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Ludwig van Beethoven — Für Elise
Album: Alfred Brendl (1985)
Avg rating:
8.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3399









Released: 1810
Length: 3:22
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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(Instrumental)
Comments (262)add comment
About as close to God-like as we mortals are ever going to get in this life.  And that ain't bad, not by any stretch is it?  
Posted 5 months ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
 spetrie wrote:

My Dad, who passed away 3 weeks ago played this on the piano all the time when I was young. Thank you. :-}



My mom who passed 14 years ago also played this when we were kids - always brings a smile to my face!
Posted 5 months ago by loriltn    [ Reply ]
My Dad, who passed away 3 weeks ago played this on the piano all the time when I was young. Thank you. :-}
Posted 6 months ago by spetrie    [ Reply ]
Great cover...i only SKIP because coworker loves it and he's a dickhead
Posted 7 months ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
 TheGolfster wrote:

Any person rating this piece less than a 10 needs their head examined. Beethoven's music has endured for 200 years. What does that make it? 



Old?  Seriously though I completely agree - 10 all the way
Posted 7 months ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
Any person rating this piece less than a 10 needs their head examined. Beethoven's music has endured for 200 years. What does that make it? 
Posted 7 months ago by TheGolfster    [ Reply ]
 dasaimless wrote:

Ah, the memories of my childhood! I can still vividly recall
the cassette player that my uncles used to own. Every time they switched
it on, a delightful 8-bit tune would play.

It's incredible to think that as a child, I had no idea that the 8-bit
The tune that played on my uncles' cassette player was a classical music masterpiece. I didn't know that it was the legendary "Fur Elise" by
Beethoven is one of the most famous pieces of music in history. And yet,
even without that knowledge, I could sense its sheer beauty and magic.





Cool story.  Thank You for sharing it.
Posted 9 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
SUPERB!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 MilidelEubanks wrote:

One of those pieces that any student can play, but which very very few masters can play really really well.


Most beginner students can play the first section adequately; however, the B and C sections are slightly above beginner level.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
One of those pieces that any student can play, but which very very few masters can play really really well.
Posted 1 year ago by MilidelEubanks    [ Reply ]
A bit of the old Ludwig Van.
Posted 1 year ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
how can i ever consider rating below than that
Posted 1 year ago by bhaltazarjabaq    [ Reply ]

Ah, the memories of my childhood! I can still vividly recall
the cassette player that my uncles used to own. Every time they switched
it on, a delightful 8-bit tune would play.

It's incredible to think that as a child, I had no idea that the 8-bit
The tune that played on my uncles' cassette player was a classical music masterpiece. I didn't know that it was the legendary "Fur Elise" by
Beethoven is one of the most famous pieces of music in history. And yet,
even without that knowledge, I could sense its sheer beauty and magic.




Posted 1 year ago by dasaimless    [ Reply ]
The correct name is Brendel. Great performance
Posted 1 year ago by grandemarch    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p19f7brnXFw/RvRsmJF2ZHI/AAAAAAAAAII/QQZ1XYeYFyU/s320/c4g_schroeder.gif



Yes!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Only RP could go from The Clash to Beethoven in a few o-so-perfectly choreographed jumps.
Posted 1 year ago by Wok    [ Reply ]
I once worked in an office that piped in music (HORRORS!) and they regularly played a muzakified version of this. It took a while for those first few notes not to send me running and to return this song to masterpiece status in my mind.
Posted 1 year ago by chiplueck    [ Reply ]
 Phlegmaticman wrote:


People in 1810: "New Beethoven just dropped!"


Posted 2 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
Thank you for putting this on, and bringing it to me mid-playlist and mid-day. Never realized how much I needed it, till the third key played, and I was hooked for the remainder of this masterpiece.
Posted 2 years ago by adler_dv    [ Reply ]
This song was unfortunately ruined for me by all the piano-dabblers playing the first notes badly on a out-of-tune piano.
Posted 2 years ago by webmaster2    [ Reply ]
 JasondotG wrote:

The first rock star. 



As much as I adore Beethoven, I would leave the "first rockstar" title to Johann Sebastian Bach.
Posted 2 years ago by longliverp    [ Reply ]
 the_jake wrote:

Love the release date     1810.



