One of the most famous, haunting and beautiful compositions of all time: Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata

The summer of 1801 saw Beethoven compose what turned out to be one of his best compositions of all time: Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. This beautiful piece was composed on an estate that belonged to Brunswick, a popular family in Hungary. Moonlight Sonata was first published in 1802 and was written to Countess Giulietta Gucciard, a 17-year-old pupil and dream girl to Beethoven.

All of Beethoven’s creation has embraced Moonlight Sonata as one of its most popular piano sonatas. ‘Moonlight Sonata’ got its name from a poet called Ludwig Rellstab who got inspired by moonlight on river Lucerna’s bank in 1832. Although different people had a different take of this composition, some biographers claimed that this was a revelation of the love Beethoven held for Guicciardi. It was also clear that The first part had a musical theme from a German ballad as much as this was a dedication to a lover.

Fischer claimed that there was no connection of this image to Beethoven’s intentions. According to Fischer, Beethoven was driven by a feeling that overwhelmed him when he noticed a friend who had died prematurely.

There are several notes from Mozart’s Don Juan in one of Beethoven’s manuscripts that follow killing. If analyzed well, you will notice that this is not a case of romantic moon lit night. It sounds more of a funeral hymn.

Here is my Granddaughter Elisabeth playing the first section:

There are three parts in piano sonata: Adagio Sostenuto, Allegretto and Presto Agitato. From these three parts, a listener gets an impression of a whole elaboration of what the themes and motifs are. The second part gives an insight of the musical theme of the first part.

Part I — Adagio Sostenuto.

This part and the accented notes makes the listener have an impression of death. The first part of the Sonata shows how Beethoven tried to add a direction that calls for whoever perfoming to have the part played without dampers.

The second part – Allegretto.

This small part is the origin of the idea that this was a birtrh of a good link between the first and last part.The feeling is regarded as denser in consistency.Also, the first part having a medicative character is seen fading away to create space where part three comes in.

The third part — Presto Agitato.

This part is clearly two times longer than the other two parts. According to Ficher, this part represents a storm. In fact, this is an impetuous storm with regards to what Beethoven had in his heart and the strong feelings over Guicciardi during the time Sonata was composed.A good listener can distinguish two themes in this particular part, a more contemptuous one and one which is more lyrical contrary to part one.

It was specified by Beethoven that this magnificent should only be played “Quasi una fantasia” which meant almost a fantasy. It is evident that Moonlight Sonata has not only inspired many a passion and parody but also fantasy. There being 13 versions available today, it is much easier for enyone with questions to find the desired answers.You will also be in a position to give your judgement on Beethoven’s intentions.

Here is Elisabeth playing it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hggiN6A9Y14&feature=youtu.be

Here is an article on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_van_Beethoven
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