String Quartet No. 10 "Long Pond"

Long Pond is a beautiful small lake in Cape Cod, where I have spent a lot of time. I wanted to write a piece that evoked a lovely few days in that specific place.

It starts with the full moon rising over the pond—both lovely and a little mysterious. There is a short break, then in the morning, I usually take my dog to the beach, and often he finds some friends there to play with (this movement is dedicated to Rick Tousignant who is a dear friend of my dog Barkley). After another break, the last three movements are played without pause. Perhaps the next day the sun rises brightly, and then we go for a sail on the harbor. A storm picks up—we call them ‘nor’easters’ here—and a great tree falls. Then there is quiet and the sun comes out. —Elena Ruehr