Ludwig Van Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" performed by Eric Henderson on a 1969 Manuel Contreras

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Guitar: 1969 Manuel Contreras SP/CSAR (www.guitarsalo...)
Here's Eric Henderson performing his arrangement of Ludwig Van Beethoven's famous "Moonlight Sonata" from his Piano Sonata No. 14 in C# minor on a 1969 Manuel Contreras classical guitar made with spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides. Recorded at the Guitar Salon International showroom in Santa Monica, CA.
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Huge thanks to the folks at Apogee Electronics (ApogeeDigital.com) for the use of their Ensemble interface in these recordings.
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[@sasssquatch1467]

As a metalhead, a guitar player, and a classical music lover, this sonata gets me every single time. It's said that Beethoven wrote it after the woman he loved married another man. This isn't merely the musical product of sadness, it's a man grieving the death of his own heart. His heart was the departed, his chest was the casket, and Beethoven was the pallbearer. This is acoustic mourning. This rendition is perfection.

[@bokkirk]

Very well said

[@user00404]

war was all around the world during that time, all your friends from school being KIA is probably more sad than anything else

[@sasssquatch1467]

@@user00404 Nah, to you and me, yeah.. but they were a bit different back then. Beethoven was born in 1770, it was not uncommon back then for women to bring their children for a picnic, on the sidelines of battles near their homes. Some of which their husbands were fighting in. They saw death all the time, whether it was caused by violence, injury, exposure, starvation, or illness. They became mostly numb to death.

[@jigglybongs]

Your comment made me shed tears

[@jubiladoyaventurero958]

@@sasssquatch1467 What!? This is a ignorant comment. Talk to war veterans who were in actual combat, and they will NOT agree with your comment about feeling numb to death.

[@erikainharmony4465]

This man was my teacher. You will never find someone more passionate about guitar or more dedicated to their craft than Eric Henderson. I learned so much from him and will forever hold music and the guitar in a new light because of his lessons.

[@reinholdhubner8880]

Captivating, incessantly powerful. A proove of matured mastership. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ney57e]

Is he dead?

[@erikainharmony4465]

@@ney57e No, I moved away and had to stop taking lessons from him.

[@manuelapolista7316]

@@ney57e what a nasty question

[@Freakybananayo]

@@manuelapolista7316 agreed. There were certainly better ways of asking that sort of thing

[@donshepherd2943]

I don't think they have invented a word to describe how good this guy is. This performance is without a doubt a masterpiece. Thank you so much. Beethoven would be proud.

[@leecoops2002]

The word is virtuoso friend.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

@@leecoops2002 Sure. The word is accurate. But I think it's more than that. Classical music has to be interpreted. It was performed expertly but it was also performed with, fire. That's the word I use to mean passion or feeling. The notes are half of the equation. Btw, I'm not like, educating you or anything. I'm just making conversation. You probably know all that already. I just wanted to compliment his fire.

[@wladyslawbukowski]

I fully agree with you. What do you think about this performance? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJi0aKBmmJmFm6s

[@Ludwig_van_Beethoven70]

Yes, of course. Thank you

[@Soda_Dreams]

@@PaulTheSkepticmaestro

[@melcarbon1625]

I will never buy anything advertised on You Tube.

[@palkyaw8756]

Music inifinity

[@idiotsaintcrazy]

Most moving interpretation i have heard. Instant tears. Incredible. I can't believe all this sensitivity going on when you know that this piece is a real torture to play on guitar. The sound is magic too. The slowdowns in the arpeggios bring life, movement and sensitivity. Thanks for this amazing work !

[@joanarling]

I agree. Usually, the variations in speed (so common among classical guitarists) give me the creeps -- but this flows like a creek through the meadows. Great!

[@narmale]

2nd best version ive heard of MS

[@vaishnavi2608]

@@narmale which one's the at the top acc to you?

[@narmale]

@@vaishnavi2608 Elly Ney, piano version, its 1950s? She plays a fantastic interpretation

[@ace-dj1dm]

classical guitars are easier on the fingers i feel

[@Tmanaz480]

Sounds like it was composed for guitar. The little moments of vibrato that a piano can't do...Wonderful interpretation.

