Pedal work in Chopin Etude op. 10 no. 4

[kuoytfouy]

The study guide for op. 10 Etudes in pianosociety.com says never to use the damper pedal except in the last four bars, and it seems quite unrealistic to me for some parts of the piece. Especially in the last beats of bars 25 and 26, where there are very quick jumps to octaves for only one 16th note and then back, I can't see how those octaves can be played up to tempo and also made sufficiently audible durationwise. Also I think that wide chords in the left hand which have to be broken also need to be supported by the pedal.

Hence I'm confused by the instructions in the study guide. Any explanations, clarifications, and suggestions regarding the use of pedal in general for the piece will be very welcome. Thank you.

(I've only finished memorising the piece hands seperate and started practicing the part I mentioned, which I find to be the hardest in the right hand)

[Waldszenen]

I use pedal in the very first opening bar and in a few miscellaneous bars here and there so it sounds better - always experiment yourself to see what sounds best.


And if I were you, I'd stay clear of the pedal comments made in that study guide - they're rubbish IMO.

[anda]

i used pedal for those jumps - very short pedal, immediately lift. this way, i got a good legato, and also a good sound for the octaves with accent, but you have to make sure you lift your foot immediately, otherwise the chromatisms will mix and it won't sound good.

best luck