This is the opening of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. It is an example of music from the early Romantic period, and has been for two hundred years among the world's favorite piano compositions. Students often become intrigued with this music and study it in middle or high school. At the time of its composition, this sonata broke with convention by casting the first of the three movements as a slow fantasia (almost all the sonatas from the late 1800's have fast first movements that are in the sonata-allegro form). The main technical difficulty in this piece is that the pinky of the right hand must bring out the bell-like melody while the rest of the hand plays a soft accompaniment. Some piano music is easier than it sounds. Not this piece.
Click on the play arrow to hear an excerpt Moonlight
Click on the play arrow to hear an excerpt Moonlight
I believe music is one of the joys of life and the ideal way to nurture mind and spirit. Over twenty years and with hundreds of young musicians I've seen music grow into something that gives purpose, pride and satisfaction during the school years--and for a lifetime.
If you are considering lessons, look around and see what's offered. If you are a student, past or present, welcome! Visit the Listening Room to hear student recordings or for a music appreciation lesson. I wish everyone joyful music making!
If you are considering lessons, look around and see what's offered. If you are a student, past or present, welcome! Visit the Listening Room to hear student recordings or for a music appreciation lesson. I wish everyone joyful music making!
If you have questions about lessons, use the contact form or just call or write: Joshua Shapiro / 978-692-2377 / ivorylit@yahoo.com
To do TODAY: practice Bulletin BoardJosh's Roudenbush class for K-2 has a summer session in 2012. Find out more hereAmazing bit of musical history: In the 1790's a young composer named Ludwig van Beethoven moved to Vienna, the musical capital in those days. He went there to study with Haydn, then the greatest living composer. We still have Beethoven's "homework" with corrections in Haydn's hand. Haydn thought his student was a great talent. Beethoven later claimed he "didn't learn a thing" from Haydn.
The music across the top of this page (and other pages on this site) is from some of the most beloved classical piano pieces of all time. The Click to Learn! button (top right) gives a brief perspective on this great music as well as a chance to listen to it.
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