Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.14 in C-sharp minor “Quasi Una Fantasia” was completed in 1801 and it is said to have been written for a girl which whom he was in love with. It was later called “Moonlight Sonata”, as which it is more popularily known. This Sonata has three movements but, it does not follow the traditional format. The first movement is relatively quiet and reminds me of attending a funeral (not a favorite past time of mine, but sounds very reflective, as most do at a funeral). The second movement is a little more up tempo but it transitions well into the third and final movement that is the loudest of all three, like a grand finale (this was unconventional for Sonatas at the time). The precision in the third movement is extremely amazing. The next video is of the 3rd movement. I’m sure it will blow your mind.
Beethoven had a large impact on the rise of the middle class. He lived during the time of “The Enlightment”, and became a hero in the struggle for equality between lower and middle classes to the upper class and royalty. One of my favorite things about Beethoven was his questioning of authority and his ideals of only showing respect for people he felt deserved it. It is said that he dedicated his third symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte, who was a great leader during the French Revolution. Beethoven admired Napoleon until he claimed himself emperor. Beethoven was so disgusted by this action that he ripped up the dedication and trampled it! These type of actions made Beethoven infamous for his disrespect towards government leaders.
I personally think Beethoven is a hero to the people of the French Revolution and is considered one of the greatest composers/musicians of all time. To this day his music is popular. The “Moonlight Sonata” is a prime example of how talented Beethoven was and how skilled of a musician you must be to play his work.
cited
- http://www.musicdish.com/mag/index.php3?id=7429
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_Sonata_No._14_(Beethoven)
- https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d
October 14, 2009 at 4:00 am
I really liked your blog. I agree that the third movement is incredible. I like how you related Beethoven himself to the rise of the middle class and how you provided some interesting side notes of information. I cannot say that I was able to pick anything out where you talked about the reasons of the popularity of the piece. But I think that was the only part that was missing. I have heard this piece of music before and loved it then just as i do now. However i did not know the name or composer of the piece. But now I do so thank you for sharing.
October 17, 2009 at 1:36 am
Beethoven is an exceptionally composer/musican and I understand why you picked this piece, it beautiful. My feeling of the first movement made me feel like a passionate romance. I can visualize an entire play basedsoff the Moonlight Sonata.