Scriabin's 2nd sonata...

[nanabush]

Hey!  It's been a while since I've posted here 

I've recently begun playing Scriabin's second sonata (on the side); For the first movement, I generally have the notes down minus several really awkward sections.  I'm just wondering; I have a recording done by Ruth Laredo of the first movement, and it sounds incredible.  I don't know how much pedal she uses, and how she clears through some of the right hand runs as well as left hand leaps while sustaining such a good legato... If anyone's played this or knows anything about it, how much pedal is too much for this, and is it necessary in some sections to cover up leaps with pedal?

Thanks!

[quantum]

Look at the harmonic structure.  Generally, holding pedal through RH passages with a common bass note gives more body to the tone.  A lot of the pedaling can be deduced from the harmony.   In Scriabin harmony doesn't always occur in metrical blocks (starts on beat 1 ends on beat 4), but can be stretched out in asymmetrical ways to enhance the symphonic colours of the piano.  Eg: Bass notes may not always be on a main beat or be first to be played in a chordal passage.  Also watch out for implied bass which is not explicitly held for full note values in the score. 

[counterpoint]

In the music of Scriabin, there is often the problem, that bass notes should be held with the pedal while there are temporary chords or notes, that require to be damped. So the solution often is to just lift the pedal a little bit, the middle and higher notes will be wiped out - but the bass notes will stay alive. It's a bit tricky but it is not impossible 

[nanabush]

Alright, thanks!  I understand what you're saying, and I have half-lifted the pedal for other stuff, so I'll give that a shot and take into account some of the bass passages while doing this.

[hodi]

hey, i'm playing this piece for over a year and i never get bored of it
watch out the voicing in the 3rd page. it's very difficult to get it good. you have to use the pedal there , you just have too. it helps.