Probably one of the most famous classical pieces ever for piano, this can be instantly recognised by almost anyone.

It was written by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827) in Hungary in the summer of 1801, during the early stages of his deafness, and was published in 1802. He wrote it for and dedicated it to his young student at the time, 17-year-old Countess Giulietta Guicciardi. After just a few lessons, they fell in love and it is believed that Beethoven proposed to her. She apparently accepted, but her parents forbade the marriage. The Countess later wed a Count Gallenberg. Beethoven was never married otherwise.

The original title for the 'Moonlight' Sonata is 'Quasi una Fantasia' meaning 'almost a fantasy'. It is Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# Minor, Opus 27 No. 2.

However, the name 'Moonlight' Sonata was coined some years following Beethoven's death. In the 1830s, German poet and music critic Heinrich Friedich Ludwig Rellstab thought that the song reminded him of how the moonlight reflected off of Lake Lucerne, in Switzerland. 'Moonlight' Sonata has since been the 'official unofficial' name.

The Movements

A 'sonata', which is derived from the Latin word sonare meaning 'to sound', refers to a piece of music that is made of two to four different parts, or 'movements'. The 'Moonlight' Sonata falls in the category of 'Classical Sonatas' as it was written between 1750 and 1830.

Sonatas are to be played by one or two instruments. The 'Moonlight' Sonata is usually played on one piano, and is made of three movements:

• Adagio Sostenuto (First Movement) - This is the most known and recognised, and is generally the part that comes to mind when you think of the 'Moonlight' Sonata. It is dark, sad, thoughtful, moving. Adagio means slow and Sostenuto means sustained, referring to the use of the sustain pedal of the piano.

  Surely I've written better things.
  - Beethoven, on the First Movement

• Allegretto (Second Movement) - In this, the song modulates (changes key) to Db Major. It speeds up a little, making it less dark than the First Movement. Allegreto means moderately fast, lively.

• Presto Agitato (Third Movement) - This is longer and quite different from the previous two. It is more intense and powerful, giving the impression of storminess. Presto means fast; Agitato means agitated.

  It is the most unbridled in its representation of emotion. Even today, 200 years later, its ferocity is astonishing.
  - Pianist Charles Rosen, on the Third Movement

Learning to Play the Song Yourself

The 'Moonlight' Sonata is an amazingly beautiful song, if you are into that sort of thing. It can be very sad and moving. If there is one thing you can do to enjoy the song even more, it is to learn to play it yourself. If you can play the piano, it is recommended to learn it; you will get so much more out of it than just by listening to it.

The First Movement, for instance, is relatively simple to play; it is mostly single notes in the melody and octave bass notes for the left hand. Though it can get confusing at times, due to the many accidentals¹. However, keep practising and you will get the hang of it. Sheet music for the song can be found here.

In Pop Culture

The 'Moonlight' Sonata is often favoured for use in suspenseful or emotional scenes in movies and television. Here are a few examples:

• In the 1990 movie Misery, based on the Stephen King novel, the First Movement is played during the disturbing scene in which Annie Wilkes breaks Paul Sheldon's feet with a sledge hammer.

• The First Movement also figures into the first Resident Evil game.

• In the children's cartoon The Smurfs, the Third Movement is frequently played during dramatic parts of the story.

Inspiration for the Beatles

The Beatles' song 'Because', from their 1969 album Abbey Road, is based on the 'Moonlight' Sonata. John Lennon got the inspiration when he was listening to his wife, Yoko Ono, playing the First Movement on the piano. He asked Yoko to play the chords backwards, she did, and he then wrote 'Because' along with these backward chords.