Moonlight Sonata, Op. 27 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto — piano fingeringA free sample of the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata with AI-suggested piano fingerings for the opening bars. Edit any fingering, show note names, play it back, and download the annotated score — no upload or account needed. Changes on this page are not saved.About the pieceThe Piano Sonata No. 14 in C♯ minor, Op. 27 No. 2, subtitled “Sonata quasi una fantasia”, was completed in 1801. The name “Moonlight” came later, from the critic Ludwig Rellstab. The first movement, Adagio sostenuto, is in cut time: a slow melody floats over continuous right-hand triplets and deep octaves in the bass.Fingering notes

The right-hand triplets (G♯–C♯–E in the first bar) use 1-2-4, a hand shape that carries through most of the movement.

When the harmony changes, the thumb stays on the lowest note of each triplet: A–C♯–E and A–D–F♯ both use 1-2-4.

The left hand plays its octaves with 5 and 1.

When the melody enters on G♯, the top note takes the 5th finger, so the melody can sing above the triplets.

What you can try

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QuestionsWhat is the right-hand fingering for the Moonlight Sonata triplets?This sample uses 1-2-4 for the opening triplets (G♯–C♯–E) and moves to 5 on the top note when the melody comes in. Some pianists prefer 1-2-5; edit any number to compare.Is the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata hard?The notes are not fast, but keeping the triplets even and quiet under the melody takes control. It is often taught at intermediate level.Can I download the Moonlight Sonata with fingering numbers?Yes. Download this sample as a PDF, MusicXML or MIDI file for free, no account needed. To add fingerings to the whole piece, upload your own copy of the score.

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