Handel

[dorjephagmo]

Hello,
I am wondering about the use of damper pedal in Handel's music.  Specifically, I am accompanying a singer on an aria from "Rinaldo."  I can't really decide how clean I should keep it.  Any opinions or ideas?  Thanks!!  

[Mattay]

Handel more than any of the baroque keyboard composers,(including Bach) let it be known when he wanted something sustained; by indicating half notes among a quarter-note phrase, ect.  You may have more of a problem in accompanying a singer, though, because you have to remain inconspicous. My advice would be to pedal when repeating or sharing a phrase or a melody that the singer has. You don't want her to sing it in a smooth legato, while you're at the piano playing the same phrase like Glenn Gould.

[martin_s]

My view on pedalling in general:

The [damper] pedal is a part of our instrument just as much as the keys or anything else that is normally featured in a piano. The pedal, again just like anything else in playing the piano, demands from the player enormous amounts of control, technique and, above all, you pedal with you ears. (don't misunderstand me here, please)
I guess we can all pretty much agree on that.

To me this means that whatever music we chose to play on a modern piano, we make use of all the means that our modern instruments offer us - including the pedal. This, of course, does not mean that we use full pedal without changing in a rapid passage in a dance movement from a Bach Partita. But, on the other hand, it does not say we must not use a tiny bit of pedal every now and then even in such a piece. Always remember that the pedal can actually be used without the lister actually realising. And, most of the time, as soon as your listeners think "Aha! Pedal" you have probably used it in an unsuitable way.
What I am trying to say is, I would always make use of all the instrument is offering me, then judge by using my ears, how much pedal do I need in this room, how loud need I play the bass note in this hall, how soft can I play in this passage and still be heard, etc...
"let your heard rule your head tonight"! (a sometimes very wise line from a Brian May song!)