Liszt Ballade No.1 Db Major

[roflman05]

Hi everyone. Im 22 years old from Sweden.

Ive been following this forum for some time but now I have a question for you!

I've bought the score for liszt's first ballade , (everynote.com) and I noticed no pedal marks at all and only a few fingering marks. I have a recording, and the use of pedal is very limited. but looking at the score I see some measures where I would use pedal.

Anyone here who wants to help me find another score for this work, with fingerings
and pedalmarks (if there is any) or if someone could share their copy with me?

Any help is appreciated!

thanks

[thalbergmad]

My version has no fingerings and no pedal marks as well.

This is a matter for experimentation. If you see a measure where you think you would use the pedal, then try it. If it works keep it, if not, then ditch the idea.

This is Liszt, we have much freedom.

Enjoy

Thal

[roflman05]

Well I guess

But I also downloaded the Bm Ballade (his second) and found that one completely with out. I dont play much liszt but , other pieces liebestraume no3, la campanella etc , have pedal marks. (at least my editions).

And I tried listen for pedalling but this guy plays in a large hall or a church or something so its hard to decide. Most of the time its without , in "tempo di marcia,animato" section.
But the end? Aw well..

Anyone play/has played this piece?

[donjuan]

With Liszt pedal is sort of up to you, although in many cases, an intelligent use of pedal is assumed.  Use the correct kind of pedal so harmonies dont blend strange when they are not supposed to, and be sure you can accomodate the indicated staccato notes.  

In this ballade, dont use too much pedal in the 'tempo di marcia' part, but more in the singing melody passages in the beginning, after the preludio introduction.  You can probably apply pedal liberally at the end when the notes are in the higher register  in those arpeggios.  Think 'harp' and you cant go wrong.

I'm working on Ballade No.2 right now, and boy is it fun!!  It's also much easier than Ballade No. 1.  I tried the first a while back, but gave up on it.  If you want a good recording, check out Horowitz.  The only recording I have of the first is Stephen Hough.

[roflman05]

Thanks for your reply it helps a lot.

Im playing a lot of chopin and his works contain lots of pedal.
Thats why I was surprised when I saw the score, and looked into the andantino part.

I see the point in smart pedalling and I'll try to find a way.
Its seems pretty tough though to get a non-blurry effect with the pedal, and still tougher to get a nice legato with the long left hand jumps and rolling chords without pedal. Its tricky.
Its a lovely piece, for me I was mesmerized the very first time I heard it.

And DonJuan , how did your version of the score look? was fingerings included?

Im still interesting in hearing what you all have to say about this piece , and more information is greatly appreciated.

Btw. Im registered at Naxos.com (free) where you can listen to a small portion of pieces. I listened to this Ballade and it seems that the guy playing uses pedal in the andantino part.
Oh well.

thanks

[donjuan]

And DonJuan , how did your version of the score look? was fingerings included?

no fingerings and no pedal indications.  I have the Dover Edition.

It really is a magical piece and I hope you play it.  Dont think too much about when and when not you are supposed to pedal, but go with your instincts and you will probably be right.  Ask your music teacher if you have questions.

[stevie]

can you post the hough recording?

i love certain sections of this piece, but have never been convinced by it as a whole, maybe hough can convince me?

[brewtality]

can you post the hough recording?

i love certain sections of this piece, but have never been convinced by it as a whole, maybe hough can convince me?

If anyone can convince you, perhaps it is this guy?

https://s14.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1U5UTP5DFZMYM2DCNE8W4A0CH1

Sergio Fiorentino.

Btw I have Hough too, but don't like it as much.

[stevie]

thanks!

off-topic, can you possibly also post the polonaise no1 on that cd?

im trying to collect recordings of that piece(currently my fav pimp piece)

[brewtality]

Here you go:

Stephen Hough Polonaise 1

https://s15.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=35IXT9EHE1C4U3R13P3G4RNBIW

[stevie]

hahaha respect!

and i listened to that fiorentino recording more, im definetly liking the piece more.