Moonlight Sonata

[falling4ever3]

Does anybody know what grade Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven is? Also just wondering, how long did it take you to get through the peice and learn it? I would appreciate any feedback, thanks

- falling4ever3

[kerry]

Hi from Western Australia.  I have taught this for a seventh grade  Piano for Leisure exam.  Everyone wants to play this and it seems easy but  I agree it is hard to sustain and bring out the balance. Hope this helps. best wishes Kerry

[Its_about_nothing]

Also just wondering, how long did it take you to get through the peice and learn it?

This was the first "real" piece I learned. It took me about 2 months to perfect it back then. The 1st movement, that is.

[rachlisztchopin]

the third movement is much more difficult than the other two movements...must be superb at arpeggios, scales, etc.  I dont know much about the grading system, but i would guess beyond level 8

[bernhard]

1st movement: Grade 5
2nd Movement: Grade 7
3rd Movement: Advanced (beyond grade

all grades ABRSM.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[rachlisztchopin]

3rd Movement: Advanced (beyond grade

OK thats what i thought!  the third movement is by far my favorite movement of moonlight sonata...thanx for the info Bernhard
by the way, where do u find the ABRSM grades for piano pieces?

[faulty_damper]

Hi, new here.

I'm still learning it after more than a year.  Trying to play the last mvm't which is hard but it's not my primary focus as of now.

Beethoven's Op27-2 1st mvm't is a lot harder to play than it looks.  It's really a cliche to play it because of its popularity and when it is played, it's usually lacking in quality.  Usually, the triplet figures are treated as triplet figures over the duration of a quarter note and if it is treated this way, the tempo changes from a slow adagio to a moderato tempo.  It should be treated as individual notes in a slow and solemn mood.

Because the piece is a Fantasia - no pause between movements - a lot of care must be bestowed in "attaching" the flow of the piece from movement to movement.

Second movement is a Minuet & Trio - a dance.  As long as pianists know it's a dance, there shouldn't be any problems with tempo and playing.

Third movement is really fast and difficult to play.  It's doesn't require Liszt-like virtuosity but still, it helps.  


The entire piece can be memorized in a week.  Playing it, a lot more than that.


I don't know how grade is assigned.  You mean the piano music grading system of 1-8?  If so, I'd say it's an 8 - after you pass this exam, you can quit piano forever!  But speaking of exams, I haven't even passed grade 1.

[bernhard]

OK thats what i thought!  the third movement is by far my favorite movement of moonlight sonata...thanx for the info Bernhard
by the way, where do u find the ABRSM grades for piano pieces?

Try this site:

https://www.ukpianogroup.f9.co.uk/

You need to become a member (it is free) to fully explore the archives, but amongst its many resources you will find something called “The Langfield Lists”. This is – in grade order - a list of all pieces ever required by the ABRSM in their exams.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[rachlisztchopin]

OK thanx a lot Bernhard

[scriabinsmyman]

Well, I think if you're a mature pianist that's played for at least 7 years, you should be able to tackle this...this 1st movement, most well-known is a cinch even for 4th year students...however, 2nd the 3rd movements are a bit harder technically...esp if you don't want the 3rd movement to sound cluttered- many young pianists aren't able to control it.

[comme_le_vent]

i hate that ppl always talk about the moonlight sonata - meaning the 1st mvt. the 3rd mvt is the best by far! and its one of the best things beethoven ever wrote for piano, and its very difficult, diploma level at least.......

[rachlisztchopin]

i like ur taste of music comme le vente  

[comme_le_vent]

i like it too  

[Dave_2004_G]

ABRSM grades can be found at www.abrsm.org
Moonlight sonata is on the dipABRSM, the first diploma (post grade

Dave

[jr11]

The Moonlight is a ARCT (>gr10) piece in the Royal Conservatory program in Canada, and is played in its entirety. As another poster pointed out, the first mvt appears easy because of its low speed and repetition. However, the melody must sing out like a seperate instrument, and it must be deliberate. Played properly, it should be exceptionally emotionally moving. I enjoy this one because it allows such expression, but it scares me because one slip, one note released too quickly, and its completely ruined.

The 2nd movement's not too complex. The 3rd is quick and showy, and a great relief to get through unscathed! All in all, I think it's worthy of the ARCT level; perfection is the only acceptable format for this one.

[anda]

1st movement: Grade 5
2nd Movement: Grade 7
3rd Movement: Advanced (beyond grade

? ? ?

i agree that third part is more difficult techincally - but the first one is by far the most difficult mussically! it takes a very special kind of sound and it needs a sooo mature pianist to play it as it should be!

also, i used to like best the third part too... but, played right, the whole sonata is so perfect and round that i couldn't listen only one part anymore

[comme_le_vent]

i agree, but dont underestimate the musical difficulty of the finale - especially concering dynamics and phrasing.

[rachlisztchopin]

I believe that ABRSM grades by technical difficulty, not musical difficulty

[Daevren]

You need to become a member (it is free) to fully explore the archives, but amongst its many resources you will find something called “The Langfield Lists”.

You don't have to: https://www.ukpianogroup.f9.co.uk/pt-gr-uk/valerie.htm