S for Sustain
Until the Romantic era the sustain pedal was considered a special effect, but in the 19th century it became as an essential element of piano sound. Featuring Stephen Hough and Ivan Ilic.
The sustain pedal, usually the one on the right, is the most commonly used pedal in a modern piano. When pressed it sustains all the damped strings on the piano by moving the dampers away from the strings and allowing them to vibrate freely so all the notes being played will continue to sound until the pedal is released. Until the Romantic era of Chopin and Liszt it was considered a special effect, but in the 19th century it came to be regarded as an essential element of piano sound. Featuring Stephen Hough, Ivan Ilic and Kenneth Hamilton.
Podcast
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Radio 3's Piano A to Z
Radio 3's Piano A to Z