Beethoven Moonlight Sonata Analysis

Introduction

The Moonlight Sonata is a very famous composition written by Beethoven. "Moonlight Sonata" is not the original name for the piece. It derives from a description of the first movement by critic Ludwig Rellstab, who compared it to moonlight shining upon Lake Lucerne in 1832. Since then, this famed piece has been known as the Moonlight Sonata. Beethoven originally named this piece "Quasi una fanatsia", which basically means "almost a fantasy". I believe there are two reasons for this. First, this song is rumored to be deditcated to his pupil-17 year old Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, with whom Beethoven was in love with. However, the countess was from a wealthy family with high expectations, so it was impossible for Beethoven to be with her. Thus, it was almost a fantasy. Secondly, this sonata does not follow the traditional sonata pattern. In the Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven holds off the climax until the last movement, where he erupts with a passion of ornaments and sforzandos. Beethoven was able to magnify the drama by using this form.

Analysis

There are three movements: Adagio sostenuto, Allegretto, and Presto agitato.

Adagio sostenuto:

This movement is basically the "moonlight" of the piece. The repeating rhythms and notes make it appear as if you were taking a walk under the moonlight. There are some parts that lead up to more... exciting measures, but make sure that you don't overdo it. This is a moonlight setting, not a war.

Allegretto:

This movement is only one page; very short. It's basically a bridge connecting the first and third movement together. The first sentence, which is a recurring one, is like a flower blooming, then going back to a bud again. A cycle.

This whole movement is like a valley connecting two mountains, the first and third movement. The separate sentences are like the flowers in the valley.

Presto agitato:

This movement is a fierce, warlike piece. You can say that the first movement is when a lover is telling him about something nice and conforting, such as a stroll in the moonlight (haha) and the second movement as a nice bridge between pieces. The third movement is when, say, she would "dump" him, perhaps for another. This would be a piece of anger, of a torn heart. Must play diligently and quickly, with no messy notes.