Beethoven Moonlight sonata mvt 3 - Analysis: HUNT OF HORROR

[@garydmcgath]

I've always thought of this movement as a werewolf rampaging under the full moon.

[@SonataSecrets]

Exactly, that has to be the reason for the name!

[@ludwigvanbeethoven8959]

I didn't call it "werewolf rampaging under the full moon" because I would have sponsor my enemy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which name means "wolf that walks"

[@sukholmes1066]

I can't play piano well, but after retirement I decided to dedicate several hours a day for practice. My plan was continue to sing mainly after taking years of voice, piano lessons and singing in choirs in my younger years while working and rasing kids but due to having sudden asthma / coughing my voice has been hoarse and not able to sing.... sadly. So I'm hoping and praying I am able to practice piano until I die.... I'm 68 and about in 10-20 years of practice hope to play to satisfy myself. I think it will be nice to have a piano recital in front of my kids, one grandkid, other family and friends before I die. Thank you so much for posting valuable piano pieces which inspire me to practice more and well. I will keep watching..... and want to donate regularly for your program. Can't thank you enough!!!

[@SonataSecrets]

I'm sorry to hear about your voice but piano is a great way to make music too! Seems like you have a great plan. I like to remind myself of the Bill Gates' quote "Most people overestimate what they can do in 1 year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years". And I think a lot can come in even 5 years, if one endures the first year when it most certainly can feel like progress is slow. I'm glad you enjoy the videos, I have a quite extensive catalogue at this point, and I have planned repertoire for the spring, and then we'll see what the future brings here too. I appreciate the donation! If you haven't seen it, you could check out my Patreon page for recurring donations, and you would get some special updates and behind the scenes stuff there too. www.patreon.com/sonatasecrets

[@sukholmes1066]

Hi Henrik, I'm so happy to hear from you personally! I just joined $20/ mo patronage for now. Thank you so much! Suk Homes ( 68 and retired))

[@SonataSecrets]

Thank you for being open to Patreon! Although I can't see that it has come through on my end yet...?

[@sukholmes1066]

I think it went through this time.

[@SonataSecrets]

Yes, it came through now! I just sent you a welcome e-mail too.

[@luigivercotti6410]

With this sonata, solidified with this movement, there are various pictures that can be conjured up, but I think there is only one word that would begin to describe it: Desperation. Everything about it, from the quiet resignation and heartbreak of the adagio, the melancholic mirth of the menuet, and the frantic horror mixed with screaming pain of the presto, it really is pure, unbearable desperation that the devil himself couldn't have put into paper.

[@anushka5912]

exactly, i only came here because I couldn't name the feeling which I was feeling while listening to this, i absolutely agree with you, its desperation.

[@watchme1368]

The day I can play like you, I can’t tell you how joyous it will be.

[@Ocagna]

Your channel is amazing. You literally illustrate music like no one else! Love those emoticons on the sheet music

[@Genevieve8002]

Thank you your analysis. I’m a new beginner to learning the piano. I really enjoy all 3 movements in this sonata. For me, this movement invokes feelings of a chase taking place, something or someone is chasing something or someone, and they get close but not close enough. It feels so frenzied too. I’m nowhere near being able to learn this piece, the speed alone is enough to be amazed by those who can play it!

[@harelrubin1432]

You don't have to learn all of it. I new from the start that i wouldn't be able to play the 3rd movement. And today i know the first and in the middle of learning the second.

[@demopem]

I just watched Annique Göttler (Heart of the Keys) trying to learn this as a 1-10-60 minutes challenge. Gives you some perspective on the work involved to play this... :)

[@keithkunikida1222]

You know, everyone in my house hated this movement, they said that this movement had nothing to do with moonlight and the furious manner of this piece. But I managed to still practice and completed the piece. This sonata is my first completed sonata. It’s my fave but no one understands, hopefully you can understand my pain and torment, Sonata Secrets. - Keith, founder of fabuloush (currently stopped and making sheet music arrangements)

[@SonataSecrets]

I hope your family could find some music they like... Yes, I do understand piano pain and torment.