[@matticeverhoeven6539]

Not to mention all the different tone colours Eric adds!

[@italovidigal1990]

@@matticeverhoeven6539 magical right hand technics indeed

[@Uglybuttfiend]

And what's funny is I searched for this half expecting it to not yield results, as I figured this song was straight made for piano, but this is just as good if not better.

[@unwaveringdiscipline5489]

@@Uglybuttfiend watch vera danilina play rondo alla turka. i still get fits of inferiority complex haha

[@MrMkpp]

God damn... This man plays with every fibre of his being... He's just oozing passion. Every deliberate strike of the string, every note precisely annunciated to exactly how he wants it conveyed.

[@cashmny78]

This right here exemplifies exactly why computers can never replace human beings when it comes to making music.

[@matthewnelson5425]

This is at the top of my list of favorite compositions for piano and hearing and seeing this maestro perform it on guitar is one of the most beautiful things I think I've ever heard...

[@vanodyssey1659]

Makes sure to listen to Erik Satie - Gymnopedies 1, 2 and 3 and more. ;) That's my number 1.... This is my number 2.

[@OO7krispycreme]

Sounds like a proper Metallica song when played on guitar.

[@reinholdhubner8880]

Captivating, incessantly powerful. A proove of matured mastership. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@yohanauvray543]

Sounds Spanish now :) I feel like I’m walking into Malaga’s streets.

[@ELECTRICMOTOCROSSMACHINE]

I think Beethoven would be proud. Every note played with heart and soul.

[@Ren-fx5ti]

God I love watching people feel the music they're playing. Your brain just takes a back seat in those moments

[@d.d.70]

This man, with this song, on this guitar...simply amazing!!😁😁👌🏼

[@raccoon874]

it is not a song

[@markneedham8726]

Si. Song it is. A piece that is a song. Beautifull.

[@steverichardson8080]

Songs are sung; this is a composition. If there were more instruments it would be an arrangement. But if you wanted to make it simple, you could call it an instrumental, I guess.

[@brianogden1789]

Long ago I played this on the piano cannot imagine doing it on the guitar. Magnificent

[@aaronanytime8897]

Do yourself a favor and learn to play it again!

[@drkrypton4410]

lying on my bed after a grueling day of work, sun going down, dogs barking out in the alleys and this comes wafting in through the open window. beautiful. thank you Eric.

[@lukewalker1051]

Was Eric out on the window ledge?

[@drkrypton4410]

@@lukewalker1051 ha, no. he's not stupid.

[@paulgoogol2652]

@@drkrypton4410 that is not stupid but a life style

[@loveyou-db4fg]

你真是一位诗人啊

[@drkrypton4410]

@@loveyou-db4fg ? pleas translate

[@Aditya-dw4kz]

Pure Gold! Master of this instrument playing it on such a refined guitar with great recording quality. I'm lucky to be able to listen to this for free

[@godfreyzilla8608]

A genius composer. A truly virtuoso performance by a true virtuoso. Life is good! Thanks for posting.

[@debatico77]

ME GUSTARÍA SABER DE QUIÉN ES LA TRANSCRIPCIÓN PARA GUITARRA. EXCELENTE INTERPRETACIÓN, ¡GENIAL!!

[@igtorque]

Es del propio intérprete: Eric Henderson.

[@gamedevbrownbus2871]

That's a beautiful guitar. This is the first time I have seen Eric Henderson play, but I gotta say, the passion he plays with is incredible.. Truly amazing performance

[@woodrow1037]

One of my favorite pieces, performed extremely well. Thank you.

[@paulerickson1906]

I wonder how many hours were put invested in learning every note perfectly played? Wow. Music that was written hundreds of years ago still touches the heart.

[@joefairweatherblues8511]

Completed in 1801👌

[@paulc3960]

He is gifted and talent. For normal people no matter how many hours they have spent on practicing this piece they still make mistakes and not as good as him.

