The history of the creation of L. Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata". The history of the creation of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata: a brief overview Moonlight Sonata the most popular work

Juliet Guicciardi... the woman whose portrait Ludwig van Beethoven kept along with the “Heiligenstadt Testament” and an unsent letter addressed to the “Immortal Beloved” (and it is possible that she was this mysterious beloved).

In 1800, Juliet was eighteen years old, and Beethoven gave lessons to the young aristocrat - but the communication of these two soon went beyond the boundaries of the relationship between teacher and student: “It became more pleasant for me to live... This change was brought about by the charm of one sweet girl,” the composer admits in a letter to friend, connecting with Juliet “the first happy minutes in the last two years.” In the summer of 1801, which Beethoven spends with Juliet on the estate of her relatives, the Brunswicks, he no longer doubts that we are loved, that happiness is possible - even the noble origin of his chosen one did not seem to him an insurmountable obstacle...

But the girl’s imagination was captured by Wenzel Robert von Gallenberg, an aristocratic composer, far from the most significant figure in the music of his era, but the young Countess Guicciardi considered him a genius, which she did not fail to inform her teacher about. This infuriated Beethoven, and soon Juliet informed him in a letter of her decision to leave “from a genius who has already won, to a genius who is still struggling for recognition”... Juliet’s marriage to Gallenberg was not particularly happy, and she met Beethoven again in 1821 - Juliet turned to her former lover with a request for... financial help. “She pestered me in tears, but I despised her,” is how Beethoven described this meeting, however, he kept the portrait of this woman... But all this will happen later, and then the composer was hard pressed by this blow of fate. His love for Juliet Guicciardi did not make him happy, but it gave the world one of the most beautiful works of Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor.

The sonata is known under the title “Moonlight”. The composer himself did not give it such a name - it was assigned to the work with the light hand of the German writer and music critic Ludwig Relstab, who saw “moonlight over Lake Firwaldstätt” in its first part. Paradoxically, this name stuck, although it met with many objections - in particular, Anton Rubinstein argued that the tragedy of the first part and the stormy feelings of the finale do not at all correspond to the melancholicity and “gentle light” of the moonlit night landscape.

Sonata No. 14 was published in 1802 along with. Both works were defined by the author as "Sonata quasi una Fantasia". This implied a departure from the traditional, established structure of the sonata cycle, built on the principle of contrast “fast – slow – fast”. The fourteenth sonata develops linearly - from slow to fast.

The first movement - Adagio sostenuto - is written in a form that combines the features of two-part and sonata. The main theme seems extremely simple when viewed in isolation - but the insistent repetition of the fifth tone gives it exceptional emotional intensity. This feeling is intensified by the triplet figuration, against which the entire first movement passes - like a persistent thought. The rhythm of the bass voice almost coincides with the melodic line, thereby strengthening it and giving it significance. These elements develop in a change of harmonic coloring, a comparison of registers, representing a whole range of feelings: sadness, a bright dream, determination, “deadly despondency” - in the apt expression of Alexander Serov.

Musical Seasons

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The girl won the heart of the young composer and then cruelly broke him. But it is to Juliet that we owe the fact that we can listen to the music of the best sonata of the brilliant composer, which penetrates so deeply into the soul.

The full title of the sonata is “Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, op. 27, No. 2." The first movement of the sonata is called “Lunar”; this name was not given by Beethoven himself. German music critic, poet and friend of Beethoven, Ludwig Relstab compared the first movement of the sonata with “moonlight over Lake Firwaldstätt” after the author’s death. This “nickname” turned out to be so successful that it instantly strengthened throughout the world, and to this day most people believe that “Moonlight Sonata” is the real name.

The sonata has another name: “Sonata – Gazebo” or “Sonata of a Garden House”. According to one version, Beethoven began writing it in the gazebo of the Brunvik aristocratic park in Korompa.

