Beethoven's "Für Elise" Performed By Seymour Bernstein

[@hanshi3831]

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

[@steffliang5222]

Corret

[@mo8419]

Lack of “snideness” I might add☝🏽

[@tvctoni]

Yes! The best interpretation I’ve heard 🎹🎹🎹 TY Seymour Bernstein ❤

[@l.w.paradis2108]

I love him! His book is great, too.

[@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool]

I think the snobbery sadly exists because of Simply Piano and the amount of people who play the piece very badly as a result.

[@jackoo666]

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

[@Apoz]

"Mastered" haha

[@RUT812]

I agree that this piece is a very serious piece that can be played badly or with musicality.

[@jackoo666]

@@Apoz you dont think hes mastered it by now?

[@Apoz]

@@jackoo666 You can't master someone else's pieces. But if you want to measure exceptions, you probably need about 99% approval rate. And if I can easily distinguish his mediocrity, other people can too. I'm not invalidating your emotions or your opinion, I just don't share your irrational opinion.

[@pulykamell]

@@Apoz Hmmm...you're not "invalidating [someone else's] opinion," yet you're calling their opinion "irrational." *head scratch*

[@Sam-ef3bj]

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...

[@Dave1507]

That's interesting, but not how lineage works

[@charliepeterson1745]

This is really fascinating. I can’t believe I just read this as a KZbin comment. It blows my mind 🤯

[@charliepeterson1745]

You might want to change the word lineage if you don’t want people thinking they share blood

[@trm4555]

Thanks for taking your time to share the "lineage", it's very interesting. i am shocked to know Seymour grew up in Newark!!!! i am a Jersian, too ! ha

[@ExtraCrispyBits]

Lineage refers to pedagogical lineage, for those wondering. Its not an incorrect way to phrase it.

[@mikhailmorphy6284]

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

[@esava44]

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

[@organman52]

uh-huh

[@Apoz]

Played it almost similar when I first learned the piece. Coincidence is stronger than your honesty.

[@NattyD_Fergulicious]

@@Apoz what is the point of your meaningless and envious comment?

[@Apoz]

@@NattyD_Fergulicious Your comment is not thát envious.. It's just the pop way of playing classical music. Nothing wrong with it, nothing special either.

[@BongRip]

@@Apoz your opinion is incorrect and unintelligent here, as well, i can easily explain why if you’d like, let me know.

[@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.

[@mrbullseye]

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

[@susanegley4149]

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

[@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.

[@SoggySandwich80]

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.

[@tumppuuu]

No ice water in his veins.

[@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.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

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

[@boldfella8199]

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 🙏

[@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.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

I hope you're still playing. You have a musical soul. 😊

[@owenkoh4799]

ive played this many time before, ive seen many people played this, but this is the first time ive been amazed by this piece

[@quaver1239]

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.

[@CasualClassical]

When I hear this song I think of being trapped by a habit or pattern. For moments here and moments there you exist outside your prison but ultimately the theme can’t be escaped. I imagine Beethoven felt trapped or constrained in many ways and I sense a manifestation of it within this piece. Seymour’s somber rendition felt really earnest and reinforces my emotional impression of Für Elise

[@ludix711]

I feel a bit more of a loss of love or a painful event in his life. I mean his life definitely wasn't the greatest and he is definitely one of my favorite composers. I do like how music in general can make us interpret different scenarios and maybe events in the composers life. Music is just a language and a composer must speak through the instruments that are there

[@Tiger-sg2zj]

This is a great analogy...this performance clearly shows sadness either from losing a love or losing his hearing 😢

[@sparrows18]

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

[@ipezmusic]

That's the power of true art: it's like I heard another kind of melody.

[@legoguy23451]

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.

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

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

[@mtgphil42]

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

[@lt_johnmcclane]

Agreed! It’s been nine months since you wrote this and I’ve just started seeing this channel recommended in my feed so hopefully it starts getting recommended more in other people’s

[@ernieragogini3994]

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.

[@eddiebeato5546]

This man’s heart flows with streams of life...What a marvelous musician!!!

[@sifka1607]

The way he knew to let that minor second interval ring in certain spots were just perfect!

[@SueBirch]

This version seems more emotional, I prefer it. Bravo!!

[@seamtaro]

I love those passages, the rubato, the way he brings out the tension is just impeccable. This rendition is purely from the soul. It feels like I'm listening to a piano roll recording back from the 1900's (another certainty is like a music box, especially the A Theme).

[@SeaDrive300]

Happy 97th Birthday, Seymour! 🙂

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

Best performance of Für Elise I ever heard. Thanks a lot for posting this.

[@hkittyly]

It does my heart so much joy to see his played well

[@alwynjeddore6792]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, no other words to describe it. I love how he plays the part that a lot of people I have heard play fast, and him play slower and so gracefully.

[@DansChessLounge]

The way Mr. Bernstein played the section 2:35 gave me goose bumps. That was magical… bravo!

[@carolmarcus-go1kk]

It is beautifully molded without being overly emotional!