[@keithkunikida1222]

Sonata Secrets You know I live in a Chinese family and they kept getting racial about music like this, they would say stuff like “This type of music is for white people, Chinese people (or Malaysian since I’m Malaysian Chinese) should be hearing Chinese pop or cultural music” or “Too much dynamics and too loud” or “This music makes us sleepy (e.g. Gymnopedié No 1). But still appreciated your reply cuz your videos are so wholesome.

[@tetyanachorna8139]

林梓捷12 J3U5 This music is wold treasure. They just did not understand that. Classical music doesn't have a nationality! So, keep going! I wish you luck from the bottom of my heart! Find time to listen Aleksey Sultanov. He won a gold on Van Clibern competition.

[@ChoBee333]

@@keithkunikida1222 I grew up w/ similar Chinese family who didn’t appreciate classical music either, so I understand. Lol It’s nice to know you are not alone. This movement is difficult and I gave up after first 3 pages. Congrats to u for learning the whole piece!

[@ichiroogami8484]

Interestingly, this movement also reminds me of a Chinese mythology. A mythological creature, Tiangou (天狗, the heavenly dog) is rampaging and eating the moon in lunar eclipse day. Ancient people panic and use gongs, drums, and firecrackers to scare the Tiangou away.

[@hesoxixj]

some of the best content i’ve found on youtube, great job.

[@1955robyn]

FABULOUS!!! I love your description of this movement. I never thought about it like that before. Thank you!!

[@profsjp]

A fitting conclusion to the series - exciting and with rich depths! Wonderfully communicated.

[@carolarwin]

I found you a few days ago and I'm absolutely fascinated. You're amazing!

[@apollyon1081]

This is the hunt under a moonlit night. The murderous intent of a scorned lover.

[@clutchmatic]

That's basically what it was as Beethoven originally dedicated this to someone but got rejected

[@rodneyhorrell]

Thank you for your commentaries on the music narrative of Beethoven's work, it really is powerful and I love the emoji's, very nice touch to the video. I wish Beethoven did more Violin Concerto's but we only have the one completed one.

[@myrocky0774]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge about music. It helps me to perceive music from different perspective.

[@philipcharles207]

I loved your description of a "hunt of horrors" and the feelings of being chased. In my opinion, these sentiments apply EXACTLY to the 1st movement of the pathetique sonata; there are feelings of dread, panic, and terror as if one is being pursued by a dangerous life-threatening malevolent entity. This 3rd movement evokes the same emotional response in me. Thank you for your wonderful descriptions and analysis of Beethoven's magnificent music.

[@SonataSecrets]

I agree, very similar in character to the Pathetique 1st mvt. I'm glad you liked the video :)

[@bluelichen9696]

I love the intro. It's like the room darkens as he verbally sets the stage. I don't know what it is about how he says "scary music" I find so funny. Sometimes when I practice this piece that pops into my head and I can't help but laugh.

[@margarethansen7480]

I apreciatte this vídeo too much, cause this piece is so difficult but you can stop when you need to explain, return back and made this analysis I’d ever seen. Cool that even if I made another ideas but stilb agree with this kind of feelings you descreve Thanks for that👏👏👏

[@td3807]

You are the most engaging pianist and educator I have seen on youtube😊

[@ashalavylo]

I'm quite new to classical music, but the explanations are very meaningful and clear. Thank you a lot! And your animations are superb!

[@simongross3122]

Another wonderful video and explanation of a wonderful piece of music.

[@SonataSecrets]

Thank you Simon!

[@veniceangelidelacruz2988]

I like this guy, he's so relatable...