The music of the sonata seems simple, laconic, clear, natural, while it is full of sensuality and goes “from heart to heart” (these are the words of Beethoven himself). Love, betrayal, hope, suffering, everything is reflected in “Moonlight Sonata”. But one of the main ideas is the ability of a person to overcome difficulties, the ability to be reborn, this is the main theme of all the music of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was born in the German city of Bonn. The childhood years can be called the most difficult in the life of the future composer. It was difficult for the proud and independent boy to cope with the fact that his father, a rude and despotic man, noticing his son’s musical talent, decided to use him for selfish purposes. Forcing little Ludwig to sit at the harpsichord from morning to night, he did not think that his son needed childhood so much. At the age of eight, Beethoven earned his first money - he gave a public concert, and by the age of twelve the boy was fluent in playing the violin and organ. Along with success came isolation, a need for solitude and unsociability for the young musician. At the same time, Nefe, his wise and kind mentor, appeared in the life of the future composer. It was he who instilled in the boy a sense of beauty, taught him to understand nature, art, and understand human life. Nefe taught Ludwig ancient languages, philosophy, literature, history, and ethics. Subsequently, being a deeply and broadly thinking person, Beethoven became an adherent of the principles of freedom, humanism, and equality of all people.

In 1787, young Beethoven left Bonn and went to Vienna.
Beautiful Vienna - a city of theaters and cathedrals, street orchestras and love serenades under the windows - won the heart of the young genius.

But it was there that the young musician was struck by deafness: at first the sounds seemed muffled to him, then he repeated unheard phrases several times, then he realized that he was completely losing his hearing. “I drag out a bitter existence,” Beethoven wrote to his friend. - I'm deaf. With my profession, nothing could be more terrible... Oh, if I could get rid of this disease, I would embrace the whole world.”

But the horror of progressive deafness was replaced by happiness from meeting a young aristocrat, Italian by birth, Giulietta Guicciardi (1784-1856). Juliet, daughter of the rich and noble Count Guicciardi, arrived in Vienna in 1800. She was not even seventeen then, but the young girl’s love of life and charm captivated the thirty-year-old composer, and he immediately admitted to his friends that he had fallen in love ardently and passionately. He was sure that the same tender feelings arose in the heart of the mocking coquette. In a letter to his friend, Beethoven emphasized: “This wonderful girl is so loved by me and loves me that I observe an amazing change in myself precisely because of her.”

Giulietta Guicciardi (1784-1856)
A few months after their first meeting, Beethoven invited Juliet to take some free piano lessons from him. She happily accepted this offer, and in return for such a generous gift, she presented her teacher with several shirts embroidered by her. Beethoven was a strict teacher. When he didn’t like Juliet’s playing, frustrated, he threw the notes on the floor, pointedly turned away from the girl, and she silently collected the notebooks from the floor. Six months later, at the peak of his feelings, Beethoven began creating a new sonata, which after his death would be called “Moonlight”. It is dedicated to the Countess Guicciardi and was begun in a state of great love, delight and hope.

In mental turmoil in October 1802, Beethoven left Vienna and went to Heiligenstadt, where he wrote the famous “Heiligenstadt Testament”: “Oh, you people who think that I am evil, stubborn, ill-mannered, how unfair you are to me; you do not know the secret reason for what seems to you. In my heart and mind, since childhood, I have been predisposed to a tender sense of kindness, I have always been ready to accomplish great things. But just think that for six years now I have been in an unfortunate state... I am completely deaf..."
Fear and the collapse of hopes give rise to thoughts of suicide in the composer. But Beethoven pulled himself together and decided to start a new life and, in almost absolute deafness, created great masterpieces.

Several years passed, and Juliet returned to Austria and came to Beethoven’s apartment. Crying, she recalled the wonderful time when the composer was her teacher, talked about the poverty and difficulties of her family, asked to forgive her and help with money. Being a kind and noble man, the maestro gave her a significant amount, but asked her to leave and never appear in his house. Beethoven seemed indifferent and indifferent. But who knows what was going on in his heart, tormented by numerous disappointments. At the end of his life, the composer will write: “I was very loved by her and more than ever, I was her husband...”

Brunswick sisters Teresa (2) and Josephine (3)

Trying to erase his beloved from his memory forever, the composer dated other women. One day, seeing the beautiful Josephine Brunswick, he immediately confessed his love to her, but in response he received only a polite but unequivocal refusal. Then, in desperation, Beethoven proposed to Josephine's older sister, Teresa. But she did the same, coming up with a beautiful fairy tale about the impossibility of meeting the composer.

