Beethoven’s Sonata in C# Minor (Sonata quasi una fantasia), Op. 27 No. 2, is surely one of the most famous pieces of music of all time. Completed in 1801, it was dedicated to his student, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.
The name “Moonlight Sonata” was not given by Beethoven but comes from German poet and music critic Ludwig Rellstab who, five years after Beethoven’s death, compared the effect of the first movement to moonlight shining on Lake Lucerne.
Given the popularity of the first movement, I decided to make my own series of video walkthroughs that guide you through the piece step-by-step. You will find advice on style, tempo, pedalling, fingering, practice method and technique, especially how to avoid tension in the right hand as it is called upon to play both the soft triplet accompaniment and to project the melodic line on top.
Voicing the Right Hand
How do we set about voicing the right hand when the main theme comes in? Despite the pp dynamic marking, the upper voice needs to be projected with a firmer tone than the misty triplets underneath. It is helpful to think of two dynamic levels: mp (top voice) and pp (triplets).
The following exercises will help with the voicing. The process involves first playing the upper voice at the stronger dynamic, then afterwards the thumb note at the softer dynamic. Gradually allow these two events to happen closer together until you find you can synchronise them: 
Another practice suggestion that works wonders is to play the upper stave using two hands. Thus the right hand plays the melodic line, and the left hand the accompaniment triplets. Achieving the right sound this way is of course much easier. Once you have the ideal sound in your ear, see if you can reproduce it using only your right hand. Alternate between the two-handed and the single-handed version until they both sound the same!
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Video Series & Annotated Study Edition
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Alternatively, the video-walkthroughs and study edition can be purchased from our store for £11.99 as a stand-alone product.
Other study editions
- Brahms Intermezzo in A Major (Op. 118 No. 2)
- Brahms Intermezzo in A Minor (Op. 76 No. 7)
- Debussy The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
- Chopin Nocturne in C# Minor (Op. Posth.)
- Schubert Impromptu No. 2 in E-Flat Major (Op. 899)
- JS Bach Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C Minor (Book 1)
- Ravel Sonatine
- Byrd Coranto
These study editions can all be purchased individually from our store, as a collection with our Annotated Study Edition bundle or are available with an annual subscription to the Online Academy.