Piano Sonata No. 2 Op. 2 in A major by Ludwig van Beethoven. Composed by Beethoven in 1974-1975 and dedicated to Joseph Haydn, this sonata consists of four movements: I. Allegro vivace II. Largo appassionato III. Scherzo: Allegretto IV. Rondo: Grazioso

Ludwig Van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2, No. 2

Sonata no. 3 in C major is one of the first three Beethoven's sonatas (opus 2) written in 1795 and dedicated to Joseph Haydn. This UTEXT edition is based on early original editions, which Beethoven personally supervised. The fingerings are provided by the editor.

Beethoven's Sonata, Opus 27, No. 2, was not known as the "Moonlight Sonata" during his lifetime. The name has its origins in 1832, in remarks by the German music critic Ludwig Rellstab, as he likened the effect of the first movement to that of moonlight shining upon Lake Lucerne. The name caught on quickly, and later in the nineteenth century, it could be said that the sonata was "universally known" by that name.

Beethoven wrote 32 sonatas for piano. Volume 1, edited by Stewart Gordon, includes the first 8 sonatas (Op. 2, Nos. 1-3; Op. 7; Op. 10, Nos. 1-3; and Op. 13 ["Pathétique"]), written between 1795 and 1799. Since these autographs no longer exist, this edition is based on the first editions, published by various Viennese engravers. Dr. Gordon discusses a variety of topics including Beethoven's life; the pianos of his time and their limitations; Beethoven's use of articulation, ornamentation, tempo; and the age-old challenge of attempting to determine the definitive interpretation of Beethoven's music. Valuable performance recommendations, helpful fingering suggestions and ornament realizations are offered in this comprehensive critical body of Beethoven's sonatas. Where performance options are open to interpretation, other editors' conclusions are noted, enabling students and teachers to make informed performance decisions.