interpretation of fur elise

Fur Elise is a gentle, beautiful piece.

But Ludwig von Beethoven was not.

Beethoven was a very passionate pianist - and most
of all he was a Master Composer.


Fur Elise must be played gently - and passionately.
If the dynamic markings are correct then one must begin
playing pianissimo - with only a slight chance of getting louder
on the fifth note and back down again.  Same with the repeat.


The second section is mf - but then goes back to pp again.

Now in my last post I say that the third section - fifth stanza - is
marked dolce - and is the Heart of Fur Elise - so pure, open and
even sweet.  So one must make the best of that while it lasts.
I  simply love the turn in the 7th measure but really have no
use for the next part which ultimately leads back to the beginning
and always recurring theme.  He really obsesses on this - don't
you think?

Now - here is when Beethoven gets down to business - letting his
passion and rage show - when the 16th notes start drumming in
the left hand - and we have to make sure that we keep track of
when the a goes up to b flat and so on.  I like to really pound on
this part - but get back into control of myself by the main theme
in the end.

Fur Elise is tricky - so one has to remain alert as to when to show
off the quiet and sweet parts - and when to really get down and dirty
with it.


Fur Elise - one for the ages.


thank you Beethoven -

For what you might ask?


for enduring what must have been a very tumultuous
and difficult life so that we most unworthy people could
live off of your music forever...