Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (Moonlight)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
Beethoven called both Op. 27 sonatas sonatas in the manner of a fantasy, suggesting freedom within the established genre. This C-sharp-minor work begins with a slow movement, continues with a brief Allegretto, and places its greatest physical energy in the finale. The familiar Moonlight name was attached later. Hearing all three movements reveals a much wider expressive range than the opening alone.
A listening guide
Follow the increasing activity from the sustained first movement to the rapidly driven finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano
Composition: 1801
The later Moonlight nickname was not Beethoven's title.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Moonlight Sonata; Sonata quasi una fantasia
Date, title and version notes
Moonlight is a later nickname, not a stated landscape program by Beethoven.
Two Sonatas for piano (E-flat major, C-sharp minor) op. 27
Work identity, dated event and scoring or version context for this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Two Sonatas for piano (E-flat major, C-sharp minor) op. 27
Work identity, dated event and scoring or version context for this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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