Pedalling

[fuel925]

If the pedal points arent marked, are there any rules on how to decide where to put pedal points in pieces?

Thanks

[richard w]

If the pedal points arent marked, are there any rules on how to decide where to put pedal points in pieces?

Thanks

Yes, there are.

To anticipate your next question, it is a bit difficult to sum up what those rules are here, seeing as they are so numerous. In fact, whole books have been written on the subject. Influencing variables include the date of the piece, the composer, the style and texture of writing, articulation, the piano being used, the acoustics of the room, etc,,,

But, to get you started, you can use the pedal to join notes (and in particular, chords) together, when you can't (or can't easily) join together with the fingers alone. It is also quite common to pedal with the harmonic rhythm of the piece, ie pedal each change of chord. Also, use the pedal to hold long notes which you can't otherwise hold, for instance bass notes. You might also want to hold bass notes even though they are not marked to be held - this is particularly relevant to much romantic music. Above all, use your ear to judge whether your pedalling works, and become acquainted with the relevant ways of pedalling in different styles and periods of music.

By all means give details of the piece you are learning now, and I (or someone else) will offer suggestions that might help you further.



Richard.

[pianowelsh]

Excellent book on pedalling by Banowitz 'on pedalling' covers everything you need to know really!