A Valentine's Day Sonata

Hello friends,

Thank you to everyone who came out to see us this past week at the Westridge Summer Opportunities Fair and our $10 Lesson Day. We raised a lot of money for the LA Diaper Drive and got to meet more of our wonderful neighbors.

Valentine’s Day is upon us tomorrow. And what better time to talk about Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata? The love opus of the ages if I ever did hear one.

Completed in 1801, Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor still remains one of Beethoven’s most popular--and dare I say beloved--piano pieces. Interestingly enough, the title Moonlight Sonata didn’t get its title until five years after Beethoven’s death. German poet Ludwig Rellstab thought the first movement reminded him of the moon reflecting on the Swiss Lake Lucerne. Which many critics have found odd as the title does lend itself to a Romantic feel when in fact, many find the piece melancholic. Though I don’t think anyone would argue that the piece is beautiful and deeply moving.

I'm actually learning the piece myself in my piano lessons here at Green Brooms. Being one of my favorite pieces I find it quite easy to sit down and practice everyday.

In any case, tomorrow when you’re surprising your loved one with a really nice dinner (ordered from that really nice place down the street), why not pop out the speakers and put on Moonlight Sonata...