Ruehr: The Northern Quartets Quartet ES

• Elena Ruehr (b. 1963): String Quartet No. 9 'Keweenaw':
• 1 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 9 'Keweenaw': I. A Thimbleberry Ripens in the Sun 05:01
• 2 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 9 'Keweenaw': II. A Blizzard 03:03
• 3 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 9 'Keweenaw': III. Central (A Ghost Town) 04:02
• 4 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 9 'Keweenaw': IV. Lake Superior at Night 03:49
• 5 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 9 'Keweenaw': V. Wolf Chase 03:34
• String Quartet No. 10 'Long Pond':
• 6 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 10 'Long Pond': I. Moonrise 04:26
• 7 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 10 'Long Pond': II. Dogs on the Beach 03:03
• 8 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 10 'Long Pond': III. Sunrise 03:04
• 9 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 10 'Long Pond': IV. Sailing 03:10
• 10 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 10 'Long Pond': V. Noríeaster 03:52
• String Quartet No. 11 'Reykjavik':
• 11 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 11 'Reykjavik': I. Long Night 10:45
• 12 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 11 'Reykjavik': II. Interlude: the sun rises through a thin veil 01:54
• 13 Ruehr: String Quartet No. 11 'Reykjavik': III. Spring Song and Dance 06:35
• Total Runtime 56:18

Info zu Ruehr: The Northern Quartets

This latest triptych in American composer Elena Ruehr’s string quartets takes inspiration from much-loved locales in the higher latitudes: the composer’s Michigan home, a favourite spot on Cape Cod, and the capital city of Iceland.

Elena Ruehr is one of today’s most prolific and acclaimed composer of string quartets whose music has been described as “unspeakably gorgeous” by Gramophone magazine. This latest triptych of works for the genre takes inspiration from much-loved locales in the higher latitudes: the composer’s Michigan home, a favourite spot on Cape Cod, and the capital city of Iceland.

String Quartet No. 9, “Keweenaw” evokes the small rural town in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula where Elena grew up. This quartet explores various parts of that world, from native berries, early autumn blizzards, ghost towns and the majestic Lake Superior.

String Quartet No. 10, “Long Pond” captures moments throughout the days on a beautiful small lake on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where Elena has spent much time and gathered precious memories: a brightly rising sun, a morning dog walk, sailing on the harbour, a “nor’easter” storm, a lovely yet mysterious full moon rising above and reflecting in the water.

String Quartet No. 11, “Reykjavík”, pays seasonal homage to Iceland’s capitol city, with its long winter nights, the sun peeking through the haze as spring approaches, greeted with celebrations of singing and dancing for the lighter days ahead.

Quartet ES is a foursome of diverse and engaging individuals – Anton Miller and Ertan Torgul, violins; Rita Porfiris, viola; and Jennifer Kloetzel, cello – that come together to create cutting-edge programming, visionary projects and dynamic educational initiatives. A capacious catalogue of commissioned works includes these three by Elena Ruehr.

“A thoroughly enjoyable, very recommendable programme captured in first-rate sound.” - Guy Rickards, Gramophone

Quartet ES:
Anton Miller, violin
Ertan Torgul, violin
Rita Porfiris, viola
Jennifer Kloetzel, cello

Quartet ES
brings a diverse and engaging presence to the world of chamber music. Known for cutting-edge programming, visionary projects, and dynamic educational initiatives, violinists Anton Miller and Ertan Torgul, violist Rita Porfiris, and cellist Jennifer Kloetzel bring their distinct artistic voices and a wealth of individual experience to form a singular ensemble defined by its creativity, versatility, and commitment to excellence.

Since its founding in 2017, Quartet ES has performed across the US and abroad, holding residencies at acclaimed institutions including the Harpa International Music Academy, the New Music for Strings Festival in Reykjavík, and Point CounterPoint in Vermont. In 2021, during a time of global challenges, the group undertook an ambitious centerpiece project for the Uncertainty of Fate Festival – commissioning 18 new works by both emerging and established composers and recording them in just four days.

Recent seasons have included a debut with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra and featured appearances on chamber series across California, Oregon, and Nebraska. Dedicated advocates for contemporary music, Quartet ES has premiered and recorded quartets by Errollyn Wallen, Elena Ruehr, Robert Carl, Alexandra Gardner, Jonah Sirota, Ken Steen, Juhi Bansal, Nathan Scalise, Ethan Wickman, and Sarah Gibson.

Their performances have garnered critical acclaim, with international press praising their rendition of Bartók as ‘brilliantly played from start to finish… the quartet members are excellent instrumentalists and play perfectly together’. Beyond the concert stage, the quartet remains deeply committed to education and outreach, leading workshops and masterclasses that foster growth and creativity in young musicians. Equally at home with traditional and contemporary repertoire, Quartet ES continues to redefine chamber music for the 21st century – blending passion, precision, and bold artistic vision.

Booklet für Ruehr: The Northern Quartets