Piano,Tenor Saxophone - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1156943 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. Score and part. 5 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #757287. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1156943). This arrangement adapted for tenor saxophone and piano 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).

Bass Clarinet,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151927 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 9 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752133. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151927). This arrangement adapted for low clarinet 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).

Woodwind Ensemble Bass Clarinet,E-Flat Clarinet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1147369 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 15 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #747573. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1147369). This arrangement adapted for clarinet ensemble 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).

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1138448 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christian,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 15 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #738784. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1138448). This arrangement adapted for woodwind quartet 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).

Piano,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1240640 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,March,Romantic Period. 4 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #836026. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1240640). This arrangement adapted for violin and piano 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).

Bassoon,Clarinet,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151932 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 8 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752137. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151932). This arrangement adapted for clarinet and bassoon duet 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).

Trumpet Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1261907 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. 19th Century,Christmas,Classical,March,Romantic Period. 13 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #854991. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1261907). This arrangement adapted for trumpet quartet 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).

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet Bassoon - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1138456 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 14 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #738792. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1138456). This arrangement adapted for bassoon quartet 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).

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1138459 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 15 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #738796. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1138459). This arrangement adapted for sax quartet 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).

Bassoon,Flute,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151924 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 8 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752130. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151924). This arrangement adapted for flute and bassoon duet 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).

String Quintet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1167866 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 14 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #768218. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1167866). This arrangement adapted for string quintet 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).

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quintet Flute - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1129489 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 16 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #729936. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1129489). This arrangement adapted for flute quintet 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).

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble Baritone Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1289796 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,March,Romantic Period. 14 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #880494. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1289796). This arrangement adapted for baritone saxophone quartet 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).

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Trio - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1147489 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 9 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #747726. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1147489). This arrangement adapted for woodwind trio 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).

Clarinet Trio,Woodwind Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1147496 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 9 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #747734. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1147496). This arrangement adapted for clarinet trio 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).