People in 1810: "New Beethoven just dropped!"
Posted 2 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
He's got the Beet!
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

OMG. So over played. How many times have we heard this in the last 200 years? Really.




lol
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
Inspired such Incredible beauty that is…
Posted 2 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
For Alice. I would love to know who she was that inspired such increasingly art.
Posted 2 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
 TheKing2 wrote:


But who was Elise? 


Sorry, I couldn't help myself, but "Who tf is Elise?"
Posted 2 years ago by N1ght3yes    [ Reply ]
 JasondotG wrote:

The first rock star. 



Amadeus was one, too!
Posted 2 years ago by gramps    [ Reply ]
...as opposed to the fake fur elise...
Posted 2 years ago by jef    [ Reply ]
OMG. So over played. How many times have we heard this in the last 200 years? Really.
Posted 2 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 BillG wrote:
Done.

This performance by Alfred Brendl has wonderful expression. Makes this old chestnut worth a close listen. Even hearing it at all is one reason I love RP.
Posted 2 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
 TheKing2 wrote:
But who was Elise?
 
I had a copy of this about 40 years ago and the liner notes said
 
1. Beethoven had a close friend called Therese
and
2. Beethoven had really bad hand-writing.
Posted 2 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
I don't wish to be super picky but the performer's name is Alfred Brendel, not Brendl.
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 cloudymcloudface wrote:

Ah yes Talk Talk to Beethoven, superb thanks RP




And again, 1/17/2022.  Coincidence?
Posted 2 years ago by kraghh    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p19f7brnXFw/RvRsmJF2ZHI/AAAAAAAAAII/QQZ1XYeYFyU/s320/c4g_schroeder.gif


Few covered this as well
Posted 2 years ago by fredGarvin    [ Reply ]
Sounds SUPERB in FLAC with great studio phones, amp & DAC!!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 TheKing2 wrote:

I love Bach!


and Beethoven!

As far as cause of death, read the wiki....way too much alcohol.
Posted 3 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
Makes me miss my Mom 
Posted 3 years ago by loriltn    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I love Bach!
Posted 3 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:

True and whilst today they die of drugs, he died of Syphillis! What a way to go!


Irony defined; and without drugs* half of them would likely go the same way...

*(the prescription kind, but work with me here! 😜)
Posted 3 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
 tonyinnj wrote:




But who was Elise? 
Posted 3 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
 Ok_Sobriquet wrote:

Chopin was the first rock star. He had groupies waiting at the stage door when his concerts were over.
Franz Liszt would come on stage with the tux and white gloves. He'd
remove the gloves and lay them on the piano to play the concert.
Afterwards, he'd exit the stage but left the gloves on the piano. The
women in the audience would rush the stage to get the gloves...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.


Posted 3 years ago by tonyinnj    [ Reply ]
This is always a welcome break in my day!
Posted 3 years ago by jamesbergen573    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:

True and whilst today they die of drugs, he died of Syphillis! What a way to go!


Conjecture.  Got a reference?  Lead poisoning is more likely.
Posted 3 years ago by mread    [ Reply ]
my mother was a piano teacher
all the little girls wanted to learn Fur Elise
all the little boys wanted to learn Moonlight Sonata
Posted 3 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
Ouch.
Posted 3 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Simply soothing on a sultry sunny Sunday 😊
Posted 3 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Wonderful.
Posted 3 years ago by lovelyhelicopter    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:


And Mozart was a Punker
 
Chopin was the first rock star. He had groupies waiting at the stage door when his concerts were over.
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
One of my only 10s (if not the only one). More classical please!  Not that I mind any of the other stuff. I love it all. 
Posted 3 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
 ExploitingChaos wrote:


Does it mean Bach was a Metalhead?
 

And Mozart was a Punker
Posted 3 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p19f7brnXFw/RvRsmJF2ZHI/AAAAAAAAAII/QQZ1XYeYFyU/s320/c4g_schroeder.gif
 
My favorite copy of this recording is on a Schroeder's Classics CD. Likely a BMG purchase from college...
Posted 3 years ago by forthbrdge    [ Reply ]
 JasondotG wrote:
The first rock star. 
 