[@yingma9604]

Loads of thanks for your analysis! 🙏 It has been used again and again in the cinema. Last year I went to see again a movie from the early 70s by Luis Bunel. Le charme discret de la bourgeoisie. The scene was so horrible, there was so much anguish, and then this piece started to play it matched so well the atmosphere that this time I remembered the piece. And it really amplifies the horror effect. Although when we listen to it as a chapter of the rest, just music without the movie it is less frightening! And I enjoy your performance at the end of the video thank you! 🙏

[@imsutoshijamir4190]

Wow what a story telling and explanation awesome 🔥🔥🔥

[@janeteh9950]

This was an awesome video. I am working on this movement right now and it’s been so helpful. Thanks so much! Do you do tutorial videos? Would love some tips on conquering some of these runs.

[@SonataSecrets]

Thank you Jane, I'm glad you liked it! I'm sorry I don't do proper tutorial videos... you can read some of my own notes (fingerings etc) in the score, and just once in a while I give some technical comment in the videos. But I would recommend other KZbinrs for that, especially Josh Wright Piano TV and Piano Insights. They both have a learning tutorial for this movement.

[@janehalim2246]

Thank you so much for the analysis.. sir. Gbu always.

[@marverickbin]

OMG this piece is amazing!

[@annahitajasavala5854]

Thank you for the analysis. Very helpful! scary tempo, but that is what the Maestro wrote. I am just starting to learn this piece, so tempo is very slow. The first two movements were a piece of cake :-)

[@SonataSecrets]

Thanks! It takes a long time to gradually get the speed higher. And yes, this movement is much harder than 1 and 2!

[@baragoth]

Beautiful, just beautiful.

[@321Lopper]

Great piano playing too.

[@janetpage2987]

Love it. Great teaching Great graphics!

[@ariannak6102]

thankyou, this is very informative

[@quinton1110]

My favorite movement by far.

[@drdandan6128]

Same

[@LudwigvanBeethoven2]

Thank you ❤

[@kyleschaust4383]

I got so excited I missed a bar. Most relatable part of the video since this is way above my pay grade. Good analysis though.

[@squintchy]

Thouroughly enjoyed that. Thanks

[@interstellar618]

Fantastic!!! This is the beast that stalks me every day. Thank you.. subbed:)

[@opticalmixing23]

10:32 best part

[@Genevieve8002]

I love that part of the movement so much!

[@JorgeL721]

I always think of a crew of a small Navy sailing ship fighting a storm.

[@pianoworld233]

So an epic ending. Beautiful video.

[@jgoogle4256]

Can you do the Waldstein? Particularly the 3rd mvt but I would love it if you could do the whole thing. Thanks for the great videos!

[@helenfousteris5922]

Bravo! Thank you

[@foaadfallah2143]

Its so great thanks alot means a lot

[@ulfgj]

tack för dina videos! en så kul diskussion om musik. snygga omskrivningar för knepiga passage också.

[@krisjustin3884]

Beethoven - Genius!

[@themukhtalef]

Excellent work

[@nevetsny1]

9:32 this is so fun to play. Yup.

[@naokookadahill5639]

Loved this video too ! I understand cut off the thumb notes on Octave with Grace notes on top, but I’m wondering why you changed Grace notes in other parts.

[@SonataSecrets]

My reasoning was that I wasn't able to jump securely to the octave after the ornament in the top voice, so I thought that it was better to not risk hitting the wrong note and keep the right rhythm and expression. But now some time after I'm not so sure anymore, I also miss the octave sound there. (but I doubt people who don't already know the piece would notice it...)

[@naokookadahill5639]

@@SonataSecrets you are great 👍 I suggest to my piano students not to play the thumb Octave bottom note. Looking forward your another song analyzing video !

[@akvus]

Useful, thanks!

[@hollysaxton320]

I love your videos and channel :) It's always very insightful

[@juanleahy2202]

Dear Henrik. Ref Moonlight Sonata Now I understand why the first movement is for those who are at the Intermediate level, the second movement is for those at Advanced level & the third movement is for those at a level of insanity!!! Apologies for my sense of humour. With thanks for this video & best wishes.

