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Béla Fleck — Moonlight Sonata
Album: Perpetual Motion
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2613









Released: 2001
Length: 4:57
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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(Instrumental)
Comments (344)add comment
 eyke wrote:

Bela is a master of many forms of banjo. This is a most excellent, maybe even outstanding, arrangement.  



it's beautiful.
Posted 9 months ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 liveaudio608 wrote:

Of course Bela is a master but why oh why did he choose such a ghastly instrument?  No one knows.  He would be such a delight on any other instrument!  Okay now bring on the banjo lovers!

Peace


Read the Wiki.  It will explain it ALL for you!
Posted 10 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 liveaudio608 wrote:

Of course Bela is a master but why oh why did he choose such a ghastly instrument?  No one knows.  He would be such a delight on any other instrument!  Okay now bring on the banjo lovers!

Peace


I'm far from a banjo lover - I mostly skip to avoid anything involving a banjo but I find this beautiful - embarrassingly
Posted 1 year ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
Of course Bela is a master but why oh why did he choose such a ghastly instrument?  No one knows.  He would be such a delight on any other instrument!  Okay now bring on the banjo lovers!

Peace
Posted 1 year ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
Bela is a master of many forms of banjo. This is a most excellent, maybe even outstanding, arrangement.  
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

This song always reminds me of a particular romance in my university days... He was teaching himself to play Moonlight Sonata on the guitar at the time I met him. It was a lightning bolt romance, the kind that burns with such intensity but doesn't last very long. It took a long time for me to get over him... several years later and we're both in stable relationships now, he's back in my life as a friend, but I still can't hear this song without remembering the passion we shared as careless 20-somethings in my dorm room...



Well you can't leave us hanging - tell us more about the passion.
Posted 2 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
this is the price you pay for being creative and pushing the boundaries
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 sjccroquet wrote:

^^ This has to be meant ironically. 
That is, unless he has the original vinyl printings of Beethoven's works.




Very funny!  And too true!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Johnny-smooth wrote:

I’m pretty sure Beethoven would have appreciated this rendition of his classic. He was all about pushing boundaries which Bella has done here with his accomplices.




I Agree!  GREAT!!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 ExecutorQ3 wrote:

Hate covers (and even more if it's cover of a classic music).
Don't you bloody have your own ideas?


^^ This has to be meant ironically. 
That is, unless he has the original vinyl printings of Beethoven's works.

Posted 2 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
I’m pretty sure Beethoven would have appreciated this rendition of his classic. He was all about pushing boundaries which Bella has done here with his accomplices.
Posted 2 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Like the piano version better of course as that was what it was written for. This is still nice. This song may be my favorite piece of music ever. 
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
Perfect for a windy and rainy Vancouver evening. 
Posted 3 years ago by rainforest    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by (former member)    [ Reply ]
 ExecutorQ3 wrote:

Hate covers (and even more if it's cover of a classic music).
Don't you bloody have your own ideas?



It's not a cover, it's an arrangement.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
This song always reminds me of a particular romance in my university days... He was teaching himself to play Moonlight Sonata on the guitar at the time I met him. It was a lightning bolt romance, the kind that burns with such intensity but doesn't last very long. It took a long time for me to get over him... several years later and we're both in stable relationships now, he's back in my life as a friend, but I still can't hear this song without remembering the passion we shared as careless 20-somethings in my dorm room...
Posted 3 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 ArrayMac wrote:


Accordions, perhaps.  Given banjos are African in origin, this might be racist.



I really hope this is sarcasm.
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Feh. A novelty version of a magnificent piece of music, but all in all pretty dull.  This is neither a wonderful interpretation nor funny enough for a good laugh.
Posted 3 years ago by Enness    [ Reply ]
Hate covers (and even more if it's cover of a classic music).
Don't you bloody have your own ideas?
Posted 3 years ago by ExecutorQ3    [ Reply ]
 LizK wrote:
Well, that was plucky. 
 
Ha!
Posted 3 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Keeping an open mind because of RP!
Posted 3 years ago by whatsupdude    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:

 

Accordions, perhaps.  Given banjos are African in origin, this might be racist.
Posted 3 years ago by ArrayMac    [ Reply ]
 dwlangham wrote:oh MY ....you can not tell banjo !? oh dear
I just recognized the melody. It's Moonlight Sonata. I couldn't tell for the banjo.
 

Posted 3 years ago by brendon    [ Reply ]
Interesting......in a nice way. Mmmm...
Posted 3 years ago by Jiggz    [ Reply ]
 dwlangham wrote:
I just recognized the melody. It's Moonlight Sonata. I couldn't tell for the banjo.
 
you mean it isn't an harpsicord?!?!?
Posted 4 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
I just recognized the melody. It's Moonlight Sonata. I couldn't tell for the banjo.
Posted 4 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:


Still funny after 10 yrs....   

