Personalizing the Conversation: Beethoven and the Classical Sonata

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering Beethoven, the Classical-era sonata, and the Moonlight Sonata (Op. 27, No. 2).

Sonata

An instrumental work for one solo instrument or duos, typically consisting of three or four contrasting movements in a multimovement cycle.

Classical-era sonata

An important genre used for amateur performance in the home, as well as concert show pieces for composer-performers.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

A German composer born in Bonn who moved to Vienna at age 22, operated under a modified patronage system, experienced progressive hearing loss, and expanded formal conventions across three compositional periods.

Modified patronage system

The professional arrangement under which Beethoven worked in Vienna, where he was not attached to a court, but instead taught aristocrats, worked for commissions, concertized, and published works.

Beethoven's first compositional period

The earliest stylistic phase of Beethoven's music, characterized as a reflection of the styles of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Beethoven's second compositional period

The middle stylistic phase of Beethoven's music, characterized by strong dynamic contrasts, explosive accents, and longer movements.

Beethoven's third compositional period

The late stylistic phase of Beethoven's music, characterized by chromatic harmonies and a transcendent quality.

Beethoven's compositional output

Beethoven's musical works, which include orchestral music, nine symphonies, several concertos, 32 piano sonatas, chamber music, 17 string quartets, one opera, choral music, songs, and a song cycle.

Ludwig Rellstab

A German poet who gave the nickname 'Moonlight' to Beethoven's Op. 27, No. 2 after the composer's death, likening the work to moonlit scenery on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland.

Countess Giulietta Guicciardi

Beethoven's pupil to whom the Moonlight Sonata (Piano Sonata in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2) was dedicated.

Sonata quasi una fantasia

'Fantasy sonata'; the Italian subtitle given by Beethoven to his Moonlight Sonata, Op. 27, No. 2.

First movement of the Moonlight Sonata

A dreamy movement marked Adagio sostenuto in modified song form that incorporates elements of sonata-allegro form without opposition of themes or keys, featuring continuous triplet accompaniment.

Second movement of the Moonlight Sonata

A gentle scherzo set in a major key that provides contrast between the outer movements of the sonata.

Third movement of the Moonlight Sonata

A stormy, dramatic finale written in sonata-allegro form.

Modified song form (LG 24)

The formal structure of the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, consisting of two strophes separated by a development section, a delicate singing melody, and a coda with the melody stated in the bass.