The Yellow Shark

The Yellow Shark is a 1993 album by Frank Zappa in collaboration with the Ensemble Modern that presents his contemporary classical and avant-garde compositions in a chamber-orchestral setting. The recordings document live performances of Zappa's written pieces, emphasizing precise ensemble playing, complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, abrupt shifts in texture, and occasional hints of rock-derived timbres and energy. The album highlights Zappa's sustained interest in modern classical forms and his work arranging and composing for a modern chamber ensemble.