Posted 4 years ago by radiotoe    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece of a masterpiece.
Posted 4 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
 pope183 wrote:
a quote from Goethe's Faust: “That which thy fathers have bequeathed to thee, earn it anew if thou wouldst possess it." 

nice try Bela banjo but no cigar


Goethe could read Shakespeare‘s plays , but bis own work he wrote in German

Was du ererbt von deinen Vätern hast,
erwirb es, um es zu besitzen!
Posted 4 years ago by Odtphy    [ Reply ]
a quote from Goethe's Faust: “That which thy fathers have bequeathed to thee, earn it anew if thou wouldst possess it." 

nice try Bela banjo but no cigar
Posted 5 years ago by pope183    [ Reply ]
Wow ... I've never heard a banjo treated in such a melodic way before. Very unique song!
Posted 5 years ago by Punkysoup    [ Reply ]
Unusual and fantastic arrangement with unlikely strings, just beautiful, and perhaps even more haunting than the standard piano version.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
Kudos to the violoncello player
Posted 5 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
truly a unique interpretation. i miss the piano but this is beautiful and worthy of deep respect.
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
the Liberace of the banjo
Posted 5 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
kitsch fair :(
Posted 6 years ago by Nedo    [ Reply ]
I'm partial to the piano and strings of a classical rendition. But Fleck is a fine player and Ludwig van is incandescent, even through a banjo, so I like it. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Banjo el classico...el No No! This is the first sad banjo I have ever heard. Should not happen.Banjo equates happy.
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

It's a lovely melody and sounds good when anyone plays it well. this is played well, I suppose. I just don't think that the banjo is the lead here and the other strings are carrying the day.

 
I feel that the banjo line (piano usually) was always secondary to the "other strings" in this Beethoven classic.
Almost like the foundation upon which the rest of the orchestral arrangement plays upon. 
Posted 6 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
This sort of stuff better suits him. Never dug his stiff, overly formal, faux bluegrass playing
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
 Absolutely, but let's not quarrel with the master. Simplicity in music, easy to play notes sometimes are not as easy as it seems to make them come out perfectly. You can't hide or muddle through. The essessence is bare, pure, deep, unflawed. But best of all is what peace and happiness it can bring to your soul. Wonderful.

Dude, that's the song.  I think your quarrel is with Beethoven.

 

 
Simple, uncluttered notes played with exquisite timing, phrasing, & dynamics - that is why someone like Luther Perkins can be thought of as highly as technical noodlers.
Posted 7 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
Its just amazing I wish i could give 20 to this masterpiece
Posted 7 years ago by fraqtop    [ Reply ]
Oddly enough, this works.
Posted 7 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
It is Classical for a reason.  Classic, Classy, it got Class.  Well written music.
Posted 7 years ago by ListeningSpider    [ Reply ]
Well, it wasnt U2 so deserves more than sucko barfo, but, this is only here because the karate kid did that piece in front of Vai, then Vanessa Mae did tocatta & fugue, next week it'll be Younger Brother doing Steve Reichs Music For 18 Musicians.
Posted 9 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
I like it
Posted 10 years ago by spiggy    [ Reply ]
Not a good song to start a weekend - and it's not even a full moon.  Just to kick this back into a normal drive it should be followed by Warren Zevon's Werewolves of London.
Posted 12 years ago by Dana_Montroy    [ Reply ]
 The_Enemy wrote:

I give Béla full points for trying.  I think this is "interesting" music but I can't say I like it.

And double points to Bill for playing it.  I love being exposed to new stuff on RP.
 
It's a lovely melody and sounds good when anyone plays it well. this is played well, I suppose. I just don't think that the banjo is the lead here and the other strings are carrying the day.
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
 meinthecorner wrote:
This is sweet. not everyone's cuppa', for sure, but it's just that kind of little surprise that keeps me listening here on RP.
 
I give Béla full points for trying.  I think this is "interesting" music but I can't say I like it.

