Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550092 Composed by Claude Debussy. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 20th Century,Holiday,Standards,Wedding. Score and parts. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #4593653. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550092). Score: 11 pages. Duration ca. 4:20. Great selection for Valentine's Day. tres doux et très expressif - Daydream мечтательно�ть 夢想 Träumerei.

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1150157 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Classical,Instructional,Opera,Romantic Period,Traditional. 9 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #750327. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1150157). This adaptation was intended for a small group of bassoon duet, where the original essence of the piece was kept, however, with a reduction in the duration, where only the main themes of the opening were extracted. As it is simplified, it is intended for beginner students of instrumental music who want to enter orchestral music, even in a simplified and reduced form, and can be used by music teachers with their students in ensemble practice in situations such as academic recitals, didactic concerts, or assessment tests. The Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, known as the Symphony of Destiny, by Ludwig van Beethoven, written between 1804 and 1808, is one of the most popular and best known compositions in the entire repertoire of European music. The four movements are characterized by orchestral homogeneity, being, at the same time, an example of alternation: the first movement, revealing great tension, denounced by the strings and raised to an extreme drama; the second movement reveals solemnity, in a funeral march that rises by its emotion and beauty; the third movement, a crispness; the fourth movement expresses triumph and magnificence.

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549381 Composed by George Frideric Handel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Sacred,Standards,Wedding. Score and parts. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3492259. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549381). Duration: 4:55, Score: 6 pages, Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages. A very famous aria (Ombra mai fu) from XerxesSuitable for any venue requiring meditative music. Excellent choice for a recital encore. Xerxes Xerxes is, in fact, an opera seria in three acts by Handel. Moreover, Handel conducted the premiere performance in London in 1738. Handel casts the opera in Persia in 470 BC. The part of Xerxes was indeed originally sung by a soprano castrato. Nowadays, the part is generally sung by a mezzo-soprano or conversely a counter-tenor. In the first place, Xerxes sings an opening aria, Ombra mai fu to a plane tree. Handel sets this aria to one of his most truly famous melodies. Although many refer to it traditionally as Handel’s Largo, Handel has, on the contrary, clearly marked Larghetto in the score. Handel Background George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1759) was born in Germany but eventually became a British citizen. Nonetheless, he was a famous Baroque composer. In fact, he became famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. Handel studied music and, by and large, worked as a composer in Germany and Italy before moving to London. On the whole, Handel was very familiar with the contemporary music of Italy and Germany. Career in England It is essential to realize that Italian opera was all the rage in England at the time. Moreover, Handel was really good at writing them. Therefore, he started not one but three opera companies in England. Alexander's Feast was a huge success in 1736, but Handel began composing English choral works. After success with the Messiah in 1742) he certainly never again wrote an Italian opera. Consequently, he died in 1759, a treasured genius. Accordingly, the English government gave him full state honors at his funeral. Hence, he is buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Legacy Music historians agree that Handel was in general one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.  To demonstrate, his works such as the Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain consistently popular up to the present time. He especially composed the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest for the coronation of George II. Nevertheless, it has specifically been performed at every succeeding British coronation since. His oratorio Solomon has by all means also continued to be prevalent. As a matter of fact, Sinfonia from act 3 was featured in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Handel was particularly prolific. To enumerate, he wrote over forty operas.  Since the late 1960s, we have expressly experienced a revival of baroque music. Similarly, we have especially seen a pique of interest in historically informed musical performances. Since his death in 1779, interest in Handel's music has all in all, expanded.  