The genius more than once recalled how women humiliated him. Once, a young singer from a Viennese theater, when asked to meet with her, responded mockingly that “the composer is so ugly in appearance, and besides, he seems too strange to her,” that she did not intend to meet with him. Ludwig van Beethoven really did not take care of his appearance and often remained unkempt. He could hardly be called independent in everyday life; he required constant care from a woman. When Giulietta Guicciardi, still a student of the maestro, and noticing that Beethoven’s silk bow was not tied properly, tied it up, kissing his forehead, the composer did not take off this bow and did not change his clothes for several weeks, until friends hinted that his appearance was not quite fresh. suit.

Too sincere and open, disdainful of hypocrisy and servility, Beethoven often seemed rude and ill-mannered. He often expressed himself obscenely, which is why many considered him a plebeian and an ignorant boor, although the composer was simply telling the truth.

In the autumn of 1826, Beethoven fell ill. Grueling treatment and three complex operations could not get the composer back on his feet. All winter, without getting out of bed, completely deaf, he suffered from the fact that... he could not continue to work.
The last years of the composer's life were even more difficult than the first. He is completely deaf, he is haunted by loneliness, illness, and poverty. Family life did not work out. He gives all his unspent love to his nephew, who could have replaced his son, but grew up to be a deceitful, two-faced slacker and spendthrift, who shortened Beethoven’s life.
The composer died from a serious, painful illness on March 26, 1827.

Beethoven's grave in Vienna
After his death, a letter “To the immortal beloved” was found in a desk drawer (This is how Beethoven himself titled the letter (A.R. Sardaryan): “My angel, my everything, my self... Why is there deep sadness where necessity reigns? Is it ours? love can only endure at the cost of sacrifice by renouncing completeness, can't you change the situation in which you are not entirely mine and I am not entirely yours? What a life! Without you! So close! So far! What longing and tears for you - to you - to you, my life, my everything...”

Many will then argue about who exactly the message is addressed to. But a small fact points specifically to Juliet Guicciardi: next to the letter was kept a tiny portrait of Beethoven’s beloved, made by an unknown master

What is the difference between the words: confession and monologue?

A monologue can be on any topic, confession is very personal, it is the state of mind of an individual person.

Today we will listen to the music of L. Beethoven, about which the French writer R. Roldan said: “This is a monologue without words, a truthful, amazing confession, the like of which can be found in music... there is not a single word here, but this music is understandable to everyone.” .

Sounds I Part Analysis.

Melody - bass - triplets.

Man - Man's grief - the world around.

How do these three components develop?

Tenderness, sadness, reflection. Measured, rocking movement of the middle voice. Then a pleading melody appears, a slight upward movement. “Is this really happening to me? - the man thinks. She passionately and persistently tries to reach the light registers, but gradually the melody goes to the bass. Man dissolved in grief, completely disappeared into it, and nature remained unchanged. Merged with trouble. The last chords are like a heavy slab covering a person.

Sounds like P part

What image did this melody inspire?

This is an island of little happiness. B. Aget called it “a flower between two abysses.”

What is this lyric part?

Some consider it a musical portrait of Giulietta Guicciardi, others refrain from figurative explanations of the mysterious part. Intonations can be interpreted from unpretentious grace to noticeable humor. The person probably did something long past, loved, a corner of nature, a holiday, G. Neuhaus said that it was “A flower with drooping leaves.”

Sounds part III

What associations emerged?

It sounds like a storm, sweeping away everything in its path. Four waves of sounds rolling in with enormous pressure. Each wave ends with two sharp blows - the elements are raging. But here comes the second topic. Her upper voice is wide and melodious: she complains, protests. The state of extreme excitement is maintained thanks to the accompaniment - in the same movement as during the stormy beginning of part 3. Sometimes it seems that complete exhaustion sets in, but the person rises again to overcome suffering.

This is the dominant part of the sonata and the natural conclusion of its dramatic events. Everything here is like in the lives of many people, for whom living means fighting and overcoming suffering.

"Pathétique Sonata" No. 8

The sonata was written by L. Beethoven in 1798. The title belongs to the composer himself. From the Greek word “pathos” - with an elevated, elevated mood. This name applies to all three parts of the sonata, although this “elation” is expressed differently in each part.

