pedal techniques

[nswfeng]

i sometimes wonder when is it not appropriate to use the pedal since they are usually not marked on the music...what are the guidelines to this? just as an example, i'm now practicing brahms klavierstucke op 118 2nd movement. should i be using it in most parts so they sound smoother, or are there any parts that i should NOT use (in other words, what would be a wrong scenario to use pedal)...?

[pianistimo]

are you talking about the second intermezzo?  as i learned it - i was told to first play as much without pedal (but still connect with fingers) as possible.  then, at the end, add pedal sparingly.  that way - you still hear those lovely inner voices.  first - group the phrasing so you can see it.  where does phrase one end?  where does phrase two end?  then, you get an idea of what you are trying to do with the fingers AND pedal later.

this intermezzo seems so 'violinish' to me.  it's like you're attempting to imitate the violin on the piano.  or a singer.  movement across the long phrasing is very important.  if you phrase it only two notes at a time - it sounds really staid.

it's very hard to attempt to practice without pedal when you are not used to it. but, keep doing it.  it will help you play much better and less dependent upon the pedal for dynamics, tone, and sound.  you can do a lot with your fingers alone.  i didn't realize how much.