“When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ― Albert Camus
I am hopeful that all found their own meaning in the madness of what we call Super Tuesday. A day when several States hold their primary elections. And if you thought Barnum and Bailey put on a good show, politicians are a great second act.
But now that we have a short term respite from the noise, I offer you a relaxing moment to spend with Beethoven and Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor "Quasi una fantasia", Op. 27, No. 2, popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata.
Ludwig van Beethoven
16 December 1770 – 26 March 1827
Midnight Sonata - the original title of the sonata is “Quasi una fantasia” (Almost a fantasy). The title of Moonlight Sonata actually didn’t come about until several years after Beethoven’s death. He would likely be quite irritated by the renaming as he was never fond of people naming his music.
History tells us that in the summer of 1801 while in Hungary, Beethoven composed this piece. He was staying at the home which belonged to the Brunsvik family. The composition was published in 1802 and was dedicated to Beethoven’s pupil and passion, 17 years old Countess Giulietta Gucciardi.
Beethoven had become acquainted with the Countess by means of his association with the Brunsvik family. In late 1801, he became her piano teacher, and became quite enamored with her.
Some say she is likely the "enchanting girl", about whom he wrote to his friend Franz Gerhard Wegeler: "My life is once more a little more pleasant, I'm out and about again, among people – you can hardly believe how desolate, how sad my life has been since these last two years; this change was caused by a sweet, enchanting girl, who loves me and whom I love. After two years, I am again enjoying some moments of bliss, and it is the first time that – I feel that marriage could make me happy, but unfortunately she is not of my station – and now – I certainly could not marry now."
While there are many thoughts regarding why Beethoven wrote this composition, and biographers make a connection between the unshared love he held for Giulietta and the harmonies heard.
We do know this sonata was dedicated to Giulietta, and that love writes its own story.
Stay inspired my friends!
