Intermediate piece
How to play Für Elise on piano
Beethoven's Bagatelle in A minor (WoO 59), written around 1810 and published in 1867. Many students learn the opening theme long before the whole piece. Easier arrangements exist, so check which version your book gives you.
- Composer
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Level
- Intermediate
- Key
- A minor
- Time signature
- 3/8
- Hands
- Both hands
What makes it tricky
- The rocking E, D sharp at the start. Keep it light and even, not hammered.
- The left hand arpeggios under the theme. Practise them alone and keep the rhythm steady.
- The middle sections, which change character and key. Treat them as separate pieces first.
A three-step practice plan
- Learn the first eight bars hands separate, very slowly.
- Put the hands together for those eight bars before you move on.
- Add one new section a week, and keep playing the opening each day.