jacob ter Veldhuis (1951). His music is neo-romantic, intertwined with elements from pop and rock culture, and has its own unique narrative. For instance, the String Quartet No. 1 Versailles serves as a musical equivalent to the palace of the French Sun King. Or the desolate String Quartet No. 2 Postnuclear Winter Scenario, written in response to the Gulf War. Just as striking is the String Quartet No. 3 There Must Be Some Way Out of Here (after a text by Bob Dylan), that seeks to escape from the constraints of our time. We end the programme on a somewhat lighter note with the miniature string quartet Stardust.
- Jacob ter Veldhuis – String Quartet No. 1, Versailles (1990)
I. Parterre de pieces coupées pour des fleurs, II. Labyrinth, III. ‘Disposition’ générale d’un grand jardin, IV. Trianon de Porcelaine
The Netherlands String Quartet
CD: Challenge Records
- Jacob ter Veldhuis – String Quartet No. 2, Postnuclear Winter Scenario (1994)
The Netherlands String Quartet
CD: Challenge Records
- Jacob ter Veldhuis – String Quartet No. 3, There Must Be Some Way Out of Here (1995)
I. Slow movement, II. Fast movement
The Netherlands String Quartet
CD: Challenge Records
- Jacob ter Veldhuis – Stardust (2022)
Ruysdael Quartet
Recording: Youtube