Does it mean Bach was a Metalhead?
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
I learnt this when I was about seven ... lovely piece of music; starts fairly simply with a couple of tricky sections to trap the unwary.  Like a lot of great music, easy to play, fiendishly difficult to play well.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
Bill, please throw this out and replace it with Alfred Brendl's 1984 recording.
 

Done.
Posted 3 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
This is a 10 if there ever was one.
Posted 3 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
8.9.  Yeah, it's really good, but I'm not totally feeling it.  Kind of fetishy for those who like a certain type of music.
Posted 3 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Bill, please throw this out and replace it with Alfred Brendl's 1984 recording.
Posted 3 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
I suggest Alfred Brendel's version.
Posted 3 years ago by grandemarch    [ Reply ]
It’s ‘Für‘, not ‘Fur‘
Posted 3 years ago by m_ehm    [ Reply ]
Sign in the guitar store read: No Stairway
Sign In piano store should read : No Fur Elise

ask someone who works there
Posted 4 years ago by baylees    [ Reply ]
Ah yes Talk Talk to Beethoven, superb thanks RP
Posted 4 years ago by cloudymcloudface    [ Reply ]
 TheKing2 wrote:
Is it my player or is there a slight distortion at the end of the track?
 
Yes! ....I am listening on AKG K701  headphones in FLAC with a great DAC & amp! ...its a lousy recording!!!
Posted 4 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
.. don't think Beethoven wrote any...
 
pretty sure you could at least sing the melody to the ninth, if not the German words.
Posted 4 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Pictured album cover says "Sing Along Symphonies" ... but I don't think Beethoven wrote any.  (I'm sure someone out there knows ...)

And, from the nitpicker side of my personality:  This isn't a symphony.

<edit, 5 mins later>  From Wikipedia:

Beethoven's Wig is a vocal group that sings lyrics written to the greatest hits of classical music. Created by lyricist, lead singer and producer Richard Perlmutter, the group has been a featured performer with numerous symphony orchestras. Beethoven's Wig has recorded four albums.
 
I guess you could argue that Ode to Joy is a singalong symphony - I believe it was the first symphony with a choral arrangement. 

And I figured someone probably did this... leave it to the Bulgarians!
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
210 anni ben portati ...sempre bellissima
Posted 4 years ago by mario_1954    [ Reply ]
Is it my player or is there a slight distortion at the end of the track?
Posted 4 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
There are definitely better recordings both on vinyl and in hirez audio files. I'm listening to this through a DAC and a good pair of over-the-ear phones and the distortion is blantent
Posted 4 years ago by jeraldej    [ Reply ]
This song will always remind me of my sister's piano lessons.  I never learned piano but 
I can hum along to this one after hearing it several hundred times. 
Posted 4 years ago by unklefurry    [ Reply ]
Pictured album cover says "Sing Along Symphonies" ... but I don't think Beethoven wrote any.  (I'm sure someone out there knows ...)

And, from the nitpicker side of my personality:  This isn't a symphony.

<edit, 5 mins later>  From Wikipedia:

Beethoven's Wig is a vocal group that sings lyrics written to the greatest hits of classical music. Created by lyricist, lead singer and producer Richard Perlmutter, the group has been a featured performer with numerous symphony orchestras. Beethoven's Wig has recorded four albums.
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Had a teenage romance during which this was "our song".  Truly a beautiful rendition, too. Anyone know who the pianist is? 
Posted 5 years ago by fraserji    [ Reply ]
This is nice
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
 Caturman wrote:
Quite a nice cover, almost better than the original ! What is the name of this band?
 
Coldplay.
Posted 5 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:

True and whilst today they die of drugs, he died of Syphillis! What a way to go!
 Never heard of Beethoven dying of Syphillis. It was the case for Schubert and Nietzsche.

Posted 5 years ago by Gilbert.Dispaux    [ Reply ]
Quite a nice cover, almost better than the original ! What is the name of this band?
Posted 5 years ago by Caturman    [ Reply ]
10 - Godlike
Posted 5 years ago by Nextf    [ Reply ]
 paulstrangeway wrote:
Old farts music, gimme a backbeat you can use it......
 