[@lorenschifman4772]

Beautiful playing. Gentle and humane

[@maurozanchetta648]

Thank you, maestro Bernstein

[@georg2740]

I have never heard it played like this! Absolutely awesome and amazing! This is how it should sound!

[@alexandersakulin3127]

His use of sustain pedal is lovely.

[@trm4555]

THANK YOU for what you said about Für Elise. Your Für Elise is ZE MOST BEAUTIFULLY played ever!!!! the epidemy version of Für Elise!!

[@thatotherperson2]

For some reason, those few times that he gave both hands to that E and rolled over it has me feeling some way. I have a rigid mindset and I know that I couldn't make myself do that; and yet I feel like I'm getting carried along with the romance of the song and its charm is coating everything in sweetness.

[@davidhall92]

Honestly... Played like I've never heard it before! Thank you hugely Mr Bernstein. ❤ My dearly departed Aunt (a concert pianist) taught me this beautiful masterpiece in my mid 30's (I am now 62). I loved the piece but played it poorly, as any beginer would, and still do! 😮 To hear it again... played so Beautifully, with such gentle respectful tonal expression is simply Heavenly to my HeartSoul. Thank You Mr Seymour Bernstein ❤ Thank You my Beautiful Aunty Barb ❤ Thank You Beethoven ❤

[@dashdotdot]

He makes it look absolutely effortless.

[@anirudhdaspiano]

Those pauses took it to another level..😍

[@leahfelton5573]

I love this piece. It's not technically difficult, but beautiful in its simplicity. I like things that seem simple on the surface but when you dive into them, you discover worlds you didn’t know could exist. He opens us up to this.

[@zihanwang4078]

Hearing the maestro play it makes me feel like I am listening to it for the first time.

[@kristine6996]

How many times did I listen to this music… as a child and young girl. Thank you so much.

[@kwmusicacademy7479]

If only I had had teachers as humble and skilled as this. I Just wow. Thank you.

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

Considering he is over ninety, he is amazing.

[@kwmusicacademy7479]

@@JOHN-tk6vl indeed.

[@bethanywurzburg9181]

Amazing! Have heard this piece ever since a young child, and NO ONE ever suggested the b and c sections could go slower. Everyone always portrayed this should be played generally fast, and I never could get certain sections lightning fast. This proves how much better it sounds slower and more expressively, rather than whipping through it. So beautiful, Mr. Bernstein!

[@enricopascucci4802]

Great performance. He's caught perfectly the true atmosphere of the piece and the thought of the composer.

[@Glaswegian-qm5fp]

The fact that you said that certain pieces of music and this is one of those pieces where people and performers view as child’s play is so true! … and is sad to me.. just because pieces are over played or sound simple doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look back at those moments when the muse in the Universe was whispering these notes into the great masters ears and the sacrifices they made for their art great or small. Can you imagine hearing this for the first time? How could one not hear the depth of this man’s sweet heart and love of music. Thank you Seymour, you warm my heart every time I listen to your presentations and performances. Cheers sir.

[@peaceful671]

It's not easy,it's well known for a reason because it's beloved,so many elements to enjoy I love it ,and this performance is wonderful 👌👌👌

[@jlanthripp]

My mother played piano and this was her favorite song to play when I was a kid. I still like this song, despite hearing it played hundreds or maybe thousands of times, with very....very....slowly increasing proficiency over time LOL

[@mynameisvu]

If I had to choose one word to describe this rendition, it would be "free." Mr. Bernstein's interpretation for tempo, phrasing, and dynamics is so free and bucks orthodox interpretations, it's extremely refreshing. If you liked this interpretation, I would suggest listening to Lang Lang's Fur Elise as well. There are similar voicings. I will certainly be taking a fresh look at this piece the next time I'm at my piano. =D

[@sp1704]

I never had any interest in learning this piece until now. Thank you, Maestro Bernstein 🙏

[@PaulOfCreation]

So beautiful ❤

[@matttondr9282]

Like everyone else, I've heard this piece a thousand times. Or so I thought... Wonderful insight by Mr. Bernstein, as always!

[@vivianamarcellah]

Amazing description and performance of this sublime piece. In fact, it is the most beautiful version I have ever heard. Thank you Mr. Bernstein and Tonebase.

[@dlions9068]

That man is an artist, painting masterpieces in sound, taking the soul on a journey.

[@philipkuttner7945]

Yes!! The central section cries out to us to take more time. Just beautiful.

[@RetirededKat]

I don't even play piano but this was fascinating to watch and a beautiful rendition, thank you.

[@GuilhermeMichel]

Katarina plays with enemies, not piano hehehhe

[@ericlunger8090]

Whenever I get stuck practicing piano (started piano five years ago at age 53) I watch Mr Bernstein

[@78jog89]

Happily listened to this piece for many years and have heard all manner of playing from student to professional. Never heard it played with such thoughtfulness, precision and sympathy. What a great post! Thanks, tonebase and Maestro Bernstein.