And double points to Bill for playing it.  I love being exposed to new stuff on RP.
Posted 12 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Pretty Cool. I like it!
Posted 12 years ago by LifeIsMusic    [ Reply ]
un massacre insupportable
An unbearable massacre !!!   {#Ass} 
Posted 12 years ago by ddrain    [ Reply ]
Interesting to try this with a banjo, but as one who has played it on the piano for many years, I just think piano is more fluid for Beethoven.
Posted 12 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
This is sweet. not everyone's cuppa', for sure, but it's just that kind of little surprise that keeps me listening here on RP.
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
 dedawson wrote:



 


Hahaha!
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
So beautiful...thank you!
Posted 12 years ago by pjlk    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:

Don't say harpsicord......nobody plays that

 
well except on the Stranglers Golden Brown.(~_^)

Posted 12 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
impressive - banjo completely robs this song of it's ethereal sense
Posted 13 years ago by midreaming    [ Reply ]
aaaah.
's why i will love RP to my dying day.
Posted 13 years ago by rashad    [ Reply ]
Definition of a gentleman:  One who knows how to play the banjo but doesn't.  

Well, if he plays as well and with as much artistry as Bela than I'm glad that he does.
Posted 13 years ago by Eric_Denison    [ Reply ]
sweet
Posted 13 years ago by lkovathana    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:

Don't say harpsicord......nobody plays that

 
I laughed.

Posted 13 years ago by StoneyG    [ Reply ]
Love the accompaniment, but not so much the banjo.
Posted 13 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
Good schhhtufff!!{#Music}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:


Couldn't have said it better.
 


Posted 13 years ago by dedawson    [ Reply ]
Play me the third movement on a banjo and I'll be impressed {#Tongue}

Posted 13 years ago by MJdub    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:
anybody know if this is around on Harpsicord or Spinet?
 
Don't say harpsicord......nobody plays that

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
This has a really boring plucked string backbeat.
Posted 13 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
anybody know if this is around on Harpsicord or Spinet?
Posted 13 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
The strings here are very nicely done. Too bad about that damn banjo, though.
Posted 13 years ago by haretic    [ Reply ]

Well, I love this.
Hard to believe that this man could play so beautifully, and in so many styles, and still have put on such an appallingly ugly concert in NL some months ago, that my friends and I walked out. Never did that in a concert before. What WAS he thinking?


Posted 13 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
Well, that was plucky. 
Posted 14 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Fits right in there with the symphony for the jews harp https://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2006/12/orchestral_jews.html
Posted 14 years ago by samsamsupersam    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:

  {#High-five}


Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
I keep waiting for the kazoo section to kick in, but alas, it never comes.........
 

This song is completely hilarious.  You are so right, substitute the violins with kazoos and it would be perfect.
Posted 14 years ago by curufinwe    [ Reply ]

bela wide by *phil-light
©2004-2010 *phil-light

Bela Fleck, 10/27/2004. Stubb's BBQ, Austin.

.

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Nope.  He went too far with this one.  Just stay with your regular schtick, Bela.  You can drive a Kenworth at Le Mans but it won't compete with the Ferraris.
Posted 14 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:
 
Hahaha! How freakin' perfect is that?
Posted 14 years ago by musicmaniac    [ Reply ]
 cayenne wrote:
Banjo and cello together are like drinking corn whiskey in a Scottish castle.
 
ROTFL ... LMAO!!!
Posted 14 years ago by bars76    [ Reply ]
I keep waiting for the kazoo section to kick in, but alas, it never comes.........
Posted 14 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by sub-arctic    [ Reply ]
 scottflory wrote:
hopefully he does something other than just arpeggiating chords....nope - not much
 
 
No, not on this cut.  Other cuts show his prowess on his instrument.  All in all an excellent album, one of my favorites.


Posted 14 years ago by GawgaBoy    [ Reply ]
 horstman wrote:
I feel like I'm tip toeing through a hilly billy town on my way to stealing all their presents.
 
{#Lol}  Like the violin, though ...

Posted 14 years ago by plaice3    [ Reply ]
Thank goodness I happened to be wearing my smoking jacket and holding my brandy-snifter.  Otherwise, I might not have enjoyed this.
Posted 14 years ago by tpa29970    [ Reply ]
I feel like I'm tip toeing through a hilly billy town on my way to stealing all their presents.
Posted 14 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
I saw this dude open for Lyle Lovett at Mud Island Amphitheater in Memphis, 1996 I think it was. He does some amazing things with the banjo. Excellent.
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 nate917 wrote:

Dude, that's the song.  I think your quarrel is with Beethoven.

 

LMAO
Posted 15 years ago by bkrontz    [ Reply ]
 Absolutely, but let's not quarrel with the master. Simplicity in music, easy to play notes sometimes are not as easy as it seems to make them come out perfectly. You can't hide or muddle through. The essessence is bare, pure, deep, unflawed. But best of all is what peace and happiness it can bring to your soul. Wonderful.

Dude, that's the song.  I think your quarrel is with Beethoven.

 


Posted 15 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]

Amazing. Bela Fleck is not just for hippies anymore.


