Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14

The second of Beethoven's Op. 27 piano sonatas, No. 14 in C sharp minor, has long been revered within the classical canon. Dubbed the “Moonlight Sonata” after Beethoven's death by the poet Ludwig Rellstab, whose verses were set by Schubert, No. 14 is one of the composer's most popular pieces for piano. The tranquil opening movement is contrasted by a boisterous, energetic finale. This performance is taken from Daniel Barenboim's highly esteemed complete rendition of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, recorded at the Palais Kinsky, Vienna, Austria, in 1983.