Brahms Rhapsody in G Minor, Pedaling Question

[devbanana]

I'm (re)working on Brahms' Rhapsody in G Minor Op. 79 No. 2. I went through it a few years ago, let it go stale and am now re-learning it.

Anyway I had a question about the section after the beginning theme, with all the staccato octaves in the left-hand; hopefully you know where I mean.

for those who play it, do you use absolutely no pedal throughout that section? That's what my teacher recommended but it sounds so… dry… that way. I like the sound better with just tapping on maybe a quarter pedal just to connect it a tad bit more. I've listened to some recordings but can't tell whether they are using any or not in that section.

[dw4rn]

I think I have used some little discreet pedal there, just to help the sound a bit without ruining the articulation, just as you suggest.

I suppose it depends quite a lot on what instrument you are playing on and in what room or hall. Maybe it's a good idea to practice entirely without, just to make sure you do not always have to add pedal even when it's not needed, just because you've got used to it.

[perfect_pitch]

I would recommend the use of half-pedal down when you play the dotted minim or dotted crotchet, and then gently lift up to the top as you get to the crotchet or quaver that follows it.