Use of Sustain-pedal

[lflp]

Hi there

I am trying to play nocturne opus 9-2 af Chopin and have a
problem how to use the sustain-pedal.
Under some of the bars is a Ped. written, which of course
means to use the sustain-pedal.
My question - and problem - is: Can I use the sustain-pedal, even
there is no Ped. written under the bar? If I don't use the pedal, I
think the music is becoming very staccato-like - or is the problem
related to the way I press the pianokeys.

Thanks
Flemming

[iansinclair]

Chortle.  I suspect if you ask three pianists this sort of question you will get at least six distinct answers, depending on the phase of the moon, their mood, the time of day, the amount of coffee...

There is no good answer.  If the composer put in a sustain pedal marking, he or she probably meant it, and it would be just as well to use it.  If the editor of the edition put in the marking, that's the editor's opinion, and it becomes a musical judgement on your part.

As to using the sustain when there is no marking... I try to learn the piece without it, if it isn't marked.  That way I learn the fingering properly, particularly in more complex legato passages.  The sustain pedal should not be used as a crutch for poor technique (I admit to doing this myself, but I know that I shouldn't).  Then, if my musical taste suggests that sustain pedal should be used in certain places, marked or not, I'll use it.

Keep in mind that the sustain pedal actually does two things: first, it does sustain the notes.  But... it also raises all the dampers, so in a properly tuned piano it changes the quality of the note played, sometimes quite significantly.  You may want this specific quality at times; for example, I sometimes use it to enhance the richness of the sound even on a single note.

[lflp]

Hi Ian

Thank you for your answer. It is very helpfull.

Thanks
Flemming

[rmbarbosa]

Here, in this forum, you may download 2 little books about the use of pedals. They are very useful to understand how and when one may use the pedals, not only the ressonance one but also the other. Have a look.
Best wishes

[lflp]

mbarbosa

Thanks for your advice and inspiration. Wil try to find
the two books right away.

Thanks
Flemming