Mozart Twinkle Twinkle, would you use the pedal?

[mjames]

Am about half-way through learning this piece and it's been a real joy. Always wanted to play it but thought I wasn't ready but now it feels "just right" when I'm learning. No difficulties technically, but musically?


I'm wondering about the pedal, there are a few parts where I feel that the pedal should be used, like for example during the theme section. Feels dry if I don't. Not only there but in a few other places too...

I know I should follow my gut on this but I've heard this phrase EVERYWHERE (irl, on the net) and that is: never use the pedal on Mozart! Now I'm feeling self-cautious about it...

[j_menz]

If you prefer it with pedal, use pedal and let the critics go hang.

IMO, half pedalling works better, so you may consider that option.

[mjames]

If you prefer it with pedal, use pedal and let the critics go hang.

IMO, half pedalling works better, so you may consider that option.

Don't worry! I am half-pedalling. I didn't forget about your previous advice from the other threads, helped me a lot.

[hardy_practice]

Can't help feeling it should be dry.  Save the pedal for the loud or luscious bits.   

[stevensk]

"Feels dry if I don't"

-Ok, use the pedal

[mjames]

Are you being snarky or are you actually giving me some genuine advice?

[hardy_practice]

My point was that Mozart intentionally set a nursery rhyme.  I think he'd want the theme childlike, simple.   

[mjames]

My point was that Mozart intentionally set a nursery rhyme.  I think he'd want the theme childlike, simple.   

That's a pretty good point. Thanks.

[j_menz]

That's a pretty good point. Thanks.

It would be were it true. Remember, Mozart didn't set a song called "Twinkle Twinkle". Those words were set to the tune in 1806. He set a song called Ah! vous dirais-je, Maman. It wasn't a nursery rhyme:

Ah ! vous dirai-je maman,
 Ce qui cause mon tourment ?
 Depuis que j'ai vu Silvandre,
 Me regarder d'un air tendre,
 Mon cœur dit à chaque instant :
 Peut-on vivre sans amant !

 L'autre jour dans un bosquet,
 Il me fit faire un bouquet ;
 Il en orna ma houlette,
 Me disant : " Belle brunette,
 Flore est moins belle que toi :
 L'amour moins tendre que moi. "

Je rougis et par malheur,
 Un soupir trahit mon cœur :
 Le cruel avec adresse
 Profita de ma faiblesse.
 Hélas ! Maman, un faux pas
 Me fit tomber dans ses bras.

 Je n'avais pour tout soutien
 Que ma houlette et mon chien :
 L'amour voulant ma défaite,
 Ecarta chien et houlette :
 Ah ! qu'on goûte de douceur
 Quand l'amour prend soin d'un cœur.

[gyzzzmo]

The piano like we know it wasnt available at Mozart's time, so trying to figure out what he would have wanted with the piano is always a bit 'card reading'.

[hardy_practice]

It would be were it true. Remember, Mozart didn't set a song called "Twinkle Twinkle". Those words were set to the tune in 1806. He set a song called Ah! vous dirais-je, Maman. It wasn't a nursery rhyme:

It's a French children's folk song.

[j_menz]

It's a French children's folk song.

Read the words. You may find it a little unsuitable for children.

You really do need to stop believing everything you once half heard, it gets rather tiresome.

[hardy_practice]

Here's fr.wiki:  'Ah ! vous dirai-je, maman est une chanson enfantine populaire en France et dans le monde.'  An' maybe your French ain't so good?  The verses you posted (presumably from this same site) are described as: ' Les paroles de la chanson enfantine sont une parodie d'un poème d'amour anonyme, La Confidence'.  So not even relevant! You really do need to stop patronizing.  

[slane]

Brautigam recorded an episode of his "Piano Notes" on those variations
https://www.seventh-art.com/shop/piano-notes-with-ronald-brautigam/
He plays on a fortepiano and is supposed to have an instinctive understanding of Mozart. Might be worth a watch.