Für Elise by L. van Beethoven

This is undoubtedly the most popular piece for piano ever composed. I have been playing Für Elise (For Elise) since I was 5. At that time I played only the first part with that beautiful theme everyone knows. And though now I am widely smiling, I should admit I did start piano lessons to be able to play Für Elise. I always thought there should be some magic in the Bagatelle WoO 59 in A minor, composed by Ludvig van Beethoven that makes it absolute favorite piece of my students and I am sure of many piano players around the globe. And though musicologists are not sure who that Elise was, I am so grateful to her – who ever she was – for her being in Beethoven’s life. And I believe Beethoven would have been named the greatest composer if he had composed just one this piece, the most famous classical piano music – Für Elise. Download the high quality sheet music of Für Elise, Ludvig van Beethoven’s Bagatelle WoO 59 in A minor.

Beethoven and Schubert

Beethoven's life was аs somber as Haydn's was bright and genial. In spite of his fitful outbursts of uncontrollable gaiety, it is impossible to believe that he was a happy man. The last years of his life were embittered, not only by a gradually increasing deafness, which deprived him of his only solace, but, still more, by the ingratitude of a worthless nephew, upon whom he lavished a wealth of affection which might have melted a heart of stone. He died, during a terrific thunderstorm, on the 26th of March 1827. Even in Vienna his greatness was acknowledged then and with reason for it is not to be expected that the present centuries will "see his like again".

One of Beethoven's most talented contemporaries was Franz Schubert. He like Beethoven wrote not for popularity, but in obedience to the dictates of an inward Voice which would not be silenced. Though his Compositions were so little prized during his life-time, that not one tenth part of them were ever either published or performed, their number is almost incredible. For long time his name was known, even in Germany, only by his matchless Songs. That he became better understood is due entirely to the generous ardor of Robert Schumann, who was the first to rescue his greater works from the oblivion to which they were rapidly drifting. Once brought to light, it is not likely that they will ever again be forgotten. Now many compositions of Franz Schubert are very popular and favourite all over the world.

Easy sheet music for beginners

I have found out that it is a terrible problem, to choose appropriate pieces for beginners. Especially with young pianists this process transforms into a burning issue. All of them want to play The Moonlight sonata and For Elise immediately, as soon as they have crossed the threshold of piano room. And no one wants to play studies and exercises. Although studies can be sometimes not really boring and exercises can be quite melodic and nice. What is the best way to explain for children that without playing of exercises they will not be able to play even For Elise? I try to find some funny or interesting moments, to invent a story together with a child. The main purpose is favoring a pianist to understand what does he playing about. When a player has a certain image – a mouse, running fast on the floor, sea waves and so on – it makes him listening very attentively to what is he playing, to the sound of an instrument. In this case not only his fingers but also his mind and his ears are working efficiently. The result of such kind of exercises is much better. It would be very helpful if composers write more programmatic studies and pieces. This is very important for beginners, and not only piano players, I think.
There are some good examples of such pieces:
Berens 50 Piano Pieces for First Beginners Op.70
Beethoven Six pastoral Dances