Moonlight Sonata: Beethoven’s Piano Sonata 14 in C# minor)

All about Beethoven’s Piano Sonata 14 in C# minor, nicknamed the Moonlight Sonata.

Why Its Called the Moonlight Sonata?

Why is Beethoven’s Piano Sonata 14 in C# minor nicknamed the Moonlight Sonata?
It was not called the Moonlight Sonata when Beethoven composed the piece. It was German critic Ludwig Rellstab who said that the sonata’s famous opening movement was like moonlight flickering across Lake Lucerne. And that’s how it got the nickname.

Popular Piece of Classical Music

The opening movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata 14 in C# minor, popularly known as Moonlight Sonata, is one of the most famous piece of music in classical music.

And the best thing is that its very easy to play, so beginners can definitely give it a try. However, the rest of the piece is much more difficult and better left to advanced players with better technique.

Beethoven Was Surprised By Its Popularity

It’s believed that Beethoven composed this piano piece for his 17-year-old pupil, the Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, to whom the work is dedicated.

Beethoven just couldn’t understand why this piano piece was so popular as he considered the sonata to be inferior to many of his other works for piano. He once remarked to Carl Czerny, “Surely I’ve written better things.”

Pizza Delivery Boy Plays “Moonlight” Sonata

Pizza delivery plays piano at a customers place. Watch his fingers fly across the keys as he plays the third movement of Beethoven’s “Moonlight” sonata.

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