[@darkone9572]

And in any language !! Even if you cant read or write !!!

[@rulesOfChaos_]

@@paulc3960 I hate that sentiment because to me it sounds both like an excuse not to try and like he hadn't had to work for it. Yes, he might be talented or even gifted, but he wouldn't be able to perform at that level if he hadn't put effort and countless hours into his craft. And if he had never started to put the work in, he would have never realised his potential.

[@Crime_pays]

At least 10 years of dedication

[@Churchcantor]

Beethoven sounds awesome on guitar. Add to this, that Beethoven himself didn't consider this one one of his better works. He said to Carl Czerny; why do people like it so much...surely I have written better things! On guitar, somehow it is better than on piano.

[@nmcg2587]

A physical musician - brings drama to this piece. Interesting instrument

[@dl22al10]

You went from the Stones to Beethoven. You sir are amazing!

[@enriquebenitez2615]

Tengo 80 años y esto es Lo mas bello que he escuchado

[@sandyahire15]

C#m is the scale of unsettling atmosphere and melancholy. Often give you chills

[@strdb9450]

Yeah but it's in a minor here 🤣

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

​@@strdb9450😂yes bro

[@seanbrrtt]

This is a minor

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

@@strdb9450That’s what the little m signifies….

[@ascendedbox612]

@@isaiahmarquez9717 This is A minor

[@markharrisllb]

Thank you for posting this and thank you Mr Henderson for recording it, it was a privilege to watch and listen to it.

[@veradabronyi6147]

Wunderschöne Musik, perfekte Interpretation, vielen Dank!

[@thetransmogrifer2522]

It does not get any better than that Mr. Henderson! The Barrios influence is clearly there. Just pure magic!! I never thought I'd hear that on a 6 string classical instrument. The rest of my emotions and reverence just can't be put into words. This video is a gift in every way.

[@robertomighty4562]

Thoughtful arrangement. Intensely performed. Beautifully played. ¡Gracias Maestro!

[@marcd1981]

I really enjoy hearing these classical compositions played on the guitar. This sounded like a piano in the first few seconds before showing Mr. Henderson playing the guitar. Thank you, and Happy New Year, 2024!

[@jamescwolf]

Sweet! I would think that is a challenging piece to transcribe from from piano to guitar, but it certainly lends itself to the instrument. Nicely done!

[@kingnateoh]

I love the subconcious body language, mixed with a bit of; you can tell he's trying to so the infamous symphony justice, and he pulls it off, simply beautiful, as a guitar player myself

[@glennmoeller5801]

Beautifully and lovingly played! I started learning this piece 45 yrs ago but never finished but watching this video has inspired me to work on it again. Amazing work of art! Bravo!

[@danylenerblasdamian739]

este maestro expresa su interpretación en su rostro según el pasaje de notas que pasa buena interpretación me encanto ...por favor escuchen ah jaime landini la misma obra lo interpreta lindo también....por lo menos para tocarlo una década de estudio

[@algonzalez4215]

I run out billiards 😅

[@mrthomas394]

5 minutes of playing that takes 10 years to master 👍👍

[@robertskinxd8850]

10 years? this man probably has over 40-50 years of practice

[@DazUK81]

10 years 🤣🤣🤣 try a lifetime

[@MrAtomicPig]

Rest sure, you can play no worse after 2-3 years of practice. If you practice, of course :)

[@steverichardson8080]

@@MrAtomicPig A couple of my teachers have said it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become proficient in playing an instrument, double that to master it. So if you practice 50 hours/week, it'll take you 4 years to become truly good at playing guitar, 8 years to fully master it, but you can never max out on practice.

