Beethoven: (Fur Elise or For Elise) Bagatelle in A Minor - WoO 59

This is perhaps the best known classical piano piece of all time - and, ironically, one of the least popular among many pianists due to its over-popularity.

This work was written as a "Bagatelle" which is simply a "trifle" or a short and simple piece. The history behind the work is quite controversial because the title translates to "For Elise" and "Elise" was not a name of any known acquaintance of Beethoven's. This has led many to speculate that he had a secret lover, or that "Elise" was a secret name for another woman, or that "Elise" had other hidden meanings. The speculation can, and most certainly will, go on forever. One of the better theories is that the actual title was "For Therese" but that the individual who discovered the work misread the title. This theory makes more sense because there was a student of Beethoven's named "Therese" who he had proposed to at one point.

This recording was completed at my home on my studio upright piano. I hope you enjoy my recording of Beethoven's famous (or infamous - depending on your view) "Fur Elise"!