Beethoven Piano Sonata No.14 in C-Sharp Minor “Moonlight”

Today, we are talking about the Beethoven Piano Sonata No.14 in C-Sharp Minor, commonly known as the “Moonlight” sonata. The nickname “moonlight” actually came from a poet named Ludwig Rellstab, not Beethoven. It’s probably the most well-known sonata from Beethoven, as the first movement of “moonlight” appeared on almost every easy listening compilation in the past 50 years. From a personal experience, I heard the first movement countless times since I was a child and thought that was all to it. However, it was not until many years later until I listened to the 2nd and especially the 3rd movement. I am completely captivated by the wildness of the last movement. I wish I can play it, so that when I’m feeling down, I can dump my unhappiness all away with the arpeggio. In fact, the arpeggio at the beginning of the 3rd movement is so unexpected that it ponders my heart like thunders.

The recording I’ve heard the most is Wilhelm Kempff’s 1965 DG recording. It’s probably not his best performance, some argued that his 1950s mono recordings were better, but the 65 version is definitely better engineered. Alfred Brendel, Arthur Rubinstein also had great interpretations of this piece.

Luckily, there a Wilhelm Kempff Live performance of the moonlight sonata on youtube.

Kempff plays Moonlight Sonata Movement 1:

Beethoven Piano Sonata No.8 in C Minor “Pathétique”

Beethoven Piano Sonata No.8 in C Minor, also known as the “Pathétique” sonata. I heard it was one piano sonata that Beethoven actually named himself. Other sonatas such as Moonlight sonata got its name from a poet. Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas are so important that they are usually called the “new testament” of Piano music. “Pathétique” is among the most famous of the 32 piano sonatas and it’s also one of my personal favorite.

The 2nd movement: adagio cantabile is probably one of the most well-known piece of classical music and it’s also a main promoter for piano music. We’ve heard it in many movies and places, for example, in the famous Korean movie “The Classics”, Son Ye-Jin played this piece at the school concert. In addition, I believe the 2nd movement was also a source of inspiration for the popular Japanese manga Nodame Cantabile, at least the inpiration for its name. The 2nd movement was so popular that it was adapted into many popular songs.

The first complete recording of the sonata I heard was by Wilhelm Kempff, from his 1965 DG recording. As soon as I heard the first movement, I was completely mesmerized and wanted to hear more. The first movement switches between Grave and Allegro, Kempff handled them easily and beautifully. Btw, I didn’t like Glenn Gould’s recording of this sonata, as he played it way too fast and felt like he was hurrying it off. The 2nd movement has one of the sweetest melody and the last movement is somewhat playful. I just couldn’t get enough of this sonata, no matter how many times I listen to it, especially the first movement.

Here is a recording of “Pathétique” by British Pianist Freddy Kempff. I don’t think he has any formal connection with the legendary Wilhelm Kempff, but his playing his is just as good in my opinion. I hope you enjoy it too. [Sheet Music is provided at the end of the post]

1st Movement: Grave