Sari Straatsma, traverso
Ere Lievonen, harpsichord
The Baroque ensemble Beauty and the Beasts was
founded by Sari Straatsma (née Räsänen) and Ere Lievonen in 2002.
They met each other during their early music studies at the Utrecht
Conservatory. The pleasure of playing together inspired them from the
beginning to find a common musical language in order to tell a story; a
musical language that is flexible and varies according to
the composer and the style of music.
The ensemble has successfully performed at different festivals, such as
the Fringe series of the Early Music Festival in Utrecht, and the
BarokkiKuopio festival in Finland. Nowadays, both members of the
ensemble perform in The Netherlands and elsewhere with several other
ensembles and orchestras as well.
Beauty and the Beasts
focuses on the rich chamber music repertory of the eighteenth
century. The core of the ensemble consists of harpsichord and traverso,
but guest players regularly join in, including baroque violin, baroque
oboe, viola da gamba or cello.
The enthusiasm of Beauty and the Beasts brings a fresh, colourful
and stylish sound full of emotions and expression. Baroque music from
various countries at its best.
Listen to Beauty and the Beasts:
Jacques-Martin Hotteterre: Prelude in D major
(mp3, 5.1 Mb, 3′59″)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Sonata for flute and harpsichord in A major BWV1032
(mp3, 12.6 Mb, 13′28″)
Vivace – Largo e dolce – Allegro