This sonata, composed in 1801, is one of Beethoven’s most famous piano works.  The title “Moonlight Sonata” was not given by Beethoven; it was actually first used after Beethoven’s death.  The title came from the German music critic and poet Ludwig Rellstab, who associated the 1^st movement of the piece with the moonlight reflecting in a lake.

Even though the first movement is the most famous one, please listen to the dance-like and expressive second movement, and the technique-challenging and energetic third movement.

0:00 1^st movement - Adagio sostenuto

5:24 2^nd movement - Allegretto

7:43 3^rd movement - Presto agitato