“Moonlight Sonata” is a nickname given to a piece by Beethoven consisting of three movements. Typically, the term Moonlight Sonata is given to only the first movement of the piece. However, the entire Sonata functions as a cohesive whole that evokes powerful imagery of contemplative calm, followed by a serene walk and finishing with a stormy and thunderous explosion. Liszt had so much respect for this piece that he refused to let any of his students that weren’t extremely advanced even consider playing it. Beethoven helped to usher in the Romantic Period in music. His early works were virtually indistinguishable from early Classical Period pieces, but as he developed his style became more original.

The first movement of the piece is marked by eloquent chords that outline various triads. The piece begins low in the piano and ascends to a higher pitched climax. As the piece progresses an ominous motive in contrast to the triplet chords resounds in the bass. Eventually the bass motive becomes higher until falling back down towards the end of the piece. Pianists must have extreme dexterity and finger strength to bring out the lower part in relation to the highly active right hand piano part.

The second movement is in three and has a series of chords that outlines a simple melody. The movement consists of a scherzo and trio that serves as an effective and eloquent contrast to the seemingly somber and subdued first movement. The chords move in parallel motion mostly, except for the cadence points at the end of each phrase. This creates a sense of harmony that blends seemingly into a single melodic line.

The third movement is the most powerful and quick-paced movement of the piece. The pianist starts with a thunderous clash with the low pitches of the piano and then proceeds to play quickly moving sixteenth notes in an ascending fashion. Pianists that want to play this movement effectively need to have a large amount of skill and the ability to accent the correct notes in the succession of arpeggios.

“Für Elise” is a piece for solo piano written by Beethoven. The original manuscript was confirmed to have been written on April 27, 1810. However, the piece was not officially published until 1840. The title translates literally “For Elise” however, it is uncertain if that title has any significant meaning. Scholars have debated who Elise is and whether the title was incorrectly copied from the original 1810 manuscript which is now lost.

The piece has gone through several changes over the years and many scholars believe that the original form of the piece was significantly different than the modern version. Most pianists and theorists classify the piece as a bagatelle, for the lilting free flowing melody. When performed, pianists often play the piece with a great amount of rubato which means they take liberties with the tempo. This piece is one of Beethoven’s more popular works.

Für Elise – piano sheet music

Sheet music and more information about the piece can be found here: http://www.pianostreet.com/beethoven-sheet-music/fur-elise-a-minor.htm

The piece begins in A minor. This key requires the use of very few black keys. However, there is a D-sharp which is not typically found in the key of A minor. This D-sharp creates a tritone between the E and the A in the opening motive of the pieve. However, because the D-sharp moves to a C before falling on A the piece doesn’t sound overly dissonant.

Since the piece opens with a simple alteration between E and D-sharp, the initial key is obscured to make the listener think the piece is in E minor or possibly even E Major. The actual key isn’t revealed until the second full measure when the melody and bass line come in on an A. Having the bass line come in on A instead of a stronger chord tone such as E or C gives the pianist the ability to come in subtly since they are an octave apart. For those that don’t follow music, an octave can reinforce a tone, but it is not as strong as some of the other intervals.

The opening of the piece is pretty simple and easy enough for a beginner. However, as the piece progresses, the music becomes more difficult and requires a greater degree of control and ability. Pianists that choose to play this piece must carefully control their pedaling to control the blurring between the notes. However, some pianists believe that the piece was meant to be played with a lot of pedal. Hearing a performance of this piece with heavy pedaling is a unique experience that creates a tapestry of sound that is truly inspiring. While the authenticity of such a performance is debated, the sound of such a performance is marvelous and truly unique.

There are lots of things that most people still don’t  know about classical music. This article throws more light on them.

Forms of classical music

There are many forms of instrumentation that classical music has taken.

The common forms which this type of music takes include: sonata, symphony, symphonic poem, etude, suite, polonaise, ballade, Opera and so on.

Other facts about classical music

Apart from the characteristics described above, there are still other notable facts you should know about classical music.

The relationship between this music and other forms of music, the early composers of classical music, and the type of musical work written by these composers are other important details you really should know.

More so, if you have not listened to this type of music or you don’t know how it really sounds, then you can take advantage of some free downloads online.

Conclusively, classical music characteristics are many and it is important you understand them. With the brief information above, you have idea of what these characteristics are.

However, much more important is the fact that by understanding these features you should be able to appreciate classical music the more.  If this type of music has been boring for you to hear, you can change your perception now by giving it better listening ear.

Maybe you will find more interest in it if you add visual exciting images or video which relates to the music. Take a look at pages like for example pianostreet on Pinterest or search for “popular classical music” at YouTube to get a good start.