Moonlight Sonata

Solo for Intermediates with Music History

(Key of C-sharp minor)

Arranged by

Jennifer Eklund

Moonlight Sonata
Man and woman contemplating the moon By
Caspar David Friedrich (1830–1835)
Beethoven’s Pianoforte
 The pianoforte commonly used in
Beethoven’s era produced a greater
tonal contrast between the upper and
lower registers. Notes had a sharper
attack, quicker decay, and more
overtones. In comparison, modern
pianos have a fuller and stronger bass
compared to the treble registers.
 Foot pedals which were first used in the
early 1800s affected the tone quality
differently on the weaker sounding
pianoforte. Since the decay of a tone
was quicker, Beethoven often notated
pedal markings to last through
numerous harmonic changes.
 Many of Beethoven’s original pedal
notations are not well suited for the
modern piano so it is important to make
adjustments as needed.
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 Noteworthy Facts:
 Composed in 1800–1801, Beethoven
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entitled this work “Sonata quasi una
fantasia” (Sonata like a fantasy), and
dedicated the piece to his 17-year old
student Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.
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 The nickname “Moonlight” originated
from a review of the piece by a poet
named Heinrich Rellstab, who said the
first movement reminded him of the
moon shining over Lake Lucerne.
“Notable Quotables”
Beethoven was notorious for falling in love with
women in high social standing who were
therefore unattainable. The following is an
excerpt from a famous letter to his “Immortal
Beloved” of 1812, believed to be intended for
Antonie Brentano:
While still in bed, my thoughts press to thee,
my Beloved One, at moments with joy, and
then again with sorrow, waiting to see
whether fate will take pity on us. Either I
must live wholly with thee or not at all. Yes,
I have resolved to wander in distant lands,
until I can fly to thy arms, and feel that with
thee I have a real home; with thee encircling
me about, I can send my soul into the
kingdom of spirits. …Be calm, only by calm
consideration of our existence can we attain
our aim to live together–be calm–love me–
today–yesterday–what tearful longing after
thee–my life–my all–farewell–Oh, continue
to love me–never misjudge the faithful heart
Of Thy Beloved, L.
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e Beethoven Speaks e
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 Noteworthy Facts:
 Beethoven’s deafness caused him many
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difficulties throughout his life. His primary

method of communication were a series of
“conversation books,” many of which have
survived and been translated by historians.
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 Aside from these books, Beethoven wrote many

letters, and also noted some of his thoughts
about life and music in his sketchbooks. Below
are a few examples which offer insight into one
of the most important figures in all of music
history.
Portrait of Beethoven by Carl Jaeger

“I will take Fate by the throat; surely it shall not bend me down completely. Oh, life so
beautiful–to live it a thousand times! I feel that I am no longer made for a quiet life.”
(Letter to Wegeler, 1801.)

“I love uprightness and sincerity and am of the opinion that one ought not be shabby with
the artist.” (Letter to C.F. Peters, 1822.)

“I hear that someone in the Musikalische Zeitung (Music Journal) has roasted the
symphony which I sent you last year and which you returned to me. If you believe that
you injure me therewith, you are mistaken. On the contrary, with that sort of thing you
merely heap discredit on your magazine.”
(Letter to Breitkopf and Haertel, 1806.)

“How glad I am to be able to wander among bushes and forests, amidst trees, herbs, rocks!
No man can love the country as I do. Forests, trees, cliffs echo what Man desires.”
(Letter to Therese Malfatti, 1810.)

“Almost always to have to live by one’s pen, is not an easy matter.”

(Letter to Ferdinand Ries, 1819.)

“God knows my innermost heart, and however appearances may, perhaps, be against me,
some day everything will be clarified in my favor.” (Letter to Archduke Rudolph, 1819.)

“Much is to be done on earth; do it soon!” (Sketchbook, 1814.)

 Moonlight Sonata
3

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Ludwig van Beethoven
Adagio sostenuto
Arr. Jennifer Eklund

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