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 1st 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 1st movement - Adagio sostenuto
5:24 2nd movement - Allegretto
7:43 3rd movement - Presto agitato