Fur Elise 3+3 fingering
Found in: Foundation Songs, Musicality, Pedaling, Technique
Heidi M., Canada
One of my Foundation 2 students was wondering re: Fur Elise if she could use just the RH (no LH) for the 3+3 (after the 9 E’s). She said she feels that may be simpler or easier. She did not argue as such, she was just interested to understand. I told her that I feel Neil’s way (L R L) makes it easiser to put feeling into it and perhaps less counting, so more intuitive and heartfelt which this song really deserves. Any thoughts from the rest of you?
Anna J., Canada
It’s actually notated that way in the score, so I’ve always presumed this was actually Beethoven’s intention, though I don’t have a better idea as to why it’s written this way.
Georgia H., Australia
It looks really professional to do it hand over hand as written, especially when it follows the 9 E’s.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
I tell my students it’s much easier to keep track of how many they’ve played as well. Two unique sets of 3 is much easier than counting out 6 times using the same fingers. Plus, back and forth between fingers 4 and 5 that many times can be uncomfortable. Better for the hands to alternate.
Leeanne I., Australia
I like the control the hand-over-hand gives you. After the faster run up the piano just beforehand with the butterfly E’s, the hand-over-hand makes you slow down. Then you can put the feeling into that section that is intended. I think Beethoven did it deliberately and is a demonstration of his genius.
Cheri S., Utah
I think the alternating hands subtly changes the sound also, keeping it smooth and lyrical. Plying the same fingers over and over can start sounding a bit like a tiny hammer.