Definition

1. Noun:
   • The rightmost pedal on a piano: The "loud pedal" is the pedal on a piano that, when pressed, moves all the dampers away from the strings. This allows the strings to vibrate freely, sustaining the sound of played notes even after the keys are released. Its technical name is the sustain pedal or damper pedal.

Usage

• The "loud pedal" is used to create a richer, more resonant, and sustained sound. It connects notes and chords, allowing them to blend together.
• It is a fundamental tool for musical expression on the piano.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • To create a more dramatic effect, the pianist held down the loud pedal throughout the entire chord progression.
  • Beginners are often taught to use the loud pedal sparingly to avoid a muddy sound.
  • The piece's notation included the instruction ped., indicating where to depress the loud pedal.

Advanced Usage

• "Half-pedaling" or "Partial pedaling": A technique where the "loud pedal" is pressed only partway down. This allows for more nuanced control over the sustain, letting some strings vibrate freely while others are still partially damped.
  • The pianist used half-pedaling to create a hazy, atmospheric texture in the Debussy prelude.

Variants and Related Words

• Sustain Pedal (n): The formal, technical term for the "loud pedal". It describes its function more accurately.
• Damper Pedal (n): Another technical term, referring to its mechanism of lifting the dampers off the strings.
• Soft Pedal / Una Corda Pedal (n): The leftmost pedal on a piano, which softens the sound.
• Sostenuto Pedal (n): The middle pedal on many grand pianos, which sustains only the notes that are being held down when the pedal is pressed.

Synonyms

• Sustain Pedal
• Damper Pedal

Notes

• The name "loud pedal" is somewhat of a misnomer. While it can make the sound seem fuller and more resonant, its primary function is sustain, not simply increased volume. The term is common in informal or instructional contexts.

Noun

1. a pedal on a piano that lifts the dampers from the strings and so allows them to continue vibrating