Musical history of fur Elise

 

I play this all the time. And it has an interesting history... and has similarities to the theme of Jaws? Huh? yup. the da duh da duh da duh at the beginning of the piece.

Dirkdeklein explains why it is so popular among middle level piano students:

 Technically, “Für Elise” is approachable for intermediate pianists, which has contributed to its popularity as a learning piece...

and he explains it's popularity in popular culture; 

Beyond the concert hall and practice room, “Für Elise” has permeated global culture. It is heard in countless films, television shows, advertisements, and even cell phone ringtones. Its familiar melody can evoke a range of emotions, from nostalgia to tranquility, depending on the context in which it appears. In educational contexts, “Für Elise” often marks a milestone in a young pianist’s development, representing a transition from beginner to more advanced repertoire.

More in this video: and he discusses how the revised version is more melodic and fancy, yet it is the straightforward original version that remains more popular.