Sostenuto Pedal with Prokofiev

[flyusx]

Hey all,
I've decided to work on something a bit less difficult and chose the Prokofiev Allemande from the Op12 set. In measures 46 to 52, there are mini-scales in the right hand with the first and last notes being emphasised. The scale lasts through the duration for the first note (see image).
It seems that the first note in each scale should be sustained for the run, but I'm not too happy with the effect of the damper pedal (even using it slightly and keeping the scale runs light). Online, I'm also hearing some pianists bring out the runs just slightly such that they aren't nearly as light as I'm playing it.

Is this a good time for the sostenuto pedal? I'm very hesitant on using it since it's not 'standard' for Prokofiev as far as I have searched and fear I'm relying on the pedal over perhaps a technique issue.

[pianistavt]

Is this a good time for the sostenuto pedal? I'm very hesitant on using it since it's not 'standard' for Prokofiev as far as I have searched and fear I'm relying on the pedal over perhaps a technique issue.

Curious - how did you come to the conclusion that using the middle pedal is non-standard for Prokofiev?  My impression is that it came into regular use in the 1890's and the decades following, with Debussy, Ravel, Bartok, Prokofiev, Scriabin.  There are numerous examples from all these composers.

I discuss using the sostenuto pedal in a Prokofiev piece in this post:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=70989.msg732485#msg732485

In the passage you mention from op 12 no 8, I would definitely use the sostenuto pedal when the run has more than 5 notes.  When there are just 5 notes in the run you can hold the first note down with the thumb, and play 2-3-4-5, and jump to the following note using 5 or 3, or you can use the sostenuto pedal.  Should not use the sustain pedal here at all, since it's very crisp and angular - - Prokofiev is definitely applying his "cubist aesthetic" in this piece.

[flyusx]

Thanks for your reply.
I've sometimes seen people suggest an over-reliance on pedal is bad because it means you're trying to hide bad technique. I've played a good amount of Prokofiev recently: two Vision Fugitives, a sonata and two from the Op12 set. This is my first time ever applying the sostenuto pedal.
Unfortunately, a few keys of my Steinway don't work at all with the sostenuto pedal and these keys are the ones in the Allemnade(!).
This was the only part in the Allemande I felt that I needed the sostenuto. Would you agree?

[pianistavt]

I've sometimes seen people suggest an over-reliance on pedal is bad because it means you're trying to hide bad technique.
This was the only part in the Allemande I felt that I needed the sostenuto. Would you agree?

I've heard that said A LOT about the sustain (right) pedal, never about the middle pedal.  Many don't think about using it. 

I haven't played op 12 no 8, I listened to it once with score on YT.  That's the only place I noticed where sostenuto pedal might be helpful.  There should be very little sustain pedal as well.

[aaronsf]

In P's Op. 22, No. 16 (Dolente):

Starting at measure 19, then 24, then 29 the sostenuto pedal is useful.

[lelle]

Thanks for your reply.
I've sometimes seen people suggest an over-reliance on pedal is bad because it means you're trying to hide bad technique. I've played a good amount of Prokofiev recently: two Vision Fugitives, a sonata and two from the Op12 set. This is my first time ever applying the sostenuto pedal.
Unfortunately, a few keys of my Steinway don't work at all with the sostenuto pedal and these keys are the ones in the Allemnade(!).
This was the only part in the Allemande I felt that I needed the sostenuto. Would you agree?

Overreliance on the sustain pedal in fast passagey stuff yes, not the sostenuto pedal.