Pedaling on Debussys's Arabesque 1

[hunterj]

I just recently started trying to learn the song arabesque by Debussy. 

I noticed that there are no pedal markings whatsoever on the music.

A lot of people say that if that music says not to pedal, do not pedal, but in the recording i have I hear a lot of pedaling going on.

What do you say to this?

Should I pedal in the song or not?

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

Use the pedal when you need too. The pedal use isn't restricted. Use the pedal to give your personal effect, making music.

[pianistimo]

here's some good suggestions:

http://homepage.mac.com/stevepur/music/debussy_piano/arabesque1.html

scroll down past line

[mostlyclassical]

It's a tricky one. You 'll certainly have to use the pedal, but not overdo it. I remember using a lot of 'finger' pedal. (holding notes down more than their writter value, to obtain a pedal-like effect). BTW this is one of the most beautiful pieces ever. 

[pianistimo]

i may be completely off on this one, so please, debussy experts just jump in...but, i would be tempted to hold down the first and last note of the arpeggio as long as possible.  when i first learnt the piece, i let go of each note and despite pedalling, it seemed dry.  i can now hear this piece on the organ in my head, with the bottom and top note being the most prominent.

[mostlyclassical]

i may be completely off on this one, so please, debussy experts just jump in...but, i would be tempted to hold down the first and last note of the arpeggio as long as possible.  when i first learnt the piece, i let go of each note and despite foot pedalling, it seemed dry.  i can now hear this piece on the organ in my head, with the bottom and top note being the most prominent.

My thoughts exactly! Always felt like I should hold 1st+last notes (lower+higher that is) of the arpeggios.

[nyonyo]

[ when i first learnt the piece, i let go of each note and despite foot pedalling, it seemed dry. 

From here, I can tell that you are not relax when you play any piece. If one plays with correct technique, one should be able to play this song with light touch yet connect all the notes smoothly without too much use of pedal.

[nyonyo]

My thoughts exactly! Always felt like I should hold 1st+last notes (lower+higher that is) of the arpeggios.

You hold the first note and press a little harder to make the counter line more obvious. By doing so will produce a very beautiful and rich harmony.

[pianistimo]

thanks!  that sounds right and probably advised (not much pedal) so it doesn't sound mushy.  suppose a good piano helps.