Beethoven | Piano Sonata in C# Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (‘Moonlight’)

One of Ludwig van Beethoven’s best known piano sonatas, the name ‘Moonlight Sonata’ had its origins in remarks by the German music critic and poet Ludwig Rellstab. In 1832, five years after Beethoven's death, Rellstab likened the effect of the first movement to that of moonlight shining upon Lake Lucerne. Within ten years, the name ‘Moonlight Sonata’ (Mondscheinsonate in German) was being used in German and English publications. Later in the nineteenth century, it could be said that the sonata was ‘universally known’ by that name.

This edition is part of ABRSM’s ‘Signature’ Series of authoritative performing editions of standard keyboard works, prepared from original sources by leading scholars. It includes an informative introduction and performance notes.