[@lifenote1943]

@@steverichardson8080 Ok this is more of a pet peeve but I HATE, the "it takes x years to be truly good at this". First of all "truly good" is VERY vague and subjective, and secondly time spent varies quite drastically. But the idea of a guitarist being "truly good" is just, ughhh it really irritates me. More so on the universal concept of a level of expertise. If you have a guitarist that's solid technically, and plays with the same generic rubato as 99% of other guitarists under the sun, are they truly good? Probably by classical standards. But what about someone who's maybe a little less solid but actually is unique and brings something new to the table? Or hell even if they were just as good, would they be considered "truly good" in the strict definitions and standards that are used in the classical community? Sorry I know my tirade has barely anything to do with your comment, I'm just annoyed by classifying musicians into skill brackets. Like music is just a technical exercise like snooker or something. Well I guess in classical technique is 99% of what matters, so idk, in every other genre of music, creativity and expression are valued a lot more highly.

[@mishikay_music8997]

In case you are unaware this man has a tutorial series on youtube for free on how to play this piece it was very cool

[@TheMicrofox]

What I love most next to the lovely playing of classical guitarists is their grimacing.

[@lacedhexes]

I believe every musician on any instrument has this face, some just hide it more. It's the whole body that plays the music. 😄

[@Steven-jf4cs]

When I just saw the tile with his expression I had to watch. I agree with laced hexes that ever musician expresses themselves distinctly.

[@andrewcruz1931]

Beautiful playing ! Love the passion .

[@tonykelpie]

Not an easy piece. It can be played slightly slower than this and still sounds very beautiful

[@dt6653]

This piece is incredibly difficult to play slowly (as it should be played) and legato on the guitar.

[@Cinetyk]

I'm not a musician myself, 'm only a common person born in Portugal in 1984. I've always enjoyed classical music, Beethoven and Mozart are amongst my favourites, but this performance just go over the top of anything. I cannot explain it but there is something so intimate and special about the guitar being played - the piano cannot quite capture it. This performance is like all that my soul has ever resonated with in my live in different minute little sounds the guitar brings to the feeling of the music... I hope people from around the world listen to this and be touched

[@katiemeloan7897]

Cinetyk, you say you are not a musician, "only a common person"....but I know from what you say you heard in this piece that you have a musicians heart, my friend. I've been playing guitar since 1969 and I could play another hundred years and never even come close to Eric's work on this piece---but Cinetyk, that doesn't matter. Being a musician isn't a destination, it's a journey. Find an instrument, any instrument, and start on your heart's journey. Katie, a friend in Colorado USA

[@lionre]

​@@katiemeloan7897Well said!

[@stubbsmusic543]

Magnificent! And how cool that you would bring Beethoven to the heavy metal audience. Because, when you play it THAT way, It reinforces the idea of what many of us already knew - Beethoven ROCKS!

[@jacobforrester9827]

He makes this guitar speak with Ludwig's accent. Most play Moonlight Sonata as if it were written by Chopin or Schumann. He has the softness, grace, and flow, sure, but the pronouncement of some of the notes of emotional rise have the barely sleeping volcano that Beethoven had in the core of his being. The power of this piece as it was played by this man... I truly believe, he captured the very essence of Ludwig Von Beethoven, not just the notes.

[@poladelarosa8399]

Perfect tempo, graceful rubato, refined taste. ¡Bravo y gracias maestro!

[@gold_soulo]

This man just sang passionate melody

[@liviofn7391]

This Maestro is incredibly talented. It is hard to believe that guitar can be brought up to such a level of poetry. This piece has not been conceived to be played on guitar at all and the technical issues have been solved flawlessly by this genius of music. Thank you Maestro!

[@mikeguthrie5432]

I love Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata". This is the first time I have heard it played on a guitar. Actually not played, but "caressed". Very moving and beautifully done. Thank you Sir for this "gift".

[@CleoCat75]

dang, the timing and FORCE of plucking is all off. IMO. Love that you posted this.

[@rickrodrigues2219]

"Moonlight Sonata"- a complex piece of music excellently executed by Señor Contreras. Muchas gracias!

[@dennishurt4314]

I bought two Contreras' guitars in in his shop in Madrid. - both "double tops"). The recording here is not very good. CONTRERAS' guitars are amazing.

[@joaozanatta7718]

Artista que tange as cordas da guitarra com alma, com sentimento, pungente como a própria música desse genial Beethoven.

