[mccoyc]

The first movement is one of the only pieces I can play on the piano. Yes indeed, anyone can learn it! I came from a musical family, but never really put the effort into learning the piano.

I'm not sure where I heard this, but Beethoven wrote this for one of his students that he was in love with. The first movement was purposefully written for a newcomer to be able to play--such as for whom he admired, but the third movement was a representation of his anger over being rejected, and is one of the hardest piano pieces to play.

[electroly]

That story is about Fur Elise, not Moonlight Sonata. The name, of course, meaning "for Elise," the name of the woman in question.

[jimbob45]

The 3rd movement is not one of the hardest pieces to play. It’s like medium-hard. It’s not even the hardest sonata - that would be the Hammerklavier.

[chopin]

If one wants to play a well-known sonata I'd rather start with the Tempest. Considerably easier than Moonlights 3rd. And as beautiful imho, the 3rd movement especially.