Particularities of Chopin’s use of sustaining pedal

Abstract

More than other composers, Frederic Chopin made use of careful sustaining pedal notation throughout his creations. One of the problems arising from what the interpretation of his music is concerned is the correct pedalling, often lightly regarded by many pianists, who use the pedal exaggeratedly, thus changing the expression of Chopin’s music. The large number of alterations that were made to his manuscripts prove the importance of the pedal for Chopin, although his notations are not always respected by the companies publishing his scores. This article intends to draw attention to the importance of the interpretation of his scores following the pedal notations made by Chopin and offers comparative examples for a better understanding of pedalling, to acquire the closest possible interpretation to the Chopin’s style.