When trolling through the lists of compositions created during the Classical period I found this one the most appealing. Its cool and lively tones remind me of something from a modern jazz compilation instead of something composed two centuries ago. Moonlight Sonata was created by Beethoven during the summer of 1801 while he was staying at a Hungarian estate belonging to the Brunswick family.
The real name of this piece was Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor “Quasi una fantasia” but it got its more famous moniker “Moonlight Sonata” in 1832 from poet Ludwig Rellstab who compared the sonata to the feeling of moonlit night.
The work was discovered after Beethoven’s death in 1827, being been one of his unpublished works created in the interim between larger compositions.
It is said to have been dedicated to Beethoven’s seventeen year old student the Countess Giulietta Gucciardi for whom it is thought the composer was a bit lovesick. From my research I don’t think his feelings were returned by the Countess, maybe that’s why the music is at once lively and chilling. There is another theory as to the somber feeling during the last act particularly ; Beethoven spent the time around this composition at the bedside of a dying friend. People living with death walk everywhere with it and it pervades everything they do. It is only reasonable to believe that his music was just as influenced by a friends death as it was by his love for the Countess.
I find this piece both enchanting and at the same time a bit depressing ; like when you’ve lost your keys in a poorly lit Fun house or really deep ball pit.
The sonata has three parts:
Adagio Sostenuto
Allegretto
Presto Agitato
Further information can be found at these websites.
http://www.all-about-beethoven.com/moonsonata.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlight_Sonata
October 13, 2009 at 2:50 pm |
Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the better know compositions from this remarkable artist. Originally called Quasi una Fantasia (almost a fantasy), this piece was composed in 1801. I understand that it would not be found until after Beethoven’s death. Beethoven dedicated this compostion to Countess Giuliette Guicciardi, a pupil of his for whom he had fallen in love with.
Moolight Sonata is comprised of three parts: Adagio sostenuto (a condensed sonata), Allegretto (sherzo), and Presto Agitato (a type of sonata that was originally marked for piano). Beethoven intentionally composed this piece to be “different” with the climax being in the 3rd part.
I would have loved to read why you liked this piece or some of the history you found on it. I find Beethoven’s works have had a lot of meaning in each and this is no exception. This might have more of a story to it than any other compostion of this great artist.
October 13, 2009 at 11:09 pm |
Thank you for adding all this wonderful information to your blog. I was glad to read your take on the romance between the Countess and Beethoven. I felt the mood or tone of the music did reflect the emotions of this love affair. I have read many mixed stories on their relationship. One was that Beethoven actually proposed to the Countess but her parents would not allow it, and so ended the affair. One was that she was already engaged but loved Beethoven and would continue a relationship years later when her husband died. I am not sure if we will ever know the truth.
October 15, 2009 at 10:19 am |
I love Beethoven’s music and this composition in particular – it’s beautifully haunting and the music lingers in your mind. I didn’t realize this piece had such a rich history, but music is often written to reflect the emotions of the writer and this piece is no exception. It is easy to see how a tormented love affair and the death of a friend could influence Beethoven’s work, and it was interesting to hear this piece again having more insight as to the state of his mind at this time. Overall, you presented the history of this work well and I enjoyed your speculation on his romantic relationship with the Countess. Thanks!