[@liliu7223]

Thank you so much for your detailed analysis! I love it! Would you please also teach us about Waldstein Sonata 3rd movement from Beethoven?

[@purpleturtlesofkorea8379]

I'm glad I came across your videos. It's truly captivating from start to end. I'll be overwhelmed if I could play this piece like you. I so want to play it ! 🤍

[@sukholmes1066]

Same here.

[@watchme1368]

You are a Beast

[@islaadele1212]

See, ladies and gents, this is an advanced lifeform at work. Teaching the finer points of one of the most technically taxing sonatas, all while playing and making quips in another language. He's probably knitting a sweater with his feet. 👣

[@hippietacito]

Bravo sir.

[@HWLee-vu4hv]

Beautiful

[@ykenny9037]

chasing and hunting, escaping from something fear is what Beethovan tried to describe. so the music director of the movie ' immortal beloved, 1994 ' really understood well this music. you maybe able to refer the scene that young Beethovan run away from his father and let his body sink in the lake slowly. that lake is first movement of moonlight. amazing thing is chopin copied this description from moonlight a lot in his work.

[@JohnDoe-nt6sn]

This piece is awesome but so difficult to practise. Could you be kind enough to give us enlightements on how to work out the most difficult parts, in particular the staccato octaves at 3:42. Anyway thank you, you are such a fine musician !

[@angelclassicalmusic3931]

I don't use to change or drop grace notes in my performances, I think we ought to play as is written.

[@WvonDechend]

Haha that reverse Rachmaninoff 12:36! gotcha!! :D

[@SonataSecrets]

You're the first!

[@PhilippHatt]

Your descripiton reminded me quite early on about Schubert's Erlkönig. It even seems to have separate themes/voices in dialog, and it also ends tragically. And of course it requires breakneck speed from the pianist.

[@SonataSecrets]

Absolutely. Love Erlkönig.

[@PhilippHatt]

@@SonataSecrets I would totally watch your take on it!

[@tetyanachorna8139]

Thanks ❤️❤️❤️

[@russelldeitch5765]

I am a huge fan! 😂

[@arnoldwohler]

It's like criminal lecture. Very revealing.

[@championakali2253]

What is the musical term for the left hand playing two notes simultaneously really fast called ?

[@micaelat3734]

You probably mean the tremolo.

[@SONYDWSMUSIC]

Goodddd mr

[@vladimirsamsonov46]

All I can reference out of listening to this is final level of eathworm jim 2 😂

[@Jason-le3bp]

Is the 8th note staccato (3:44) a third theme? I can hear it in the development (7:29) and in the recap (9:10)

[@SonataSecrets]

It's definately a separate structural section, I don't go into detail in this video but you would normally call it part of the closing group rather than a separate theme because it has more of a transitional character, but you can also make the case that it is a 3rd theme in its own right. In the development it's just a fragment of staccato 8th notes as a variation of the melody, so its not really stated there in a thematic sense, but it's there as an echo all right.

[@crobinso2010]

Chemical Brothers use that section effectively to create a theme for their Hannah soundtrack. Or at least a modified version.

[@silverphoenix_1756]

How is this so metal

[@Chris-zi1we]

This song is how I feel when I’m on the toilet after eating Taco Bell 😩

[@robertwilson214]

Most classical leaves me meh.but this has me riveted,like a rising storm with the mathematical dance of bach

[@mag.eberhardproschl8804]

❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏!!!

[@rayuk3939]

What tempo is it played at please?

[@GaudinSax]

8:31

[@AnaPaula-np5rq]

😮👏

[@andreaungari5607]

Quand'è che vai una versione più facile?

[@foo0815]

I see you took a few liberties in simplifying, the octave trills and the 10th arpeggios...

[@MN-jl5rk]

Beethoven is escaping far away from his life.

[@flipflopdancer6728]

4 people disliked this? Like, really?

[@whadyoogonnadoo5190]

♥️