led and ٭

[student2]

What do these symbols mean (led. and ٭)? I'm getting this from Chopin's Nocturne in C#m; I believe it has to do with some kind of rhythmic variation from what I've heard on a recording, but I'm not certain? Help is appreciated!

[abell88]

It's actually Ped. and *, the old symbols for pedal markings. Put the pedal down at Ped. and lift at *.

[student2]

ah! Thanks alot!!! Which pedal does it denote?

[TheHammer]

The damper Pedal. That is the right one, which sustains the sound of the notes, whereas the left is the so-called "Una Corda"-Pedal, because it shifts the hammers of the piano a bit to the side, thus making them only hit two instead of three string, resulting in a different and a bit weaker sound. Most people abuse this one (the left, not the one we are talking about) to play softer. Not good. Also have a look here: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,9521.0.html

[student2]

Thanks again! Sorry I'm such a noob, I just started playing recently!

[TheHammer]

Then you are doing exactly the right thing: posing questions and listening to the answers, and you chose exactly the right place to do this: the PianoForum (while PianoStreet, but anyway...)

Welcome to the magnificent world of piano playing.