Performance of Bach (Pedaling, non legato, etc)

[pianobee]

Hello,
I was taught that in the performance of Bach, one is to play long notes (eighth notes) non legato.  I am kind of confused about this, especially since in some videos of Andras Schiff on youtube, it is apparent that he is playing his left hand very legato, and only playing non legato during large jumps and cadences.
Another issue I am contemplating is pedaling.  How much is appropriate in the performance of Bach? 

Michele

[tea cup]

However much you want. Some people like to play without pedal, some with only a little, and some like to make Bach's slow movements Chopin nocturnes. It is really up to you to decide. The important thing, especially in Bach, is making sure every note is heard; every note is that important. You shouldn't string together too many notes with the pedal, especially during fast passages.

[lostinidlewonder]

It is generally accepted that you play eights notes (semi-quavers) legato if they are in combination of quarter notes (quavers) for example Invention no 13. Pedaling should be very sparse in playing Bach. We have instances where the sustain pedal seems to benefit the sound like in Bach WTC Prelude no 1, but is it really better to sustain all the notes with a sustain pedal so we produce a mass of sound or should we have no pedal and produce more individual sounds? You might get away with pianistic approaches in some Bach pieces but in others, like his Fugues, you hardly will get away with use of the pedal.  It just confuses the part writing and you lose the traditional sound.