Endress Recital Artistic Success

Justine Endress presented her Senior Recital at the University of Akron on Saturday, February 20th. Accompanied by pianist Kim Bakkum, the cellist presented a varied program of technically difficult works, including Violada Gamba Sonata by Johann Sebestian Bach, 3 Phantisiestucke by Robert Schumann, the Mendeldssohn Sonata for Violoncello in B-flat Major and Pampeana No. 2 by Alberto Ginastera.

Ms. Endress, by choosing such a variety of stylistically different works showed her range of musicality. The Schumann work, actually three distinct “songs” has its focus in the upper ranges of the Cello. In contrast, the Mendelssohn Sonata allowed the artist to demonstrate the wonderful resonance from the lower register of her instrument. The Bach Sonata and the Ginastera work are at polar extremes in terms of both harmony and style. The melodious Bach sonata served as both a wonderful counterpoint to the modern dissonance of the  Ginastera.   But despite the differing challenges interpreting such widely divergent pieces, Ms. Endress made each of them uniquely her own.

Clearly a polished performer, her stage presence commanded the attention of the recital hall audience. Justine, a 2005 graduate of Lakewood High School is under the tutelage of Martha Baldwin of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. She is active in a number of chamber music ensembles, and in addition to the University of Akron Symphony Orchestra, also is a performer with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic. She will be receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cello performance with a second major in Arts Administration from the University of Akron in May, 2010.