


Why the First Movement of Moonlight Sonata is really Diploma Level Its tempo is also Adagio, similar to the Adagio Sostenuto of the moonlight sonata. Bars 16-17 of Beethoven’s Sonata in C, WoO 51, 2nd movement, set for ABRSM grade 6Īs you can see, this similar movement that was officially set for grade 6 uses a similar right hand triplet pattern to that in Moonlight Sonata. Let’s compare it with another Beethoven movement that was actually set for grade 6 on the ABRSM 2009-2010 piano syllabus – the second movement of Beethoven’s piano Sonata in C, WoO 51 (see extract below). However the adagio sostenuto tempo is slow enough to allow enough thinking time to get round these without much stress. The key signature (C sharp minor) is somewhat challenging, and there are many accidentals (additional sharps or flats) scattered throughout the movement. The tempo is slow throughout, and the left hand is simple at face value – it often only plays one or two static chords per bar. If we are just talking about playing all the notes accurately, and nothing else, then the playing standard required is about grade 6. This movement of Moonlight Sonata is not (currently) set on a grade syllabus. But to do it justice, the technical skill required to play this movement musically makes it diploma standard (ATCL/ARSM).īelow I’ll explain the reasons why it’s grade 6 level, and the reasons why it’s also diploma level, as well as discussing how long it takes for beginners to learn the first movement of Moonlight Sonata: Why the Notes of Moonlight Sonata First Movement are Grade 6 The famous opening of Moonlight Sonata So what grade would it be? Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata 1st movement would be approximately grade 6 level if you are only concerned with playing the notes correctly. Often they want to know approximately what standard it is when lined up against the piano grades system.

Many of my piano students, especially the adult beginners, have the goal of learning the first movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. If you are interested in this composer, you can also read our article dedicated to the best Beethoven’s piano songs.īonus: you can also learn to play this song at your own pace on our interactive piano learning app La Touche Musicale.This article uses the ABRSM and Trinity College London piano grade systems.
BEETHOVEN MOONLIGHT SONATA PDF
In this way, you can benefit from an audiovisual support that will help you to progress faster.Īt the end of this article, you will also find the free sheet music of Moonlight Sonata to download in PDF format.
BEETHOVEN MOONLIGHT SONATA HOW TO
Finally, we will see how to play the song with both hands at the same time.Įach part is accompanied by a tutorial video that shows you the notes to play. In a second time, we will see those of the left hand. First, we will discuss the notes to play with the right hand. In this article, we will learn how to play the notes of Moonlight Sonata on the piano. The composition is very pretty and nostalgic, which is why it was a great success from the moment it was published, and still is today. A dedication to the Countess Giulietta Guicciardi also appears on the original score, a dedication that testifies to the love the pianist had for this high ranking woman. Moonlight Sonata is a piano composition written by the virtuoso musician Ludwig Van Beethoven in 1801 and published the following year. You want to learn Moonlight Sonata on the piano? You’ve come to the right place!
