Beethoven - Für Elise [Bagatelle no. 25 WoO 59]

Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor (WoO 59 andBia 515) for solo piano, commonly known as "Für Elise'', is one of Ludwig van Beethoven's most popular compositions.

It is usually classified as a bagatelle, but it is also sometimes referred to as an Albumblatt. Despite being called a bagatelle, the piece is in rondo form.

The structure is A--B--A--C--A. The first theme is not technically difficult and is often taught alone as it provides a good basic exercise for piano pedallingtechnique.

However, much greater technique is required for the B section as well as the rapid rising A minor figure in the C section.

Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized 17 December 1770 - 26 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. The crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.

Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of the Holy Roman Empire, Beethoven moved to Vienna in his early 20s, studying with Joseph Haydn and quickly gaining a reputation as a virtuoso pianist.

His hearing began to deteriorate in the late 1790s, yet he continued to compose, conduct, and perform, even after becoming completely deaf.

Creative Commons license: Public Domain.