I Part written at a fast tempo in the form of a sonata allegro. The beginning of the sonata is unusual: “The slow introduction sounds gloomy and at the same time solemn. Heavy chords, from the lower register an avalanche of sound gradually moves upward. Formidable questions sound more and more insistently. They are answered by a gentle, melodious melody with a hint of prayer against the backdrop of calm chords.

After the introduction, a rapid sonata allegro begins.

Main party resembles stormy waves. Against the background of a restless bass, the melody of the upper voice rises and falls anxiously.

Linking party gradually calms the excitement of the main theme, and leads to a melodic and melodious side party.

Contrary to the established rules in the sonatas of the Viennese classics, the side part of the “Pathétique Sonata” sounds not in the parallel major, but in the minor of the same name.

Test questions and assignments for students

1. In what year was L, Beethoven born?

A).1670,

B). 1870

IN). 1770

2. Where was Beethoven born?

A). In Bonn,

B). In Paris,

IN). In Bergen.

3. Who was Beethoven's teacher?

A). Handel G. F.

B). Nefe K. G.

IN). Mozart V.

4. At what age did Beethoven write the Moonlight Sonata?

A). At 50 years old.

B). At 41 years old.

IN). At 21 years old.

5 . Just in time for the love of which woman did Beethoven write the Moonlight Sonata?

A). Juliet Guicciardi.

B).Juliet Capulet. IN). Josephine Dame.

6. Which poet gave the name to sonata No. 14 “Moonlight”?

A), and Schiller.

B). L. Relshtab.

IN). I. Shenk.

7. Which work does not belong to the work of Beethoven?

A). "Pathetique Sonata"

B). "Heroic Symphony".

IN),."Revolutionary sketch".

8. How many symphonies did Beethoven write?

Exercise 1.

Listen to two works, determine by style which one is by L. Beethoven, explain your opinion.

They sound: “Prelude No. 7” by F. Chopin and “Sonata” No. 14, 3rd movement by L. Beethoven.

Symphony

Symphony (from the Greek συμφωνία - “consonance”) - a genre of symphonic instrumental music of a multi-part form with fundamental ideological content.

Due to the similarity in structure with sonata, sonata and symphony are combined under the general title “ sonata-symphonic cycle " A classical symphony (as represented in the works of the Viennese classics - Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven) usually has four movements.

The 1st movement, at a fast tempo, is written in sonata form;

2nd, in slow movement, written in the form of variations, rondo, rondo sonata, complex three-movement

3rd - scherzo or minuet - in tripartite form

4th movement, at a fast tempo - in sonata form, in the form of a rondo or rondo sonata.

A program symphony is one that is associated with a known content set out in the program and expressed, for example, in the title or epigraph - Beethoven’s “Pastoral Symphony”, Berlioz’s “Fantasy Symphony”, Tchaikovsky’s “Winter Dreams” symphony No. 1, etc.

Assignments for students

Listening and analyzing fragments from symphonies Kritskaya E. D. program “Music”.

In Mozart Symphony No. 40, exposition.

1. Sing the main solfege melody, vocalise, to a text you have invented yourself.

2. Listen and draw the melodic line of the main theme.

3. While listening, draw an artistic image that arises.

4. Compose a rhythmic score for DMI.

5. Learn the proposed rhythmic movements and compose rhythmic improvisations.

A. P. Borodin Symphony No. 2 “Bogatyrskaya”

1. Main theme: sing, play metallophones, piano.

2. Compare the musical image with the artistic one - A. Vasnetsov “Bogatyrs”.

P. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 finale

1. Sing the main theme with pauses for the words of the song “There was a birch tree in the field.”

2. Perform rhythmic accompaniment on noise musical instruments.

L. Beethoven “Moonlight Sonata”

Today there is hardly a person who has never heard the “Moonlight Sonata” Ludwig van Beethoven , because this is one of the most famous and beloved works in the history of musical culture. Such a beautiful and poetic name was given to the work by music critic Ludwig Relstab after the composer’s death. And to be more precise, not the entire work, but only its first part.

History of creation "Moonlight Sonata" Read Beethoven, the contents of the work and many interesting facts on our page.

