Fur Elise Under the Spyglass

Fur Elise Full Analysis

For all piano students, this piece has become an iconic one among the piano repertoire. It is by far the most requested piece to play to all piano teachers worldwide. 

It is the most played piano piece among amateur pianists, and its fame has increased over the years. In this article, Georgios Kommatas thoroughly explains the structural and harmonic details of this bewildering piece by Ludwig Van Beethoven, the most famous composer of all times.

Interestingly, although the name “Für Elise” translated from German “for Elise” was dedicated to a woman called Therese.

The form of this piece is a rondo, which means that other sections follow a “Refrain” but always coming back to it. The name Rondo comes from the French “Rondeau”, which translates from the word “rond” or circle.

The most famous section is the refrain in this piece, and it is surprising to find out that most of the people who love this music are frequently under the impression that the main theme is the entire piece.

In music, we call a “five-part rondo” a piece in which the refrain or “A section” is followed by another one with slight changes in harmony and melody, then return to the A, then a section named “C section” which is the most contrasting in either rhythm and harmony (going to further keys from the initial, A minor) and finally, coming back again cycly to the refrain or A section.

Knowing the music’s overall form helps us understand when we listen to it, not only passively but with an active musical hearing. It is unnecessary to know all the rules or “grammar” of the music. Still, it is beneficial for any pianist who wants to undertake this piece to see how this great composer managed all the musical parameter to make this excellent piece come alive.

You can learn the full analysis of this beautiful sonata by clicking on the link aforementioned. WKMT Music Analysis for everyone!