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549363 Composed by Bach-Gounod. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas,Contemporary,Easter,Wedding. Score and parts. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #3490133. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549363). This arrangement follows the original Bach prelude and so excludes the extra measure that Schwencke introduced in 1783. If you prefer the extra measure, please see Bach-Gounod: Ave Maria, Schwencke version for Bassoon & Piano, S0.661791. The convenient 1st & 2nd endings provide an option for extended performance with minimal page turns for the accompanist. The duration with repeat is about 4:50. Score: 6 pages. Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 4 pages. Based on Prelude #1 in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1. Well suited for church meditations or school programs or recital encores. Ave Maria Ave Maria is a Catholic prayer that consequently asks for the mother of Jesus (Mary) to intercede. Charles Gounod composed a famous version of the Ave Maria. He was a French Romantic composer who overlaid a new melody on an existing Bach chord progression. The progression is from Bach’s Prelude No. 1 from Well-Tempered Clavier I. This version, as well as Schubert’s version, have become essential items at weddings, masses, and funerals. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created an engaging new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549232 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Easter,Standards,Wedding. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #3468756. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549232). J. S. Bach BWV 508.  Bist du bei mir Bach adapted this aria from a lost Stölzel opera called Diomedes. He changed the original orchestral instrumentation to soprano, strings, and continuo.  He also modified the voice-leading making it sound more like a Bach composition. The work appears as BWV 508 No. 25 in the Anna Magdalena Notebook No. 2.   Source Only a few remnants of the original opera have survived. Historians speculate that Anna Magdalena got the song from the Leipzig Opera after the bankruptcy of 1720. Chances are good, though, that the tune was a favorite of everyone in Leipzig at the time.   Lyrics When thou art near, I go with joyTo death and to my rest.O how joyous would my end be,If your fair hands            Would close my faithful eyes. - Unknown Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy are the St. John Passion, and indeed the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival                Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  Voyager NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft in 1977. Onboard are phonograph records with sounds, music, and images of life on Earth. The purpose of the launch was to inform intelligent extraterrestrial life forms about conditions on Earth. The music on the disc is varied. There is Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky among others. However, because Bach is so important in our music history, it contains three times more Bach than all the others combined.

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550922 Composed by J. S. Bach - Gounod. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas,Easter,Standards. Score and parts. 12 pages. Jmsgu3 #4888319. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550922). This arrangement features the controversial Schwencke measure (ms. 27) that was originally introduced in 1783 by Christian Friedrich Gottlieb Schwencke. The convenient 1st & 2nd endings provide an option for extended performance. Duration with repeat - 4:50. Score: 7 pages. Solo part: 1 page, piano part: 4 pages. Based on Prelude #1 in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1. Well suited for church meditations or school programs or recital encores.  Ave Maria Ave Maria is a Catholic prayer that consequently asks for the mother of Jesus (Mary) to intercede. Charles Gounod composed a famous version of the Ave Maria. He was a French Romantic composer who overlaid a new melody on an existing Bach chord progression. The progression is from Bach’s Prelude No. 1 from Well-Tempered Clavier I. This version, as well as Schubert’s version, have become essential items at weddings, masses, and funerals. Bach Overview First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.  History Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as a court composer.  Style It seems like Bach created an engaging new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top. Revival               Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.  Voyager NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft in 1977. Onboard are phonograph records with sounds, music, and images of life on Earth. The purpose of the launch was to inform intelligent extraterrestrial life forms about conditions on Earth. The music on the disc is varied. There is Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky among others. However, because Bach is so important in our music history, it contains three times more Bach than all the others combined.

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1153400 Composed by Luigi Boccherini. Arranged by Ander. Baroque,Classical,Instructional,Traditional,Wedding. 4 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #753660. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1153400). This simple arrangement adapted for bassoon duo was imagined for a group of beginner students who want to start their immersion in classical music, of course with the help of a teacher. Even though the original work is for strings, this did not prevent this beautiful adaptation, where the original essence of the work was maintained, being made only an adaptation of the tonality and some adaptations in the tessitura of the instruments. This piece can be used for professional and academic recitals, didactic material and repertoire for ensemble practice as well, which does not prevent professional musicians and instructors from using it for performances of their preference. Luigi Boccherini was born in the city of Lucca, in northern Italy. He studied cello and became a virtuoso who eventually moved to Spain, where he worked with the Spanish royal family for the rest of his life. His String Quintet in E major, Op. 11, No. 5, G 275, was written in 1771 and published in 1775, and is one of his most famous works.The quintet is famous for its minuet and trio, third movement which is often played as an independent piece outside the context of the full quintet. This is notably the most famous, it is in 3/4 time, in the key of E Major modulating to A Major. This is a beautiful work, and not just the third movement, with good partial writing for all. The lovely, flowing melodies and rhythms are typical of Boccherini. The quintet is suitable for both concerts and home performances.