History of creation

If about another of Beethoven's most popular works bagatelles Difficulties arise when trying to find out who exactly it was dedicated to, then everything is extremely simple. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, written in 1800-1801, was dedicated to Giulietta Guicciardi. The maestro was in love with her and dreamed of marriage.

It is worth noting that during this period the composer began to increasingly experience hearing impairment, but he was still popular in Vienna and continued to give lessons in aristocratic circles. He first wrote about this girl, his student, “who loves me and is loved by me,” in November 1801 to Franz Wegeler. 17-year-old Countess Giulietta Guicciardi and met at the end of 1800. Beethoven taught her the art of music, and did not even take money for it. In gratitude, the girl embroidered shirts for him. It seemed that happiness awaited them, because their feelings were mutual. However, Beethoven’s plans were not destined to come true: the young countess preferred him to a more noble man, the composer Wenzel Gallenberg.

The loss of his beloved woman, increasing deafness, collapsed creative plans - all this fell on the unfortunate Beethoven. And the sonata, which the composer began to write in an atmosphere of inspiring happiness and trembling hope, ended with anger and rage.

It is known that it was in 1802 that the composer wrote the very “Heiligenstadt Testament”. This document brings together desperate thoughts about impending deafness and unrequited, deceived love.

Surprisingly, the name “Moonlight” was firmly attached to the sonata thanks to the Berlin poet, who compared the first part of the work with the beautiful landscape of Lake Firwaldstätt on a moonlit night. It’s curious, but many composers and music critics opposed this name. A. Rubinstein noted that the first part of the sonata is deeply tragic and most likely shows the sky with thick clouds, but not moonlight, which in theory should express dreams and tenderness. Only the second part of the work can, with a stretch, be called moonlight. The critic Alexander Maikapar said that the sonata does not have that same “lunar glow” that Relshtab spoke about. Moreover, he agreed with Hector Berlioz’s statement that the first part most resembles a “sunny day” rather than night. Despite the protests of critics, it was this name that stuck with the work.

The composer himself gave his work the title “sonata in the spirit of fantasy.” This is due to the fact that the usual form for this work was broken and the parts changed their sequence. Instead of the usual “fast-slow-fast”, the sonata develops from a slow part to a more mobile one.

Interesting Facts

• It is known that only two titles of Beethoven’s sonatas belong to the composer himself - these are “ Pathetic " and "Farewell".
• The author himself noted that the first part of “Lunar” requires the most delicate performance from the musician.
• The second part of the sonata is usually compared to the dances of the elves from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
• All three movements of the sonata are united by the finest motivic work: the second motive of the main theme from the first movement sounds in the first theme of the second movement. In addition, many of the most expressive elements from the first part were reflected and developed in the third.
• It is curious that there are many options for the plot interpretation of the sonata. The image of the Relshtab received the greatest popularity.
• In addition, one American jewelry company has released a stunning necklace made of natural pearls, called the “Moonlight Sonata”. How do you like coffee with such a poetic name? A well-known foreign company offers it to its visitors. And finally, even animals are sometimes given such nicknames. Thus, a stallion bred in America received such an unusual and beautiful nickname as “Moonlight Sonata”.

• Some researchers of his work believe that in this work Beethoven anticipated the later work of Romantic composers and call the sonata the first nocturne.
• Famous composer Franz Liszt called the second part of the sonata “A flower among the abyss.” Indeed, some listeners think that the introduction is very similar to a barely opened bud, and the second part is the flowering itself.
• The name “Moonlight Sonata” was so popular that it was sometimes applied to things completely remote from music. For example, this phrase, familiar and familiar to every musician, was the code word for the air raid in 1945 carried out on Coventry (England) by the German invaders.

In the “Moonlight” Sonata, all the features of composition and dramaturgy depend on the poetic intent. At the center of the work is a spiritual drama, under the influence of which the mood changes from mournful self-absorption, thoughts constrained by sadness, to violent activity. It is in the finale that that same open conflict arises; in fact, to show it, it was necessary to rearrange parts in order to enhance the effect and drama.

