Today in History—April 27: Beethoven’s most popular song

On this day in 1810, composer Ludwig van Beethoven shared his feelings in a beautiful piano piece, Für Elise, meaning “For Elise.” But it was not published during his lifetime—in fact not until 1867, 40 years after his death—presumably because he was never quite satisfied with the composition. Indeed, he never even named it: “Für Elise” was a dedication that he wrote on the sheet music.

At least, that’s how musicologist Ludwig Nohl transcribed the piece’s manuscript, which he found in 1867 among a collection of Beethoven’s documents. Nohl then published the composition under that name, and it eventually became immensely popular—arguably the most popular piano piece ever written.

Even if you’re not familiar with the title, you almost certainly have heard the tune. Its melodies are familiar because they’ve been used as themes or background music in movies, television series, and commercials. Für Elise has even become a ringtone.

Nevertheless, there remains a controversy—or at least an uncertainty—among musicologists regarding the accuracy of Nohl’s transcription and thus the true identity of Beethoven’s dedicatee.

In other words, who did Beethoven write Für Elise für?

One candidate is Elisabeth Röckel, a close friend of Beethoven’s who performed as a soprano in his opera Fidelio. Another is Elise Barensfeld, also one of Beethoven’s operatic friends. And yet another is Therese Malfatti, a woman Beethoven proposed to in 1810 (Malfatti declined his request). Those who identify Elise as Malfatti contend that Nohl simply misread Beethoven’s handwriting of the name Therese.

Regardless, Beethoven’s Für Elise is short and light. It’s structured as a rondo, in which an initial or main melody is repeated in between one or more contrasting segments. It’s also a bagatelle, meaning a brief “unpretentious instrumental composition.” Maybe Beethoven wouldn’t want us fretting about who it’s für after all these years.

Listen to it, appreciate its form and content, and be profoundly moved.