[@Howdyaus]

This is the time where I'd usually make a huge speech about my thoughts on this performance. My thoughts = Speechless

[@Cloudy-es3hs]

3:51 when you think the string is about to tear apart.

[@carlositaguai]

Minha música número 1 no mundo e nunca havia visto um solo tão tocante como Moonlight no violão. I N D E S C R I T I V E L

[@alexmala6483]

Wonderful! Bravo! Just a wonderful interpretation, and an amazing display of skill.

[@MottiShneor]

Wonderful translation, and having the guitar sing me that beautiful thing I'm playing on the piano is a delight. I don't particularly like the rendering here - it's a little exaggerated a bit dirty, somewhat too melodramatic. There's no "moon" left here... where is the night? way too many syncopation and fermatas, and so on. still... It's the 3rd time in a loop that I'm hearing this, so... please don't get discouraged by my critique. It IS good.... some place for small improvement and that's it.

[@angilyol]

Transcription is very organic for guitar

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

Guitar was made from GMO tofu back and sides tempeh.

[@mikesrecords0]

This recording rekindles my earlier thought that had Beethoven lived to hear the Torres improvements in the sound of the guitar, he would have composed extensively for the instrument. Obviously familiar with the guitar and guitar composers (Giuliani?), he could well have had the instrument in mind when composing minimalist, tightly arpeggiated works such as Moonlight Sonata. Indeed, I would say that this fine performance strongly suggest that the piece is more naturally suited to the guitar.

[@84rinne_moo]

What a brilliant play. Doesn’t over embellish but let’s the notes talk and adds those little intricacies that bring out the depth of the piece. Amazing!

[@wladyslawbukowski]

I fully agree with you. What do you think about this performance? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJi0aKBmmJmFm6s

[@sartori2713]

968 mil visualizações e apenas 21 mil curtidas. É uma pena a grande maioria das pessoas não saberem demonstrar efetivamente sua apreciação.

[@felixheinimann8968]

At the expression in his Face you can really See how much he feels it and transfers this emotion in to his playing.

[@alexkotugin9317]

Вообще-то звуки извлекаются руками, а не сжатыми шубами и выпученными глазами¿? Я, дико извиняюсь, но 😮...

[@lucianochert7721]

Al chiar di luna meravigliosamente suonata con chitarra❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kenadler4255]

At this moment, a little over a year it was posted, it has 12K likes. Now think of how many talentless, stupid videos have 10X that, or perhaps 100X that. It's sad. This should have attention.

[@ross9581]

WOW, amazing, I can't even think how difficult this piece is and the time it needs to render this version. Super!

[@steverichardson8080]

6 months, 1-2 hours a day. The secret is only adding 1 new line each week.

[@markbare2817]

Bitchin' wonderful song and player, absolutely perfect passion.

[@ColtDee]

Wonderful so much emotion reverberating through me, its heavenly.

[@bunbynoy]

Oh my goshhh about 1:25 you really see how he plays feeling the music flow from his heart through his entire body to be channeled through the guitar. He is no longer playing, as he is EXPRESSING the guitar~. Very very amazing.

[@cycling.guitarist]

Mr Henderson you rendition of Moonlight Sonata is absolutely spellbinding! I was glued to the seat enjoying every note that comes through you 69 Contreras, I have several instruments by the same maker two of them are of the same year. I would love to have a copy of your arrangement fo the Moonlight if that’s possible.

[@pyzik200]

That's impressive. My left forearm hurts just listening.

[@kfr5018]

Arguably the greatest chord progression ever. Beautiful playing.

[@igorsvitlyk5237]

"Arguably" )))))))))

[@lifenote1943]

How do you even argue that, that's like saying "arguably carrots are the greatest vegetable". Like all of them are different and unique in their own way. But yeah this piece is absolutely stunning, there's a reason why it's one of the most famous classical compositions.

[@2l8mate59]

Because there are others equally as good. This guy is good, no doubt about it. But, there are others who do a good version as well.

[@dariofernandez3854]

Que buen resultado le ha echo de la guitarra ,empleando todo el diapazon en ( Claro de luna). Todo un Maestro del instrumento mío.que es la GUITARRA.