Posted 15 years ago by mmshock    [ Reply ]
WooHooo!  This is splendid!  I must have been living under a rock ...
Posted 15 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 scottflory wrote:
hopefully he does something other than just arpeggiating chords....nope - not much
 
 
Dude, that's the song.  I think your quarrel is with Beethoven.

Posted 15 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
hopefully he does something other than just arpeggiating chords....nope - not much
 
Posted 15 years ago by scottflory    [ Reply ]
 colt4x5 wrote:

amen! 

after listening for a few minutes, it sounds more like a harpsichord than a banjo. 
 

Considering the fact that the harpsichord is plucked rather than struck, your observation is rather apt.
Posted 15 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
 SuzenJueL wrote:
This is like Classical Bluegrass. The banjo is just GENIUS in this!
 
amen! 

after listening for a few minutes, it sounds more like a harpsichord than a banjo. 
Posted 15 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
 inindian wrote:
I previously rated this a 7...perhaps mostly on the melody, but today it feels like "just because you can doesn't mean you should".
 
Pretty much.

It's not bad, and the novelty effect is certainly there.  Calling it a 5 though.  I just find that the sound of the banjo detracts from the feel of the piece rather then adding to it.  I would have been much more impressed had he taken the core of the music and modified it to fit the timbre of the instrument to produce something that worked together.

Posted 15 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]
An 8, because and despite the banjo.
 
10 for chutzpah, though.
Posted 15 years ago by hobiejoe    [ Reply ]
this is just so cool......
Posted 15 years ago by triskele    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP for such a beautiful segue from Lost at Last.

Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
This is beautiful. So inventive with the banjo- it works.
Posted 15 years ago by jpgr69    [ Reply ]
ya know, I really enjoyed that
Posted 15 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
A little off. But still, The Master...
Posted 15 years ago by obzidian    [ Reply ]
What a wacky, yet novel idea.  Generally, I find that Fleck material comes off as easy-listening muzak, but they pulled this off quite well.
Posted 15 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
 inindian wrote:
I previously rated this a 7...perhaps mostly on the melody, but today it feels like "just because you can doesn't mean you should".
 

I agree. There seems to be something a little off about a banjo accompaniment.
Posted 15 years ago by bugleboy624    [ Reply ]
Well stated!
 cayenne wrote:
Banjo and cello together are like drinking corn whiskey in a Scottish castle.
 

Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
I previously rated this a 7...perhaps mostly on the melody, but today it feels like "just because you can doesn't mean you should".
Posted 15 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
SNORE!! {#Moon}
Posted 15 years ago by akmegan    [ Reply ]
i find this.....odd but fascinating....

the banjo he is playing sounds like my 120 year old antique....a very soft, comforting sound


Posted 15 years ago by triskele    [ Reply ]
This is like Classical Bluegrass. The banjo is just GENIUS in this!
Posted 15 years ago by SuzenJueL    [ Reply ]
Banjo and cello together are like drinking corn whiskey in a Scottish castle.


Posted 15 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]
this is the tune they play when you are touring auschwitz i think.
Posted 15 years ago by fluffybum    [ Reply ]
This doesn't rank in even the top thousand version of Moonlight Sonata.

Lovely fiddle though. 
Posted 15 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:

Oh yeah, I'm waiting for the kazoo version, myself.
 
Took the words right out of my mouth!
Posted 15 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]

I vaguely recall a distorted version of this in one of MTVHD VTR's. (the one with crow).


Posted 15 years ago by ssg    [ Reply ]
 Rotterdam wrote:


I cannot agree with you. The Moonlight Sonata is played beautifully here. It makes no difference what instrument is being played. The piece is done justice.
 
Oh yeah, I'm waiting for the kazoo version, myself.
Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
This just needs a jew's harp and a washtub bass and it would be perfect.


Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:
{#Eyes} This must be the definition of blasphemy!

 

I cannot agree with you. The Moonlight Sonata is played beautifully here. It makes no difference what instrument is being played. The piece is done justice.
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
the violin carries this song.
anyway, it lacks the intensity of the piano.
Posted 15 years ago by natalita    [ Reply ]
9 ~> 10
Posted 15 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
{#Eyes} This must be the definition of blasphemy!

Posted 16 years ago by sub-arctic    [ Reply ]
Been a fan for years and seen him several times.  This classical CD just didn't do it for me despite numerous playings.  He plays the selections perfectly but with no flair or individuality.  Which is strange because he's so creative and lively.
Sounds very fine but I expected more.
Posted 16 years ago by ROSSinDETROIT    [ Reply ]
Charles Schultz said that upon birth every child should be given two things: a puppy and a banjo.
Posted 16 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]