🎶 Start your 14-day free trial & unlock the full course today. Start Free Trial →
tonebase Piano Course

Beethoven

Für Elise

Taught by renowned instructor

Seymour Bernstein

Join Seymour Bernstein as he guides you through 'probably the most popular piano piece ever written': Für Elise. In his lesson, Bernstein offers detailed practical advice on the opening page for students approaching it for the first time.<br><br>The key to achieving a warm legato in the first phrase is rotation, Bernstein stresses, which begins by slightly lifting the finger but is supported by the wrist and forearm. Bernstein also clarifies how to interpret Beethoven's dynamics and pedal markings, which is crucial to producing an idiomatic sound.<br><br>Bernstein then delves into the much-neglected remaining sections of the work, providing technical and musical tips as well as an analysis of the form and character of the work as a whole. He finishes with a full performance.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    All-Levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours
     hour
All courses on tonebase include subtitles in English and Spanish

Course Syllabus

Für Elise

Join Seymour Bernstein as he guides you through 'probably the most popular piano piece ever written': Für Elise. In his lesson, Bernstein offers detailed practical advice on the opening page for students approaching it for the first time.

The key to achieving a warm legato in the first phrase is rotation, Bernstein stresses, which begins by slightly lifting the finger but is supported by the wrist and forearm. Bernstein also clarifies how to interpret Beethoven's dynamics and pedal markings, which is crucial to producing an idiomatic sound.

Bernstein then delves into the much-neglected remaining sections of the work, providing technical and musical tips as well as an analysis of the form and character of the work as a whole. He finishes with a full performance.

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
Access this course and hundreds more.

Click below to access hundreds of exclusive piano courses, available only on tonebase.

Unlock Course →
Seymour Bernstein
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Seymour Bernstein

An illustrious performer and now, a world-renowned pedagogue, Seymour Bernstein's incredible life is the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary "Seymour: An Introduction" directed by the actor Ethan Hawke.

read full bio →
Seymour Bernstein

Learn from legendary pianists

Explore 1,000+ in-depth lessons taught by GRAMMY winners, Juilliard professors, and world-renowned performers, covering everything from timeless repertoire to advanced technique and artistry.

Listen to a few tonebase stories. Ready to start yours?