What is the meaning behind Beethoven Moonlight Sonata?
As a piano player, not professional tho, my first impression was of a sad, regretful song that slowly transformed into uneasiness and agitation… but, after listening to it numerous times, this music not only transported you to another place, obviously one that you would like to be. It really makes your think, not only about this song but from everything, your existance, what are you feeling, what would beethoven felt while writing it… so, its a "thoughtful song", one that really makes one question themselves.
He did not name it that – the title was added a long time later. Since I judge piano at S&E and other competitions, I start to wince when I hear this – because 99 times out of 100, it is played DREADFULLY. We judges each hear about 60 kids in a weekend, and we keep score – how many Elises, Moonlights, Rach c#, etc. I will not tell you what the *winner* gets – sometimes, just a lot of sympathy from the other judges. I NEVER let my kids play something old-hat for a competition – we want the judge to feel refreshed and attentive. I like the PDQ Bach version – where the Moonlight starts – and it goes into “Night and Day” by Cole Porter.