[@j.m.g9662]

Un regalo para los amantes de las seis cuerdas! Magnífica interpretación!

[@อดิศักดิ์เสนธนิสศักดิ์]

เพราะมาก ถึงพร้อมทั้งอารมณ์และดนตรีครับ

[@persecutedbiblebeliever5493]

Beautiful

[@OgleSa-cl3xo]

I have always held flamenco style guitar playing in high regard, above hendrix.

[@shkelqesiamadhe6915]

You can feel his passion for the instrument and the piece. He would have been successful in every endeavor he would put his head in.

[@erikainharmony4465]

He's still alive.

[@L3AFWINGS]

Piano: moonlight shining apon you Violin: alone and calm Guitar: your in a Mexican house hold

[@zlatkodraskovic5532]

Beethoven would have bursted into tears watching and listening Mr.Henderson’s interpretation. Absolute masterpiece… Bravissimo Maestro 🙏🏽👏🏾

[@muz977ify]

dude you cant hear how every note is slapping us in the face? its supposed to be played in piano with forte in certain parts

[@jacobforrester9827]

@@muz977ify I'll just repeat what I wrote as my comment on this... He makes this guitar speak with Ludwig's accent. Most play Moonlight Sonata as if it were written by Chopin or Schumann. He has the softness, grace, and flow, sure, but the pronouncement of some of the notes of emotional rise have the barely sleeping volcano that Beethoven had in the core of his being. The power of this piece as it was played by this man... I truly believe, he captured the very essence of Ludwig Von Beethoven, not just the notes.

[@BernieHollandMusic]

Beethoven would have burst into tears because he couldn't hear it

[@jfrog1979]

Or there’s the very real possibility that he woulda erupted into a fit of rage and started flinging chairs around🤘😆

[@stevegarcia1796]

Coming from an Old Rocker like me that was Wonderful 👏 Thanks for the blessing.

[@김주윤-f3o]

You're the reason why I'm learning guitar. I hope you're doing well for ever~

[@rejanemarkman4921]

A música torna-se divina quando o interprete a sente, nota por nota. Adorei e ouvirei outras vezes.

[@jacorsimaga]

Bela e verdadeira reflexão 👏👏👏👏

[@astrodad656]

Simply put: compelling, virtuoso, passionate, fantastic. Thank you.

[@jorgealvarofernandezacosta4801]

Buena interpretación, AMIGO GENIO

[@jussaraoliveira2513]

Que espetáculo!!!! Parabéns ao músico!!!!

[@TheMrsinis]

O original é ao piano. Primeira vez que vejo ao violao. É musica para acalmar nossa alma inquieta nos momentos atuais. E este professor sente esta musica tal qual seu autor. Sonata ao luar.

[@TheTubelerone]

Wish I had him as my teacher. Wonderful and inspiring

[@vladimireremenko3614]

🎼🎶ИГРАЕТ ПРЕВОСХОДНО , НО ЗАЧЕМ ТАКАЯ СТИЛИЗАЦИЯ ,,ЛУННОЙ СОНАТЫ" ПОД ,,АЛЯ ИСПАНИЯ"???🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

epic guitar faces... and phenomenal playing

[@timhalley6987]

Achingly beautiful. I close my eyes and go to a far more serene and beautiful place. Exquisite. Thank you.

[@vannguyen-ef8hk]

Bright and superb performance like the moonlight.

[@Arentjansz]

I love this performance❤, deep feeling Watch/listening to him,,while painting moonlight -Paty Gatica aus Guatemala- forma Amsterdam😢

[@daviddelapaz435]

Just awesome! Bravo!

[@jazzguitarconti]

Bravo, Grande Bella Musica ! ! Robert Conti

[@focl2003]

La mejor interpretación de esta pieza que he oído en la guitarra, las demás siempre me dejan querer oírla en el piano.

[@steverichardson8080]

I enjoy the piece on piano, but prefer the guitar version myself, no matter who plays it

[@glowiever]

I would've made similar expression but because my fingers are numb and sore :p