The Moonlight Sonata, officially titled Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, is one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most famous compositions. The first movement, Adagio sostenuto, is particularly well-known for its poetic depth and reflective character.
Completed in 1801 and published the following year, the sonata was dedicated to Beethoven’s pupil, the Countess Giulietta Guicciardi. The work gained its nickname “Moonlight Sonata” from a description by the German music critic Ludwig Rellstab, who likened the first movement to moonlight shining upon Lake Lucerne.
This movement is marked by its tranquil and flowing melody, played over an arpeggiated accompaniment, giving it a dreamlike quality. It has a structure that deviates from the traditional fast-slow-fast movement of classical sonatas, instead opting for a slow-fast-slow format, which was revolutionary at the time.
The Moonlight Sonata stands out for its emotional depth and has been interpreted as a reflection of Beethoven’s inner turmoil, possibly connected to his hearing loss. It remains a staple in the repertoire of pianists worldwide and continues to move audiences with its timeless beauty.