Pedaling and Cross overs for Beethoven Sonatas

[didi100]

I was wondering what most other pianists are doing as far as pedaling. I was instructed by one of my teachers that pedaling should not be used when I played the Tempest Sonata. It just doesn't sound very smooth without pedaling and from watching You Tube, I see most pianists using pedaling throughout. I was also told not to do cross overs but that is the only way I can play up to speed on the Tempest which I've also seen others do on You Tube.

[mike_lang]

Can you be specific about a passage?

[iansinclair]

Your teacher may be concerned about overuse of the pedal -- and crossover fingerings.  This is much more common, particularly among students.  Overuse of the pedal to achieve a smooth legato is a crutch, and a very unfortunate one -- leading to all sorts of problems in more advanced or difficult music.  I'd be a little concerned if they'd said "never ever use the pedal in Beethoven sonatas", but I doubt that that was what was said.  There is a time and place for it.