The Pedal – The Soul of the Piano

09 Jul 2022 @ 14:00 BST (GMT +01:00)

The pedal was referred to as “the soul of the piano” by Artur Rubinstein and if used skilfully can create a wide range of effects. In this online workshop, Penelope Roskell will guide you through various types of pedalling and demonstrate how they create sound and atmosphere in pieces of different periods.

Topics covered in this online workshop include:

  • Introducing the pedal
  • Criteria for pedalling decisions
  • Legato and Direct pedalling
  • Pedalling Baroque and Classical repertoire
  • Half-pedalling and half-damping
  • Gradual release and breathing phrases
  • Notating pedalling
  • Special effects

The workshop will feature copious repertoire examples from different periods, including Baroque and Classical with an additional “damper cam” enabling participants to observe the various techniques in action. You will also have the opportunity to try out the techniques demonstrated at your own piano and to ask any questions that arise when attempting them.

The full video chapter on pedalling (duration 30 minutes) from Penelope's course is included in the ticket price and there will also be an opportunity to submit questions on pedalling in specific repertoire in advance of the session. The session will be recorded and all participants will receive a link to download the video to watch at your convenience thereafter.

Subscriber discounts

Discounted tickets are available to Online Academy subscribers. Please sign-in to your account and the discount will be automatically added at the check-out. If you are not an Online Academy subscriber and would like to find out more about subscription options then please click here for further information.


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