Beethoven: The 'Moonlight' and other Sonatas, Op. 27 and Op. 31 (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

Even in Beethoven's day the 'Moonlight' Sonata was a popular favourite. This 1999 book provides an accessible introduction to the Sonatas Opp. 27 and 31 (including The 'Moonlight' and 'The Tempest'), aimed at pianists, students, and music lovers. It begins with the works' historical background - the emergence of a 'piano culture' at the end of the eighteenth century, Beethoven's aristocratic milieu in Vienna, and his oft-quoted intention to follow a new compositional path. An account of the sonatas' genesis is followed by a discussion of their reception history, including a survey of changing performing styles since the mid-nineteenth century. The concept of the Sonata quasi una Fantasia is examined in relation to the cult of artistic sensibility in early-nineteenth-century Vienna. The study concludes with a critical introduction to each sonata. Even In Beethoven's Day The 'moonlight' Sonata Was A Popular Favorite. This Book Provides An Accessible Introduction To The Sonatas Opp. 27 And 31 (including The 'moonlight' And 'the Tempest'), Aimed At Pianists, Students, And Music Lovers. It Begins With The Works' Historical Background - The Emergence Of A 'piano Culture' At The End Of The Eighteenth Century, Beethoven's Aristocratic Milieu In Vienna, And His Oft-quoted Intention To Follow A New Compositional Path. An Account Of The Sonatas' Genesis Is Followed By A Discussion Of Their Reception History, Including A Survey Of Changing Performing Styles Since The Mid-nineteenth Century. The Concept Of The Sonata Quasi Una Fantasia Is Examined In Relation To The Cult Of Artistic Sensibility In Early-nineteenth-century Vienna. The Study Concludes With A Critical Introduction To Each Sonata.--jacket. Keyboard Culture. Technique And Technology ; Music For Connoisseurs -- Beethoven In 1800-1802 -- Composition And Reception. The Composition Of Op. 27 And Op. 31 ; Sketches ; Editions. Critics ; Pianists -- Quasi Una Fantasia?. Sonata Versus Fantasy ; Sonata As Fantasy -- The Design Of The Op. 27 Sonatas. No. 1 In E-flat ; No. 2 In C-sharp Minor (moonlight) -- The Design Of The Op. 31 Sonatas. No. 1 In G. No. 2 In D Minor (the Tempest) ; No. 3 In E-flat. Timothy Jones. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 139-141) And Index. Even in Beethoven's day the 'Moonlight' Sonata was a popular favourite. This book provides an accessible introduction to the Sonatas Opp. 27 and 31 (including The 'Moonlight' and 'The Tempest'), aimed at pianists, students, and music lovers. It begins with the works' historical background - the emergence of a 'piano culture' at the end of the eighteenth century, Beethoven's aristocratic milieu in Vienna, and his oft-quoted intention to follow a new compositional path. An account of the sonatas' genesis is followed by a discussion of their reception history, including a survey of changing performing styles since the mid-nineteenth century. The concept of the Sonata quasi una Fantasia is examined in relation to the cult of artistic sensibility in early-nineteenth-century Vienna. And the study concludes with a critical introduction to each sonata. Even in Beethoven's day everyone was talking about the "Moonlight" Sonata. This is a comprehensive introduction to Beethoven's most popular piano sonata, together with the four other sonatas in Op. 27 and Op. 31. Aimed at pianists, students and music lovers, it gives an account of the sonatas' historical background, their changing performance styles, and offers an accessible critical introduction to the music.