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Topic: Question about pedalling in chopin's nocturne op55 no.1 (Read 6048 times)

nica

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Posts: 5

Question about pedalling in chopin's nocturne op55 no.1

on: September 18, 2007, 05:12:09 AM

Hello,
I'm preparing for my G8 ABRSM exam now. I have a question regarding the pedal in this Chopin' Nocturne in F minor (OP 55 no.1). At the begining, the pedal sign were used twice each bar, there's the "*" sign in between 2nd and 3rd beat (LH) and the "ped" sign at the third beat(LH). My teacher tells me to ONLY release the pedal and press immediately AFTER playing the 3rd notes of left hand. I found it bit strange...What do you think? Many thanks!
(see attached image)

DSC03019.JPG (51.85 kB, 320x240 - viewed 333 times.)

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schubertiad

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Posts: 223

Re: Question about pedalling in chopin's nocturne op55 no.1

Reply #1 on: September 18, 2007, 09:18:09 AM

Your teacher is not suggesting mixing the harmonies of the low f and g together, but rather legato pedalling. This means that for an almost imperceptibly short time they are both in the pedal. Change the pedal too early and you have a gap. Too late and it's a jumbled mess.
Whatever you do, I would keep the pedalling as light as you can.

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nica

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 5

Re: Question about pedalling in chopin's nocturne op55 no.1

Reply #2 on: September 18, 2007, 12:02:45 PM

Thanks Schubertad, i do find it quite difficult during practise! What do you mean "as light as i can"? Does that mean half pedalling? No matter how i tried there are gaps here and there...Can i leave the pedal after i play the first chord and press again together with g? I find it more easy

merci bcp!

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ramseytheii

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Posts: 2488

Re: Question about pedalling in chopin's nocturne op55 no.1

Reply #3 on: September 18, 2007, 12:52:39 PM

O Heavenly Father! O Spirit of Music! O Beautiful Sound From Another Dimension, Transported via Messenger to Our Own Poor World! Since you ask how to pedal this music, I beg and plead with you to listen to Horowitz's recording of this very nocturne, with superhuman pedalling that sounds like it comes from another world. It is in this very phrase, repeated so many times in the nocturne, that he makes an incredible pedal effect. Thank you for asking! Now go listen!

Walter Ramsey

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