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548710 Composed by Martin Luther. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Easter,Instructional,Standards. Score and parts. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3411733. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548710). Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther arranged for bassoon & piano. The first verses feature modified counterpoint and harmony proceeding at quarter = 82. The final verse is reharmonized for maximum dramatic effect at a more contemplative tempo such as quarter = 64. Features the entire range of the instrument. Very powerful selection for Lent or Easter. Duration (3 verses) 3:05, 36 ms. Score: 3 pg. Solo part: 1 pg. The piano reads from the score. Out of the Depths Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (From deep affliction I cry out to you), is, of course, a hymn composed by Martin Luther. Moreover, Luther also wrote the lyrics, essentially a paraphrase of Psalm 130. First published in 1524, it is also one of eight songs in the original Lutheran hymnal. It appears likewise in many hymnals and in different translations. The lyrics furthermore stimulated compositions from the Renaissance to the contemporary. Consequently, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach built an entire chorale cantata on it. Other composers similarly contributed pieces, such as Felix Mendelssohn and Max Reger. Luther Background Martin Luther, (1483 –1546) was a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and moreover, an influential character in the Protestant Reformation. Luther had a momentous impact on church and society due to his contributions to the musical arts. He wanted to disseminate the gospel among mankind and with this intention thought that the best way to do that was through music. Influence It is important to realize that other musicians, and their descendants, were encouraged by Luther’s songs and wrote their own hymns. Luther, to be sure, had a thorough musical education. For example, he knew secular and sacred songs from an early age. He, in particular, played the lute well and sang in the monastery when he was a monk. That is to say, music was an essential part of his life. He in fact first began writing songs in 1523, sometimes writing the melody as well as the lyrics. Luther was certainly able to evaluate the composers of his time. He thought especially highly of Josquin des and Ludwig Senfl. He was also acquainted, with this in mind, with other composers and their works. Legacy The Lutheran musical ethos soon covered all of Germany and later significantly fashioned Protestant musical culture. Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach are the most compelling evidence of this Protestant musical culture. Additionally, as a point often overlooked, the pedal organ, first refined in northern Germany, became universally prevalent. As a matter of fact, Dieterich Buxtehude established a regular evening organ concert series in Lübeck. Another key point is that this concert series, in turn, spread North German Musical ideas worldwide. Luther was especially convinced that music is a beautiful and exclusive offering of the divine.

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1042668 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by Ander. Baroque,Easter,Sacred,Wedding. 6 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #647445. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1042668). This easy arrangement for bassoon duet has been adapted to be simple to perform and understand the structure of the original work for various levels of musical knowledge. It can be played freely by beginning students because of the ease imposed on the piece. It is often performed at wedding ceremonies slowly and reverently, challenging the effect suggested by Bach in his original score for voices with trumpet, oboes, strings, and continuous bass. This is one of Bach's most beautiful cantatas, made famous by the Jesus the Joy of Men chorus. It was originally composed for Advent 1716 in Weimar. Years later, already in Leipzig, Advent was tempus clausum, there was no music in the churches. Bach then reworked it for the Feast of Mary's Visitation. It is the final chorale of the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben. Although it is the 32nd cantata composed by Bach, of those that have survived, it was given BWV 147 in the complete catalog of his works.

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1043895 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by Ander. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Sacred. 4 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #648590. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1043895). This easy arrangement for bassoon duet has been adapted to be simple to perform and understand the structure of the original work for various levels of musical knowledge. It can be played freely by beginning students because of the ease imposed on the piece. Recommended for performance in reverently Christian and liturgical ceremonies such as Good Friday and Christmas time. It also serves as a study for Baroque sacred song. The Jesulein süß, the Jesulein mild is an original traditional German choral melody for voice and continuous bass arranged by Johann Sebastian Bach around 1735. With lyrics by Valentin Thilo, O Jesulein süss is a sacred melody adapted and catalogued as BWV 493. The first translation is by Dirk van Hogendorp, who made it more of a song for the time of suffering.

