Pedal help for Chopin E Minor Prelude Op. 28, No. 4

[scrumhalf]

I am learning this beautiful piece and am having a bit of trouble
preventing the left hand from sounding choppy.  I am using the pedal
exactly as the sheet music markings indicate I should - for the
measures where pedal use is indicated, I of course have no trouble
making the repeated chords sound smooth and flowing, but for the
measures where no pedal use is indicated, try as I might, I am having
a hard time not making the chords sound choppy with gaps between them.

I never hear this when I hear recordings of this piece and while I
have no illusions about my own skill level, I wonder if this is
because others use the pedal more liberally than what the sheet music
indicates.  If I basically use the pedal everywhere, just release/
clarify at each chord change, it sounds much better, but I don't know
if I am just using the pedal to cover up my lack of technique.

Any advice would be helpful!!

[jabbz]

in the left hand with the chords, don't allow the keys to return to their original height after you have played them. Keep that going and it should sound all right. Also, perhaps pedal each bar.

[scrumhalf]

Thanks for your suggestion - that was very helpful.  I think that's what I have intuitively been trying to do... I'll concentrate a bit more on making sure I reduce the travel of the keys.  Thanks!