Group 1
Welcome to the latest TWO WEEK INTENSIVE on tonebase!
What is that pedal on the far left used for? In this Two Week Intensive, Dr. Leann Osterkamp He will join you in exploring the function and correct usage of the una corda (soft) pedal. Meant for all levels of pianists, we will learn and discuss about when to use it, where to use it, what it does to the music, and why it can enhance your performance!
Pianists of all levels are welcome.
More Detailed instructions coming soon!
- Sign-Up : October 30
- Course Period: November 6 - 20
- Class Size: ALL are welcome!
- Optional check-In via Zoom: November 15 at 10am PT
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5557629304
Assignment #1
https://youtu.be/pho9mNo2-e0?feature=shared
What Should Your Videos Include
Week 1
- Watch the video for Week 1.
- Spend some time learning the short passage provided.
- Practice playing the passage without the soft pedal. Make some notes about its tone, character, color, etc.
- Now, practice playing the passage with the soft pedal, modifying any other musical elements you feel necessary with this addition. Make some notes on the following questions: How does adding the soft pedal change the music? Do you have to make changes to your sustain pedal, articulations, phrasing, or other aspects when adding soft pedal? What does it modify in the passage’s character?
- Film yourself playing the passage twice, once without soft pedal and once with soft pedal. Submit this video for the teacher and your friends to see!
- BONUS: Before you play your version that includes soft pedal, discuss what you think soft pedal adds to the interpretation. Discuss any modifications you make while playing to enhance or highlight the new character and tone.
Assignment #2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=1nAgi8-CVCA
This week has three options to choose from (pick one)!
- Find a short passage in your current repertoire that you think benefits from the addition of soft pedal. Practice it with soft pedal and then record it to submit for us to see. (If you wish to include some music from directly before or after the passage to show us how it fits into the larger structure, bonus!) Feel free to also discuss on video why you picked the passage and why you think it benefits from the usage of soft pedal.
- Find a short passage in the broader musical repertoire that you think benefits from soft pedal. Learn it, practice with the addition of soft pedal, and record it to submit to us to view! Feel free to also discuss on video why you picked the passage and why you think it benefits from the usage of soft pedal.
- Find a short passage in the broader musical repertoire that you think benefits from soft pedal. If it feels a little too much to learn and record a new piece this week, just submit a short video explaining what the passage is, where it’s from, why you picked it, and why you think soft pedal makes the section come to life!
TWI Check-in
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I’d like to be in Group 1 with my friends, if possible, Dominic! [email protected]
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Gail Starr sure, the groups are just general ways to organize, but you can go wherever you like!
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Dominic Cheli Super!
I’m not sure I signed up at all earlier, though? I don’t think I got a confirmation email.
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Gail Starr That’s ok! just stay tuned for the assignments and you can post your progress here!
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Have a nice week everyone. I’ll try to get back to practicing!
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Welcome, everyone! I'm looking forward to working with you all for the next two weeks! Let me know if you have any questions. -Leann
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Hi,
Thank you for this Two Week Intensives.
Would it be possible to have a pdf copy of the piece? I am under the impression that the version that I have isn’t the right one.
Thanking you in advance.
Phara-
Phara Paula Jean there is a free public domain version of Henle at https://imslp.eu/files/imglnks/euimg/a/ad/IMSLP711590-PMLP3848-Chopin-KKIVa-16-score.pdf
However, there are two Henle versions and this is the incorrect one. In this version, the section begins at m.21. I apologize that I cannot post my score (international copyright law).
Dominic Cheli does ToneBase have access to the correct version already somewhere on the site?
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Dr. Leann Osterkamp He
Thank you. The version you attached is clearer than the one I have.
I will start practicing with it. If the other version becomes available, I will switch.
Have a wonderful day.
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Dr. Leann Osterkamp He I can take a look!
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Hi, ok here's an admission: I have never(!) used the left pedal before. The tone is softer and gentler with the pedal even though the effect seems quite subtle on my digital piano. I will definitely start using the pedal, especially on soft ppp-passages.
Without pedal:
https://youtu.be/5K2l6HnlPiM?si=SwpPs14HMYyxd7Jz
With pedal:
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Jarkko Janhunen Great job, Jarkko! I admit I’ve only used the left pedal a handful of times, so I’ll make a recording both ways later today like you did.
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Many thanks Gail Starr ! The left pedal seems to be underrated. Looking forward to your videos.
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Jarkko Janhunen Yes! I can't believe I never used it before. I've been playing since I was about 10 years old, so that is a LONG time not to use something so basic LOL.
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Jarkko Janhunen same here, I hardly think to use the left hand pedal unless the score says "una corda", and even then have been known to miss it sometimes :)
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Jarkko Janhunen very nice work! The character of the passage really changed with your use of the left pedal! Although incredibly subtle, I noticed very tiny nuances in pacing/timing that naturally changed when you added the pedal, which only enhanced the feeling of gentleness. It came across more reflective and pensive as well. Very cool!
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Dr. Leann Osterkamp He Many thanks!
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Here is my week 1 assignment. The first time I am playing without the left pedal and the second time I am using it in the sotto voce section. I liked using it here as it is sandwiched between a ppp and a p section (Ekier edition). It helps add a slight variation to the dynamics. I also liked how it gave the feeling of a distant memory. Creates a different mode for just this small moment.
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Vidhya Bashyam Nice work! Yes, I felt like, especially with the tempo you chose, the left pedal gave that brief feeling of distance. I liked how it also allowed your sound to blossom/open when you took it off, allowing the next section to have a more forward motion. Not only does the pedal influence the present moment but it also has direct effect on what comes immediately after it!
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Dr. Leann Osterkamp He Excellent point about how the color changes AFTER you used the soft pedal in the next section. That creates a pretty dramatic difference that I love.
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Vidhya Bashyam Oooh, I love what happens AFTER you release the pedal in the next part.
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Dr. Leann Osterkamp He Thank you for the feedback! You chose the perfect snippet from this Nocturne for us to test out the una corda impact.
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Hi Leann,
Thanks, this is a fun and interesting exercise.
I am attaching video 1 - without the left pedal.
Also video 2 - with the left pedal. I think the left pedal makes the sound quieter and more hushed, but also makes a rounder and less resonant tone. Does it come through in the video?
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Natalie Peh It definitely sounds dreamier WITH the soft pedal. A lovely quality of distance, too…kind of like an echo in nature.
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Natalie Peh yes, I agree it creates a rounder tone, in your interpretation! Interestingly, the change in character also inspired you to slightly modify your voicing... in the second video, I heard more of the counterpoint from your left hand in the sotto voce, which I thought added a cool foil to the prior section. It is interesting how changing tone color makes our ears automatically notice and bring out different elements of the music!
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