Moonlight Sonata
Angel heart				Hi, I just wondered if you had any tips for me in playing the third movement to the Moonlight Sonata.
Ludwig Van Beethoven				Madam, Sir, "Moonlight" sonata? "Moonlight"? With all due respect ask the 'lunatic' composer. The work undoubtably speaks for itself. Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig Van Beethoven				Cher Sinclair, Je vous écris ce matin parce que depuis quelques jours maintenant une petite tourmente me presse le coeur. C'est à propos de la lettre que votre journal me fit parvenir dans laquelle la personne qui vous écrivit que je ne connais point, faisait mention d'une de mes sonates, intitulée Clair de lune. Se pourrait-il que cette sonate se trouve ainsi appelée par l'auteur de la lettre? Mais cela est charmant! La personne y aurait-elle trouvé des échos pour elle peut-être, d'un clair de lune? Ah, cher Sinclair, que cela éveille de passions qui ragent enfouies dans mon coeur. Mes sonates, comme vous le savez, trouvent leurs sources au plus profond de mon être... Cependant la musique libère les émotions et affranchie, créera des émotions fraiches chez son interprète... Votre dévoué, Beethoven
Sinclair Dumontais				Mr. or Mrs, Mr. Beethoven sent me the following message a few days ago, concerning a question you sent him last month. I think that Mr. Beethoven was not comfortable with his answer to your question. The reason is, «Moonligh Sonata» is not the real name of the well known sonata. This poetic name was given to it later. Beethoven was dead at this moment... We can understand why the answer was so short. It was... difficult for him to understand your question... Regards, Sinclair Dumontais
Angel heart				I am fully aware that the true name of the sonata is Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia, however, I am highly doubtful that "Mr. Beethoven" would know a darned thing about email.
Ludwig Van Beethoven				Madam, Sir, You are entirely correct in that I do not know a fig about "email" and possibly have brought some embarrassment to poor dear Dumontais. I try to fathom it and it intrigues me that my correspondants use a "keyboard" with which they write but not to produce sounds! Most fascinating! Could these technologies have improved on my hearing instruments? Or even have produced for me a Hammerklavier that I could hear better??? Amidst these inventions, respected pianist, to ask about a sonata of mine deeply touches me. Could you please let me know which of the quasi una fantasia you mean, the one in E-flat major or in C-sharp minor? Respectfully yours, Ludwig van Beethoven
Angel heart				Hrrmm... I must have forgotten to mention that... the C sharp minor... I've been making a valiant attempt at it, and am embarrassed to say that I pride myself on having managed to learn and memorize the first two measures of the piece, but... <sigh> Any tips?
Ludwig Van Beethoven				I don't quite know how to help you here. You say you have trouble with the first two bars. Please observe the markings: pp. They must be played pianissimo and with the utmost simplicity and the tempo very even. But you had originally asked about the presto mouvement which you know could only be tackled once you've made it through the adagio. I see a serious problem and have a suggestion that will I think bring you a greater pleasure. It only takes one finger. I have read that you have an invention where you press one key and you can HEAR the music, like some music box. Perhaps you will find that more satisfying. I hope so. L. van Beethoven