Whatever mate. I'd suggest you're a tad too simple to enjoy this genre.
Posted 5 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 paulstrangeway wrote:
Old farts music, gimme a backbeat you can use it......
 
.. if you want to Rock and Roll

Posted 5 years ago by NorthernSoul_KTF    [ Reply ]
Long Live Radio Paradise
To me 7 - Quite Likeable     but just barely
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
Old farts music, gimme a backbeat you can use it......
Posted 5 years ago by paulstrangeway    [ Reply ]
Just thinking the same thing.  Poor understanding of the piece by whomever is playing it in this version
Posted 5 years ago by rkt53    [ Reply ]
 RoelantSiekman wrote:

I think it is due to the album this was taken from: Beethoven's Wig. Amazon tells me it's essentially an introduction for children into classical music, with funny lyrics put to classical tunes, and that in fact the tune without the lyrics is an extra on this album. The lyrics probably don't exceed the length of the sample we've just heard.

I totally agree though that if Beethoven is played on RP, it shouldn't be cut of.. Please find another version, Bill (or Rebecca)! I've never seen such a high rating of a song, so I guess the audience is ready for it.

 
The album cover most definitely is for the children's album.  I play the videos for Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata and others for my under 5 crowd.  They love them.  Someday they will make the connection to the classics.  But for the present it is great quality time spent together, even if it involves a screen.  Usually use a picture of the 4 boys sitting around me while watching them for my before and after St. Baldrick's pictures each year.


Posted 6 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
Love the release date     1810.
Posted 6 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p19f7brnXFw/RvRsmJF2ZHI/AAAAAAAAAII/QQZ1XYeYFyU/s320/c4g_schroeder.gif
 
{#Cheers}
Posted 6 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p19f7brnXFw/RvRsmJF2ZHI/AAAAAAAAAII/QQZ1XYeYFyU/s320/c4g_schroeder.gif
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Always the right time for a Master.
Posted 6 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
Since it's already the 17th in Asia ... Happy Birthday, Ludwig Von!

 
It's Ludwig Van!
Posted 6 years ago by tom.vermost157    [ Reply ]
 Yep.

Wardleader wrote:
Playing some classical music along with everything else in the late 60s and early 70s was something that just happened along with all kinds of whimsical station breaks with out takes from movies from the 30s and 40s on Philadelphia earliest FM stations that played album music.  WDAS and WMMR FM the early underground radio stations played whatever they felt like, with lots of the album music not heard on the  AM power hit stations.  RP has that same feel, the eclectic all good sounds of music from all over the place by Bill and Rebecca who have an ear for the newer stuff that I haven't a clue about.   At this point, I try not to complain but enjoy the music and the fact I am still alive at all to hear it.   And yes, Beethoven holds a place for me, my high school girl friend was a great piano student and played Beethoven piano pieces for me that astounded me for her talent and for this music from the great composer that I then could understand why his name was held in awe and respect.  This really is my radio paradise{#Heartkiss}

 


Posted 6 years ago by bmeador    [ Reply ]
Playing some classical music along with everything else in the late 60s and early 70s was something that just happened along with all kinds of whimsical station breaks with out takes from movies from the 30s and 40s on Philadelphia earliest FM stations that played album music.  WDAS and WMMR FM the early underground radio stations played whatever they felt like, with lots of the album music not heard on the  AM power hit stations.  RP has that same feel, the eclectic all good sounds of music from all over the place by Bill and Rebecca who have an ear for the newer stuff that I haven't a clue about.   At this point, I try not to complain but enjoy the music and the fact I am still alive at all to hear it.   And yes, Beethoven holds a place for me, my high school girl friend was a great piano student and played Beethoven piano pieces for me that astounded me for her talent and for this music from the great composer that I then could understand why his name was held in awe and respect.  This really is my radio paradise{#Heartkiss}
Posted 6 years ago by Wardleader    [ Reply ]
Piano Lessons peaked at learning this piece :).  There must be an Angela Hewitt version out there...
Posted 6 years ago by Far    [ Reply ]
And there it is...the Piece de Resistance! My all time favourite classical piece! Again, thank you Bill <3
Posted 6 years ago by loungelizard48    [ Reply ]
 1000270687 wrote:
Beutiful masterpiece but isn't there a better quality version out there?
 
