Für Elise for Wind and String Duets
Für Elise is not only a piano piece. Its memorable theme adapts well to flute, clarinet, violin and cello duets, giving students on other instruments a famous piece to play.
About our arrangement: Our Fur Elise duet for violin and bassoon at an easy, beginner level. A clarinet and bassoon version is also available.
Our arrangement is available on Sheet Music Plus.
About the piece
Für Elise (Bagatelle in A minor, WoO 59) is by Ludwig van Beethoven and was published posthumously in 1867. The rondo theme is among the most recognised melodies in classical music.
Why adapt it for other instruments
Students on flute, clarinet, violin or cello rarely get to play famous piano repertoire. A duet arrangement shares the theme and accompaniment figures between two players.
What changes in a duet
- The flowing left-hand figures are split into a supporting part.
- Extreme registers are adjusted to suit the instruments.
- The contrasting middle sections are shared between the players.
Practice approach
Learn the main theme first, since it returns several times. Then work through the episodes one at a time, and finally play the whole piece along with a metronome.
Listen and watch
Frequently asked questions
Is Für Elise public domain?
Yes. Beethoven's composition is in the public domain, while arrangements are protected as the arranger's work.
Which duet pairs work best?
Flute with clarinet, two violins, violin with cello and similar pairings all work well.