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Questions tagged [moonlight-sonata]

For questions specific to Beethoven's Sonata Op. 27 No.2, popularly known as the "Moonlight" sonata. Questions may related to analysis, history, interpretation, technical details such as fingering, or other aspects of performance and/or theory. Additional tags related to the area of interest should be included. Do not use this tag for questions in which the sonata is only used as an example in a broader query.

Beethoven's Sonata quasi una fantasia in C sharp minor, op. 27 no. 2 ("Moonlight"), sometimes referred to as sonata #14, was published by Giovanni Cappi on March 3, 1802.1

It quickly became popular, and the first movement is one of the most celebrated in all Beethoven's works.2

The nickname "moonlight" derives from the 1824 novel Theodor, by Ludwig Rellstab, in which a character describes the sonata's first movement as portraying moonlight reflecting on a lake. The nickname became popular in the 1850s.3

1Barry Cooper, "Commentaries" in Beethoven: The 35 Piano Sonatas, Volume 2 (2007, ABRSM), page 20.

2Ibid.

3Ibid.

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Trill measure 29 3rd movement "Moonlight" sonata (Beethoven op. 27 no. 2)

How do you play the trill in measure 29 of Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata?
Håkon Hægland
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Strange fingering in "Moonlight" sonata

This is an except of bars 47-50 from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata, from the Henle edition. In bar 49, in the middle of the second triplet, there is a fingering of 2-1 (pressing with finger 2 and switching to 1 while pressing), which I don't…
iddober
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Understanding the notes in the 4th measure of Moonlight Sonata

I'm working on playing Moonlight Sonata on the Piano and I'm having trouble relating what I'm reading on the sheet music to what I'm finding around the web on how to play it. Here's a picture of the sheet music I'm using: Based on my understanding…
Mike
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Should I connect the top melody of the "Moonlight" Sonata 1st mvmt using my fingers?

I'm a beginner piano player and have started learning the 1st movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata. I've read many suggestions, and almost all recommend connecting the top melody (ta ta-ta) notes with the fingers, holding notes down for their…
user15155
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How does the 3rd movement of Moonlight Sonata relate to moonlight?

Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 is also called the Moonlight Sonata. The first movement is smooth, like the moonlight in a quiet and clear night; the second movement is vivid, just similar to the moonlight in a night with few clouds and gentle…
Popopo
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Preparatory studies for "Moonlight" 3rd movement

I can successfully play the first movement and would otherwise consider myself to be at Canada's Royal Conservatory of Music level 8 to 9. (I can play Chopin's Prelude Op. 28, No. 6 with my own interpretation, and I can play Chopin's Nocturne in C…
Michael Stachowsky
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How to play "Moonlight" sonata with pedal

Here is tact #20 of "Moonlight" Sonata: My right hand position (B + B - C# - G#): The hand is definitely overstressed. Plus I am inadvertently pressing the G key in order to press G#. I watched this video about playing the sonata with pedal. But I…
user4035
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Moonlight Sonata 3rd movement bar 20-23 left-hand technique

My question is what technique should I focus on. In bar 20, I am using the tremolo, but in the passage of the chord there are 2 doubts: do I need to keep finger 1 pressed D # while I bring the other fingers to the next chord or should I move it up…
user113581321
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Moonlight mvt 2 fingering

I'm learning Beethoven's "Moonlight" movement 2, and I'm unsure of the fingering for the left hand here. What does it mean with two sets of fingering in bar 49? I understand that the d flat is held, but which fingers should I switch and when?
Thomas Bigger
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"Moonlight" sonata fingering

I noticed there is a similar post here: Strange fingering in "Moonlight" sonata but that does not answer my question. I can't even play the first triplet. I use finger 5 to play and hold the uppermost D#. Finger 1 on the lowermost D#. But then I…
velut luna
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