Yes. Fixed.
Posted 6 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
My mother was playing "Lettre à Elise" at home when I was younger... Good remenber !{#Notworthy}
Posted 7 years ago by LLAUM38    [ Reply ]
Since it's already the 17th in Asia ... Happy Birthday, Ludwig Von!
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
I love it when my fiance plays this on her piano.
Posted 7 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
And, to this day, nobody really knows who Elise was; perhaps better that way since Ludvig wrote better music as a bachelor anyway. 
Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
Beethoven?!? I thought Jimmy Page wrote this!
 

  No.  Page stole the riff.


Posted 8 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]

Talented little dude Bill?  Well put.

When my parents thought I had talent, I had to practice this so much.  Thankfully they came to their senses.


Posted 8 years ago by Chrisjea    [ Reply ]
 JasondotG wrote:
The first rock star. 

 
True and whilst today they die of drugs, he died of Syphillis! What a way to go!
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
I could be wrong but I don't think Beethoven made this recording
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Beethoven?!? I thought Jimmy Page wrote this!
 
Posted 8 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
The first rock star. 
Posted 8 years ago by JasondotG    [ Reply ]
Posted: Jan 30, 2013 - 04:57
 
 Joyride76 wrote:
Please next time don t cut the music... It's not something that you do! Respect Beethoven and the listener
  
I agree..
Agreed. Play all of Beethoven's 5th 
Posted 9 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
{#Cheers}{#Meditate}{#Notworthy}
Posted 9 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Quality sound for the 1810 recording! 
Posted 9 years ago by Bone    [ Reply ]
Elisabeth Roeckel indeed.
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Beethoven have to change!!!
Posted 9 years ago by LindaSimmers    [ Reply ]
 DoctorHooey wrote:
*ahem*

I just wrote a song it's for Elise
It's not a loan
It's not a lease
So if you want to know about this song
And who it's for
It's for Elise

If I go and play this for Elise
I wonder if 
She'll like this piece?
If she hates it my grief will not cease
I'll stuff my face
Til I'm obese
 
A simple song
And happy too
It's not for me
It's not for you

And that is what it IS
A little song that's for Elise
Not for some guy
Who's named Maurice
And now you know why all my songs
Don't have no words
Cuz I'm a terrible lyricist.

The end.
 

 
{#Roflol}{#Clap} Feckin' brilliant!
Posted 9 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I really appreciate it when RP sneaks in some classical. This is a good one there are, perhaps, better recordings but still it is a good piece.
Posted 9 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Enjoying the music and giggling at the cover! 
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
This is why radio paradise is the very best!!!!! 

 
Posted 9 years ago by currambero    [ Reply ]
Just another example of why I love RP and tell all of my friends about the station.....2014 Chrissie Hynde, then 1800's Beethoven. Throw in some "Bitches Brew" and there you are!
Posted 10 years ago by dcal6666    [ Reply ]
{#Music}
Posted 10 years ago by ginniet    [ Reply ]
Sweet! {#Cheers}
Posted 10 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
 DoctorHooey wrote:
*ahem*

I just wrote a song it's for Elise
It's not a loan
It's not a lease
So if you want to know about this song
And who it's for
It's for Elise

If I go and play this for Elise
I wonder if 
She'll like this piece?
If she hates it my grief will not cease
I'll stuff my face
Til I'm obese
 
A simple song
And happy too
It's not for me
It's not for you

And that is what it IS
A little song that's for Elise
Not for some guy
Who's named Maurice
And now you know why all my songs
Don't have no words
Cuz I'm a terrible lyricist.

The end.
 
 
Brilliant!


Posted 11 years ago by Lacapella    [ Reply ]
Ballerinas floating through my head......
Posted 11 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
This was my first piano recital piece at age 10.  A stripped down version to be sure.  But it's been very special to me ever since.  Also, in the way that became a pattern for my performance career evermore, I tripped going up the stairs to the stage and again going down the stairs on the other side - but I nailed the piece.

 
Great story
Posted 11 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
 SinisterDexter wrote:


Yep, when I hear this all can think of is Charlie Brown Christmas.

  I immediately think of Benny Hill running around in fast motion.


Posted 11 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]