First part– lyrical, it is completely focused on the feelings and thoughts of the composer. Researchers note that the manner in which Beethoven reveals this tragic image brings this part of the sonata closer to Bach’s chorale preludes. Listen to the first part, what image did Beethoven want to convey to the public? Of course, the lyrics, but they are not light, but slightly tinged with sorrow. Maybe these are the composer’s thoughts about his unfulfilled feelings? It’s as if listeners are momentarily immersed in another person’s dream world.

The first part is presented in a prelude-improvisational manner. It is noteworthy that in this entire part only one image dominates, but it is so strong and laconic that it does not require any explanation, only concentration on itself. The main melody can be called sharply expressive. It may seem that it is quite simple, but it is not. The melody is complex in intonation. It is noteworthy that this version of the first part is very different from all his other first parts, since there are no sharp contrasts, transitions, only a calm and leisurely flow of thought.

However, let’s return to the image of the first part; its mournful detachment is only a temporary state. Incredibly intense harmonic movement, renewal of the melody itself speaks of an active inner life. How could Beethoven be in a state of grief and reminisce for so long? The rebellious spirit must still make itself felt and throw out all the raging feelings outward.

The next part is quite small and is built on light intonations, as well as the play of light and shadow. What's behind this music? Perhaps the composer wanted to talk about the changes that took place in his life thanks to meeting a beautiful girl. Without a doubt, during this period of true love, sincere and bright, the composer was happy. But this happiness did not last long at all, because the second part of the sonata is perceived as a short respite in order to enhance the effect of the finale, which burst in with all its storm of feelings. It is in this part that the intensity of emotions is incredibly high. It is noteworthy that the thematic material of the finale is indirectly connected with the first part. What emotions does this music evoke? Of course, there is no more suffering and sorrow here. This is an explosion of anger that covers all other emotions and feelings. Only at the very end, in the coda, all the drama experienced is pushed deeper into the depths by an incredible effort of will. And this is already very similar to Beethoven himself. In a swift, passionate impulse, menacing, plaintive, excited intonations rush through. The whole spectrum of emotions of the human soul that has experienced such a severe shock. It’s safe to say that a real drama is unfolding before the listeners.

Interpretations

Throughout its existence, the sonata has always aroused constant delight not only among listeners, but also among performers. She was highly valued by such famous musicians as Chopin , Leaf, Berlioz . Many music critics characterize the sonata as “one of the most inspired”, possessing “the rarest and most beautiful of privileges - to please the initiated and the profane.” It is not surprising that throughout its existence, many interpretations and unusual performances have appeared.

Thus, the famous guitarist Marcel Robinson created an arrangement for guitar. The arrangement gained great popularity Glenn Miller for jazz orchestra.

“Moonlight Sonata” in a modern arrangement by Glenn Miller (listen)

Moreover, the 14th sonata entered Russian fiction thanks to Leo Tolstoy (“Family Happiness”). Such famous critics as Stasov and Serov studied it. Romain Rolland also dedicated many inspired statements to her while studying Beethoven's work. What do you think of the representation of the sonata in sculpture? This also turned out to be possible thanks to the work of Paul Bloch, who presented his marble sculpture of the same name in 1995. The work was also reflected in painting, thanks to the work of Ralph Harris Houston and his painting “Moonlight Sonata”.

The final " Moonlight Sonata" - the raging ocean of emotions in the soul of the composer - we will listen. For starters, the original sound of the work performed by the German pianist Wilhelm Kempff. Just look how Beethoven’s wounded pride and impotent rage are embodied in the passages rapidly soaring up the piano keyboard...

Video: listen to “Moonlight Sonata”

Now imagine for a moment if you lived today and chose another musical instrument to recreate these emotions. Which one, you ask? The same one who today is the leader in the embodiment of emotionally heavy music, overflowing with emotions and seething with passions - the electric guitar. After all, no other instrument can so vividly and accurately depict a swift hurricane, sweeping away all feelings and memories in its path. What would come of this - see for yourself.

Modern guitar processing

Without a doubt, Beethoven's is one of the composer's most popular works. Moreover, it is one of the brightest compositions of all world music. All three parts of this work are an inextricable feeling that grows to a real menacing storm. The characters of this drama, as well as their feelings, are alive to this day, thanks to this wonderful music and immortal work of art created by one of the greatest composers.