Sheet music
Für Elise
Bagatelle in A minor
by Ludwig van Beethoven , Beethoven , L. van Beethoven , Ludvig van Beethoven
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Für Elise is a work by Ludwig van Beethoven, Beethoven, L. van Beethoven and Ludvig van Beethoven. It is also catalogued as Bagatelle in A minor.
Identifying Für Elise and its editions
Beethoven’s Für Elise is the Bagatelle in A minor, WoO 59. It was first published in 1867, after his death. Surviving sketches illuminate its development, including a substantial draft from spring 1810, but the complete manuscript used for the first publication is lost. The piece’s familiar name therefore sits beside a less straightforward source history.
Use “WoO 59” to distinguish the work from similarly titled arrangements and teaching anthologies. The opening refrain is often used in beginner selections, but a short extract is not the whole bagatelle. Check whether the listing describes the complete original, an excerpt, or a simplified arrangement.
When comparing editions, look for an explanation of the sources and any editorial changes. If a teacher specifies an edition, matching it can make rehearsal instructions easier to follow. Browse Beethoven’s other works and the piano catalog for related repertoire.
Source: Henle’s Für Elise preface and account of the surviving sources.
Same composer