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549932 Composed by Modest MUSSORGSKY (1839 - 1881). Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Holiday,Instructional,Patriotic,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and parts. 91 pages. Jmsgu3 #4303577. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549932). A classic selection of epic proportions. Score: 75 pages, Solo part: 16 pages, 924 measures. Duration: 34:30 Pictures at an Exhibition (Картинки � вы�тавки) by Modest Petrovi� Musorgskij, 1874 (Моде�т Петрович Му�орг�кий) Promenade 1  Allegro giusto, nel modo russico; senza allegrezza, ma poco sostenuto    page 1 1. GNOMUS (The Gnome)  Sempre vivo page 4 Promenade 2  Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezza page 10  2. IL VECCHIO CASTELLO (The Old Castle) Andante molto cantabile e con dolore page 12  Promenade 3 Moderato non tanto, pesamente page 18  3. TUILLERIES Dispute d'enfants après jeux (Children's Quarrel after Games) Allegretto non troppo, capriccioso page 19                                                                              4. BYDLO (Cattle) Sempre moderato pesante  page 22 Promenade 4 Tranquillo page 26 5. Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks Балет невылупивших�� птенцов Scherzino  page 27 6. Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuÿle  Еврей в меховой шапке. Cандомир  Andante page 30 Promenade 5  Allegro giusto, nel modo russico, poco sostenuto page 36 7. LIMOGES. LE MARCHÉ. (La grande nouvelle) The Market (The Great News) Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando   page 39 8. CATACOMBAE (Sepulchrum romanum) (Roman Tomb) Париж�кие катакомбы  Largo page 46    CON MORTUIS IN LINGUA MORTUA (With the Dead in a Dead Language) Andante nontroppo, con lamento page 47 9. The Hut on Hen's Legs (Baba Yaga) Избушка Бабы-Яги на курьих ожках. Ча�ы в ру��ком �тиле Allegro con brio, feroce page 50 10. The Bogatyr Gates (In the Capital in Kiev) Проект город�ких ворот в Киеве. Главный фа�ад The Great Gates of Kiev Allegro alla breve Maestoso con grandezza page 63Mussorgsky is known for his ability to evoke vivid pictures through his music. He creates soundscapes that transport listeners to other places and times. Through the use of complex harmonies and shifting tonalities, Mussorgsky creates sonic paintings that are as diverse and varied as any works of art in a museum. He takes listeners on a journey through different landscapes and environments, ranging from pastoral settings to the depths of the underworld. In his famous suite, Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky gives each movement a title that references a painting, sculpture, or architectural feature from an art museum. The suite is composed in such a way that it captures the moods and emotions evoked by the artworks. From the bright and energetic Promenade to the somber and mysterious Catacombs, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition paints a vivid sonic landscape that brings the listener into the art museum.

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.551226 Composed by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Classical,Concert,Instructional,Standards,Wedding. Score and parts. 28 pages. Jmsgu3 #5009909. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.551226). Duet No. 2 - F. 55Score: 14 pages, Duration - ca. 10:12Contents:I. Allegro ma non troppoII. CantabileIII. Alla breveIV. Gigue, Allegro.

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1441486 Composed by Andre Previn. Arranged by Cadenza Editions. Children. 3 pages. Cadenza Editions #1021470. Published by Cadenza Editions (A0.1441486).

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1441549 Composed by Andre Previn. Arranged by Cadenza Editions. Children. 4 pages. Cadenza Editions #1021533. Published by Cadenza Editions (A0.1441549).

Bassoon,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151938 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 8 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752141. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151938). This arrangement adapted for bassoon duo was designed to make its listeners weep with emotion, because the adaptation preserves the original essence of the work, keeping its integrity faithful to what Beethoven wanted to transmit, with only a slight change in tone and addition of harmonic resources in the structure of the arrangement. Even though it is a funeral march, it is well suited for any musical performance occasion, being intended for beginner students who want to immerse themselves in the universe of romantic music, and nothing better than starting with the transitional composer of this period, which also does not prevent professional teachers from using it for recitals, academic presentations or didactic material in their classes as an ensemble practice. Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C minor sharp, Op. 27, No. 2, is one of his most popular compositions and was an audience favorite even in his day. Written when Beethoven was 31, the Moonlight Sonata (Mondscheinsonate in German) was composed after he finished some commissioned works, but there is no evidence that he was hired to write this work. It did not receive its nickname until 1832, five years after Beethoven's death. It was the critic Ludwig Rellstab who compared the music to a moonlighting on Lake Lucerne. This comparison was adopted as a nickname for the work. Called Quasi una fantasia by the author - like its companion Op. 27, No. 1 - the piece was completed in 1801 and dedicated the following year to one of the composer's pupils. Beethoven chose to open the sonata with a slow, hypnotic arpeggio movement, the best known of the entire work. The dotted rhythm of its minimal melody evokes the tradition of 'Trauermusik' (funeral music).