Beethoven's 'Für Elise' Performed By Seymour Bernstein

Für Elise isn't taken seriously enough among pianists, says Seymour Bernstein. For him, the piece should "fire your imagination." Join the celebrated pianist and pedagogue as he discusses his interpretation of Beethoven's greatest hit before giving a full performance of the work.

Watch Seymour Bernstein's full lesson on Für Elise below!

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[hanshi]

I love how Mr. Bernstein doesn't scoff at a piece because its popularity. The lack of snobbery is so refreshing. Beautifully played!

[jackoo]

this piece is far too often viewed as an "easy" piece. he's truly mastered it. absolutely amazing

[Sam-efbj]

not sure if folks know, but Seymour Bernstein is, in fact, from the Beethoven lineage:
Beethoven taught Czerny, who then taught Liszt, Liszt taught Leschetizky, and Leschetizky taught Clara Husserl. Clara Husserl was Seymour's piano teacher (also my mother's). My mother and Seymour Bernstein were fellow students, friends. My mother was primarily an opera singer, a coloratura. Her piano skills were not on the same level as Seymour Bernstein or some of the other top students, but her voice was. And the top students, including Seymour would practice their accompaniment skills with her. Different era. They were all friends. They used to all get together and go to the park and have picnic lunches (Newark, NJ). Clara Husserl also taught Liberace. I once asked my mother if he really had the chops of a top notch concert pianist. or if he was just a showman. My mother said he absolutely had all the chops of top notch concert pianist. Mom passed last year. She was 95. Rest in peace mom...

[susanegley]

I don't play any instruments, and rarely know what he's talking about, but the WAY he speaks is so soothing and lovely.

[RodrigoRaez]

He gave the piece a depth that I've never heard before in it. It's a pleasure to have you online, Mr. Bernstein.

[mikhailmorphy]

The best interpretation of this piece I’ve ever heard.

[mrbullseye]

I've never been so spellbound by Für Elise before. Magnificent.

[SoggySandwich]

Wow it’s like hearing it for the first time. Hearing it played tastefully and skillfully, most people just poop it out as fast as possible with no damns given for the dynamics.

[zvonimirtosic]

Instead of a performance- and dance-floor showpiece, Seymour Bernstein is playing it as a heartfelt, reflective romantic composition.

[quaver]

Mr Bernstein’s fingers are as arthritic as mine. Now I can no longer use arthritis as an excuse to play badly. Thank you so much for this depiction of a true master.

[esava]

I can honestly say I've never heard it like this. Excellent. Brings real life to a largely lifelessly performed piece.

[ratboygenius]

The transition from B back to A is the best I have ever heard. It's an awkward spot that students often get wrong with too many E-D#'s. In the second part of the A theme I love how Mr. Bernstein holds the bass note C longer and takes time with the C major harmony. Also holding the very low A with his pinky in the last section of the C theme while the thumb keeps the ostinato A's moving (to add resonance) is so great. I'm always going to play it that way from now on.

[boldfella]

To be able to play at this high level way in your nineties as mister Bernstein does is a blessing, for him and us, people that admire him. His views on music are fascinating to me. I’m a fairly rookie classical music listener and the way he explains his views on how he likes the music played draws me into it. He’s often my guide in the music, how it’s made and thus what to listen for and how to listen. Thank you very very much Mister Bernstein 🙏

[CyberneticArgumentCreator]

Bernstein makes the piano have the swells and fullness of a full orchestral arrangement. Complete mastery.

[sparrows]

Wow! Mr. Bernstein unlocked the treasure chest called Fur Elise. Such a gorgeous understanding and performance of this wonderful piece by Beethoven. Thank you!

[Alexoferith]

Wow, the touch... that's in the blood... Everyone can learn how soft and hard to play the piano keys, but the soul, the essence of the music, has to come from the performer. Bravo. A real master.

[HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

Wow, I have no words. I learned this piece when I was young and it didn’t sound anything like that. It was definitely faster and he was completely right it is a serious piece. I feel honored to have seen him perform it.

[ernieragogini]

Following a performance in which I played 109, 110, and 111 I played Fur Elise as an encore. It held its own….and why not? Marvelous piece.

[mtgphil]

Why doesn't this channel have more views! The videos are marvellous!

[legoguy]

i love how he leads your ear to believe certain notes or sections are passionate, emotional statements, and it makes listening really enjoyable because your ear is always waiting to see where his fingers lead you. i've been regaining my passion for music, and i realize songs are not just phrases supposed to be corroborated by mindless repetition or what you think the ideal listener would want, but what your ears want because you are that listener, and the audience is subjected to your inner world, your vision, transpiring through beethoven. thank you, seymour bernstein.