Piano,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1240641 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,March,Romantic Period. Score and part. 4 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #836027. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1240641). This arrangement adapted for viola 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).

B-Flat Clarinet,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1156933 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. Score and part. 5 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #757277. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1156933). This arrangement adapted for clarinet in original key 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).

Clarinet Duet Clarinet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151925 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 2 scores. 8 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752131. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151925). This arrangement adapted for 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,Woodwind Quartet Clarinet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1138454 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 14 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #738790. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1138454). This arrangement adapted for clarinet 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).

Recorder Solo,Soprano Recorder - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1156938 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. Individual part. 5 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #757282. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1156938). This arrangement adapted for recorder 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).

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 Trio Bassoon,Clarinet,Oboe - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1147491 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 9 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #747729. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1147491). This arrangement adapted for wind 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).

String Quartet String Quartet,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1173854 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 14 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #774007. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1173854). This arrangement adapted for viola 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 Bassoon - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1147499 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 9 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #747737. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1147499). This arrangement adapted for bassoon 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).

Alto Flute,Instrumental Solo,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1156922 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. Score and individual part. 5 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #757266. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1156922). This arrangement adapted for flute in g 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).

Tenor Saxophone Duet Tenor Saxophone - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151946 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. Score. 8 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752153. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151946). This arrangement adapted for tenor saxophone 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).

Tuba Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1262048 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. 19th Century,Christmas,Classical,March,Romantic Period. 13 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #855104. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1262048). This arrangement adapted for tuba 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).

String Quartet Cello,Double Bass,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1173852 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 12 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #774005. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1173852). This arrangement adapted for string 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 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,Flute,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1151920 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 8 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #752126. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1151920). This arrangement adapted for flute and clarinet 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).