How to interpret Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata 

Glad you liked the video. Yes, that's a great question with a less clear answer. Here's my quick answer that will fit into a RU-vid comment. Start with dynamics over rubato. This piece is early/mid Beethoven (he was around 30 years old), so I would first attempt to make great musical moments happen with volume. As far as how much, you can use a pretty wide range in Beethoven. Even his early pieces can feature pp to ff. So while large sections of Moonlight are pianisimmo, don't be afraid to add interest within those sections with crescendos and decrescendos. I like to put it like this, every beat of every measure should be going somewhere. You should always be aware of whether you are getting louder or softer at that moment. (This is getting long, haha, sorry) Rubato is much more controversial, but I feel like you at least need some rhythm alteration to make this work. I personally do the most at the end of phrases and (like you mentioned) maybe a subtle pause to set apart an interesting chord. You could also do slight rushing and pulling back to add drama throughout. You'll hear some people do basically none, and some really overdo it. Beethoven in particular can be vague because where he stands in music. He is classical, but pushing music into the Romantic era. And that's especially true with Moonlight. I'd suggest recording yourself experimenting with tempo changes. You'll hear yourself doing too much more easily on recordings than you will real time. Thanks again for the question.

Thanks so much for your kind words. I've been dabbling with music recording video ideas on and off for a while and only recently decided film a couple of topical videos like this that are more instructive. I really enjoy doing them and I'm super glad you found it helpful. What's your favorite part of Moonlight Sonata so far?

I'm glad to hear that. Do you play?

It's a Yamaha P-70. Honestly, it's not great, but it functions well for the videos (real pianos are just such an issue to mic with talking). I'll give you a quick rundown of the setup and positives/negatives of the keyboard. I have the keyboard go into a Zoom recorder using the headphone jack (no quarter inch jack). I do this to cut out all background noise. Also, the keyboard does not have great speakers, but I think sounds fine plugged directly in. I record my voice with a lav/collar mic going into my computer using OBS. This works pretty well, but it picks up a lot of noise from the keyboard. The action on the p-70 makes a loud thumping noise. Fine for stage use, not great for home/quite settings. In the editing software after I'm done recording I mute my mic input when playing so it doesn't pick up the keyboard thumps. So overall, the P-70 was probably good when it came out (2005). Good plugged in sound. The action is loud, but at least it's weighted and feels oooookkaaay for a keyboard. It is challenging to play advanced music on ANY keyboard, any. Nothing feels like a real grand (unless they literally put a grand action in, which some do, but you pay for it) I've played many keyboard with worse actions, many better. I think if I was recommending a keyboard I'd say go for a newer Yamaha, Casio, or Roland, 88 weighted key, in your price range. Real pianos are better, but can be an issue because of space and if you're trying to record like me.

Well Done!,,,,@@ryanabshier

@@carolynrobe5957 thanks!

Oh yeah, must have just missed that.

Yes, that makes sense. And remember whatever you do, someone in the world will say you're doing it wrong 😅

I’ve heard this piece played and interpreted so many different ways that I’m like “I’m just gonna play this however I’m feeling right now”

@@jms977 exactly, feeling worn out, play it straight. Feeling pumped, double dot. Feeling edgy, 4 vs 3! My biggest reason for including this point was actually how many times people get "called out" or picked on for the way the play it. I just want people to know to chill and that multiple interpretations could be correct.

Yup, that's what I was getting at near the end of that point. Unless you mean half pedal but not going up and down slightly as you go, which is totally a possibility too.