Final answer:
Beethoven composed the Moonlight Sonata at the age of 32 in 1801. The piece, with its haunting first movement, is one of his most beloved works, reflecting both classical and romantic influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ludwig van Beethoven composed his famous Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, commonly known as the 'Moonlight Sonata', in 1801 when he was about 32 years old. The piece was completed in 1801 and eventually published in 1802 with a dedication to Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, a pupil of Beethoven's with whom he was reportedly in love. The sonata consists of three movements, with the first movement, 'Adagio sostenuto', particularly popular for its dreamy and melancholic melody.
The Moonlight Sonata is one of Beethoven's most popular compositions and a staple of the classical music repertoire. This sonata showcases Beethoven's talent in creating emotional depth through music, his innovation in sonata form, and the bridge he formed between the Classical and Romantic eras in music history. Answering the question, Beethoven was 32 years old when he wrote the Moonlight Sonata, which corresponds to option B) 32.