“Für Elise” history and origins, sheet music, and how to play this iconic piece on piano
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, “Für Elise” is one of the most famous and recognizable pieces of piano music in the world. Unlike Beethoven’s other famous compositions, the Fifth Symphony and Ode to Joy, “Für Elise” was not published during his lifetime. Instead, it was discovered and published 40 years after his death in 1865!
Learn to play beautiful music by Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and more with Hoffman Academy, the world’s best piano learning system!
What’s the story behind Für Elise?
It’s believed that Beethoven completed this piece on April 27, 1810, when he was 39 years old. Beethoven could still hear some sounds and voices at this time, but his hearing was growing weaker. His hearing remained strongest in the higher register, which may be why this piece is written on the higher notes on the piano. The highest note in this composition is an E7, two octaves above ledger line C.
Beethoven composed music from 1790 to 1827. These 40 years spanned a shift in musical style from what’s now known as the Classical period to the Romantic period. Written towards the end of Beethoven’s middle period of compositions, known as his Heroic period, “Für Elise” uses Classical forms, although the character of this piece is lighter and sweeter than his symphonies.
“Für Elise” has three sections and is in rondo form, or A-B-A-C-A. The beginning strains that we know so well form a familiar A-B-A pattern. Despite this emphasis on form, this piece has romantic sensibilities due to the clashing and contrasting emotions in the B and C sections. The Romantic period of music was all about using contrasting emotions in artistic expression, and the rondo structure of this piece showcases a nostalgic and sweet main theme, a sparkly section, and then a stormier section before returning to calm.
This composition may have a romantic backstory, appropriate for a Romantic era piece, and the title “Für Elise” itself is shrouded in mystery. The piece’s official name is “Bagatelle Number 25 in A minor.” “Bagatelle” is a name for a piece of music that is short and sweet – it comes from the French word for a dessert made from layers of cake, fruit, and cream, similar to the English trifle. However, this piece of music is best known by its nickname, “Für Elise.” This name comes from the manuscript inscription on the front page. Beethoven dedicated this piece to someone special, but no one knows who this special person was. Was the piece a gift for a dear friend, a composition for a piano student, or a tribute to a lost love? Thus one of the greatest mysteries in music history was born.
Who was Elise?
There are three reigning theories as to who the mysterious “Elise” was:
- One theory is that it wasn’t an “Elise” at all! The original manuscript looks to be inscribed “To Therese.” There was a Therese in Beethoven’s life in 1810: Therese Malfatti von Rohrenbach zu Dezza was a friend and former student of the composer’s. He fell in love with her and proposed marriage in 1810, but was turned down. She was also the owner of the manuscript at the time of its discovery, making this theory highly likely.
- A second theory is that “Elise” was the German soprano Elisabeth Rockel, another love interest of Beethoven’s. She, too, turned down his marriage proposal and wound up marrying another composer, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, instead.
- A third candidate is another singer named Elise Barensfeld. Therese Malfatti may have been Elise’s piano teacher, and the theory is that Beethoven wrote the relatively easy bagatelle for Therese to teach to Elise. Thus, a favor for Therese wound up being a piece for Elise.
What kind of mood does “Für Elise” convey?
Each section of “Für Elise” conveys a different mood. The opening movement’s enchanting melodic theme begins with its iconic alternation between the notes E and D sharp, leading into a falling line and then rising arpeggios. As the section progresses, the arpeggios intensify, but the sound still remains light and open, with only a single melodic line throughout. It creates a mood of wistful, introspective longing.
The second section is bright and energetic, with a very classical feel. This bouncy section is rhythmic with rich chords. The mood is happy and confident, with fast runs and flourishes.
The third section is stormy and dark, with rapidly repeating notes in the bass that add depth and drama. This section seems troubled, even tormented.
The popularity of “Für Elise” today
Whatever the story, “Für Elise” is undeniably one of the most popular piano pieces in existence. It is also quite playable for anyone who approaches it with patience and practice! The first and most familiar main theme, the A section, is simple and beautiful, and accessible to piano players even in the earliest levels. While the B and C Sections are a little trickier, once you’ve learned the main theme, which comes back three times, you’ve learned the majority of the piece.
Because of its enchanting, unforgettable melody, “Für Elise” is used often in movies and on television. This makes it easier to learn and even more fun to play, as most people are already familiar with the sound of the piece.
Is “Für Elise” hard to play on piano?
The first short section of “Für Elise,” which is the most recognizable part of the song, is easy to play and can be learned by anyone whether they have experience playing the piano or not. Watch our early elementary level piano tutorial, which you’ll find below, and try it for yourself.
In order to play the complete version, a piano student will usually need some years of experience. It’s considered an intermediate level piece, grade 5 (ABRSM) or grade 7 (RCM). This means that a dedicated piano student who has been studying for five or six years should be able to tackle it.
While “Für Elise” is not one of the most difficult pieces to play, you’ll often hear professional concert pianists perform it. The notes of the piece may not be as challenging as some other famous classical pieces, but the broad range of emotion and opportunity for interpretation and expression makes the piece a favorite both to play and to listen to.
Video tutorials for playing “Für Elise” on piano
Want to learn how to play this beautiful work yourself? Hoffman Academy has not one, but three different levels of video tutorials! If you’re in the early units (Units 1-4), try the Early Elementary Level video, which you can find above. This tutorial will teach you the main theme.
If you’re in Units 5-8, try Elementary Level. This version focuses on the main theme, but includes more of the piece.
More advanced? Up for a challenge? We’ve broken the original into three parts to help you learn the whole piece! We’re confident you can learn how to play “Für Elise” on piano with skill and beauty.
Learn the “A” Section (main theme) of “Für Elise” here (which is also lovely on its own):
Learn the “B” Section of “Für Elise” here:
Learn the “C” Section of “Für Elise” here:
Each video contains a link for the “Für Elise” sheet music in the description, or you can find all four arrangements at our store here! Hoffman Academy Premium members can download the sheet music for free, or you can purchase the sheet music separately. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this famous piece by Beethoven. Happy practicing!