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Lessons - Edgar Cruz |
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The Process of Arranging: "Für Elise"
(A primer for "Arranging for Solo Guitar - The Queen TItles")
by Edgar
Cruz
| "Für Elise " |
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My father, Manuel, always told me: “A guitarist’s success is proportional to his repertoire.” Though he never had formal training, he could wing his way through most any request. Admiring this capability, I took it one step further and pursued a classical guitar degree. With the knowledge I acquired, I have since found it easier to transcribe most anything to solo guitar. My transcription of Für Elise, from my Classical Demands CD, is one such example. This beautiful melody, recognized world-wide, was originally titled Für Therese. Beethoven wrote this piece for his physician’s daughter, Therese Malfatti. However, Beethoven’s handwriting was so bad that the publisher misread it as Für Elise. I found that the piece transcribed quite easily in the key of Am. Below is an example of how I approached the transcription. Shown are measures 13 through 17; the first line shows the guitar transcription, and below is the original piano score that I used for reference. Notice that the guitar music was transcribed an octave higher than the piano score to fit the range of the guitar:
The two unison E’s on the guitar are executed using harmonics to mock the left-and right-hand motion of the pianist. The harmonic indicated at the imaginery 24th fret position (half-way between the 12th fret and the bridge, or alternatively at the 5th fret) is played using an artificial, or octave harmonic technique. This effect is produced by touching the string with the right-hand first finger (i) and plucking it with the ring finger (a).
Although the term Poco Moto means “little motion,” feel free to perform the piece gently, lively, or both ways for variety. Also, alternatively applying rest strokes and free strokes will add color to the repeats. Finally, keep in mind that observing the rests as written will make for a more effective performance.
Enjoy it! I guarantee it will liven up your repertoire.
