To Pedal or Not? The music of Bach!

how much to use damper pedal other than connecting?

I'm learning aria of goldberg variations: would sostenuto pedal be applicable at measure 8?

Thank you, thank you!  I really struggle with pedal use in playing Bach, so really appreciate this.

Had two points that come up as issues with me on using the pedal effectively, especially with Bach:

1.  I find that I either default to not using pedal at all or using pedal more or less throughout the piece with Bach as I find it difficult to make it unnoticeable when I start using or stop using the pedal.  So any advice on use of the pedal only in places it's needed, but without having it sound so noticeable would be helpful.

2.  The other question I had is if there are any tips on "practicing" pedal use.  I put practice in quotes as pedaling is one aspect of piano playing that generally cannot be practiced in isolation--Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist in 60 exercises contains zero exercises for the pedal.  And most of the instructional pieces on pedal practice tend to focus on pedaling through chord progressions, so is much too basic to apply to more intricate music as with Bach's.

Thanks for another wonderful session today, Dominic.  I'm one of those players who has never used the una corda pedal as none of my piano teachers (current one included, although he teaches jazz piano) ever had me use it.  I just tried using it, but it will take me some time to get used to.

Also appreciated the tip of using the Prelude #1 in C-major as an "etude" to practice pedal use, practicing the use with different beats and listening for the different effects.  I just upgraded my piano today, so this will help me get acquainted with the use and sensitivity of the sustain pedal on this new piano.

Thank you for this lesson today, Dominic, that I was able to watch after I got off work. It was so helpful to see the score on one side and the pedals on the left. You use technology to maximum effect and I always appreciate it!

Using the Left Pedal to find "the soul of the instrument".  I see! Thank you to all who asked questions, too!

I am watching the recording of this pedal livestream, which I missed, and I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I am appreciating this extremely informative and excellent session. Thank you Dominic!

Hi everyone, I think there are situations where we can you the pedal, but these are exceptions, not the rule.