Moonlight Sonata, op. 27 no. 2 – first movement (string trio – violin, viola and cello)

Title: “Moonlight” Sonata, op. 27 no. 2 – first movement

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin; Viola; Cello

Printout: 8 pages

Note: This sonata, described by Beethoven as “in the manner of a fantasia,” came to be known as the “Moonlight Sonata” after a poet described the first movement as sounding like moonlight reflecting on water. It is unquestionably one of Beethoven’s most popular works, and it sounds beautiful when played by strings. The viola part, which carries most of the undulating triplets, is four pages to allow for a page turn during a two bar rest.