[@digilux4017]

Musical interpretation at its best, thank you for sharing this with us Seymour 🙏🏻

[@davidhall92]

I Feel... Beethoven's Bloodline continues thru Mr Seymour Berstein. ❤ Beautifully Inspired interpretation of a timeless classic. ❤

[@gloria939]

Noch nie so schön gespielt gehört

[@MURRYCHOOCK]

Sounds humble and sincere

[@jonneiss7562]

Seymour Bernstein is from the Beethoven lineage himself. After his own career as a concert pianist, Seymour Bernstein became a master teacher of other concert pianists. I think this is the correct lineage, but not 100% positive: Beethoven taught Liszt. Liszt taught Czerny. Czerny taught Leschetizky. Leschetizky taught Clara Husserl. Clara Husserl taught Seymour Bernstein. Clara Husserl also taught her daughter, who became a profound concert pianist. She taught my mother. And she also taught Liberace. I once asked my mother if Liberace was more of a popular musician or if he had the skills to have become a major concert pianist. My mother said that he absolutely had all the professional skills to have become a major concert pianist. In 2014, the actor Ethan Hawke did a documentary about Seymour Bernstein. Called "Seymour: An Introduction." Really a must see for all classical music lovers and lovers of a beautiful, gentle aesthetic.

[@Scottondanet]

I think Beethoven taught Czerny, who then taught Liszt. The rest... no idea!

[@tyrrian2520]

Who are Bernsteins students? Never heard of him. Not impressed, but he’s old.

[@arindo]

thanks for the documentary suggestion. and the lineage info

[@sm30405]

Liszt taught Czerny… what a joke😂

[@cennamo66]

Mr. Bernstein plays it like a crying meditative piece other like a passional ardent piece. To each his own!

[@leylag1466]

Why didn’t it surprise me that I see this piece in a totally different light after hearing Master Bernstein perform it ?

[@creativecolours2022]

This is the most lyrical interpretation of this piece I've ever heard in my life!

[@ritamariasantanna4762]

Bravíssimo!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@myrahouse2368]

One sunny afternoon my Son, his Auntie Gramps & I where walking about a large Orangery. Then I heard this peice 🎶 coming in the distance… I wandered toward the piano 🎹 music. I found my son sitting there playing this…. He only learnt the beginning but it was beautiful.

[@7MPhonemicEnglish]

Very expressive. I'm sure that Beethoven would approve. It would be great to see those old artists sit down at a modern piano for the first time. I'm not sure that the pianos of their day could go that soft. The technology has improved.

[@7MPhonemicEnglish]

Well I don't know what I'm talking about. There's more difference in loudness capability between 18th and 19-20th century pianos I guess. I'm sure a Beethoven expert knows what pianos he played and how well he could hear them. A ressurected Beethoven with perfect hearing on a Steinway would be something to witness. Who knows, he might turn straight into a synthesizer junkie overnight.

[@7MPhonemicEnglish]

Beethoven went through several pianos. His favorite while he could still hear, seems to have been made by Johann Andreas Streicher. They were called Fortepianos at the time. Read about it on Wikipedia here: 'Beethoven's pianos'. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_van_Beethoven

[@Polderjongen]

Beautiful old Master

[@sospiroso]

This is how this piece should be played......A man after my own heart playing musically in response to the phrases and musical structure and in a way disregarding the written notes. 👋 Playing music is what its all about not playing notes mechanically.

[@ClintLock1]

amazing. i've never heard this piece so deeply

[@dr.j5642]

Played masterfully.

[@crustyoldfart]

Wonderful interpretation. I'd love to hear it played, possibly also re-interpreted, on an instrument that Van B. could have used/lplayed during his lifetime, rather than on a modern piano.

[@virtualpilgrim8645]

Let's see more Seymour

[@christhekiwi109]

So beautiful.

[@maxswenson6605]

Lying in the soft, cool grass of a river bank, underneath the shade of lovely Willow tree as the water flows softly by. Perhaps your beloved is there with you and softly strokes your cheek. Bliss….

[@paveldvorak4076]

Truly beautiful. Of course this is a dreamy piece. Thank you.

[@keremkeskiner7727]

Thank you, Mr. Bernstein!

[@cliveparaschis]

Very pleasing. Encouraging to hear slower tempi in the more challenging passages.

[@musicfrommicksroom]

My new favorite version!

[@huseyinsar5130]

real master!

[@belay626]

So beautiful amazing lovely great music and musician. Thanks

[@Robert-to9zv]

Absolutely wonderful!! Thanks so much!

[@jillfarley520]

Breathtaking!

[@frankargento2569]

I learn so much from Mr Bernstein. Amazing teacher and performer. Thank you!!

[@v_vivasvat]

i've never heard the B section performed so beautifully... always thought it was meant to be double the speed

[@linminlong2]

Same

[@user-di5rm9ee1p]

Speachless

[@salmonstone2358]

Beautiful.

[@MooseheadStudios]

This really is a great take. Goes to show the difference when played with care. Bravo sir

[@tombennettband1485]

wow that was FANTASTIC! kudos to the maestro!

[@WATTScostumes]

Fabulous !

[@cribedadabecri5764]

Gorgeous!!

[@kennethleung3791]

This is absolutely amazing - Jedi master

[@backtoschool1611]

Very Inspiring!!

[@christianfunintuscany1147]

Meravigliosa grazie grazie

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci beaucoup.