What Does the Middle Pedal on a Piano Do?
Pianos have one, two, or three pedals. These are called the sustain pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the una corda pedal. Each has a different purpose.
The middle pedal is usually the sostenuto pedal. This pedal sustains only those notes that are being held down when the pedal is depressed. Notes that are played after the pedal is depressed will not be sustained.
The sustain pedal is typically the rightmost pedal. It sustains all notes that are being held down when the pedal is depressed. This includes notes that were played before the pedal was depressed, as well as notes that are played after the pedal is depressed.
The una corda pedal is typically the leftmost pedal. It softens the sound of the piano by reducing the volume of the strings that are struck. It also shifts the point of contact between the hammers and the strings, resulting in a softer sound.
The pedals can be used together or individually to create different sound effects. Experiment with the pedals to see what kinds of sounds you can create.
Upright Pianos and Mute Pedal
Some upright pianos have a “mute” pedal that can reduce the piano’s volume without affecting the sustain. The mute pedal is usually located in front of the rightmost pedal (the sustain pedal). To use the mute pedal, depress it with your foot while playing. This will cause the hammers to strike the strings more softly, resulting in a softer sound.
The mute pedal can be used to create different sound effects. For example, you can play with the sustain pedal and mute pedal together to create a “staccato” effect. You can also experiment with different sounds by combining the mute pedal with other pedals.
Is the Sostenuto Pedal Necessary?
No, you can actually go through all of your exams, including teachers’ exams, without ever using the sostenuto.
How does the sostenuto pedal work inside the piano?
When you press the sostenuto pedal, it raises a bar that holds up the dampers for the notes that were being played when you pressed the pedal. This sustains only those notes, and notes played after the pedal is depressed will not be sustained.
What kind of sound effect does the sostenuto pedal have?
It can create a “droning” effect when you play it. Try it out and see! Typically, the lower notes are played in a chord. It is then engaged. Those chord notes continue playing, and you can play over those notes. It is most helpful when you want to hold notes in a piece that has a contrapuntal design.
You must press the key firmly on the bass notes when playing. Also, the pedal has to be pressed down to the floor.
History of the Sostenuto Pedal
The sostenuto pedal is a relatively new invention in the history of the piano. The Boisselot Brothers patented the sostenuto pedal in France in 1843-1844. It was patented in France in 1843-1844 by the Boisselot brothers. The pedal was designed to sustain only those notes that were being held down when the pedal was depressed. Therefore, notes played after the pedal was depressed would not be sustained.
The sostenuto pedal became more widely known after it was exhibited at the World Exposition in Paris in 1855. After seeing the pedal, William Steinway commented in his diary that it was “splendid.” Steinway went on to develop his version of the pedal and received a patent for it in 1875.
“You know, some people have asked me why there are three pedals on these grand pianos..Well, the pedal in the middle is there to separate the two other pedals…which might be bad news for people with three feet.”
Victor Borge, pianist/comedian
Modern Manufacturing and the Silent Pedal
The middle pedal on a digital piano can be used as a “silent” or quiet option, which blocks the hammer from striking the strings.
Infrared sensors underneath each of the keys determine what notes are being played and transmit signals to an electronic device, which makes the digital piano sound come out of headphones.
Less common uses for middle pedals
Sometimes, a manufacturer actually designs a piano with a middle pedal that does nothing. It is purely a cosmetic attachment, and the inner mechanism is not attached to anything.
Why is the mute pedal called the practice pedal?
The mute pedal is also called the “practice” pedal because it can be used to practice piano without making too much noise. This is especially useful for people who live in apartments or other close living quarters. The mute pedal can also be used to reduce the volume of the piano without affecting the sustain.
Do all pianos have a mute pedal?
No, not all pianos have a mute pedal. Upright pianos usually have a mute pedal, but grand pianos do not typically have one. Some digital pianos also have a mute function, which can be activated by pressing a button or turning a knob.
Why is the practice pedal called the celeste?
The name “celeste” comes from the Latin word for “heavenly.” Therefore, the pedal is also known as the “heavenly” or “heaven-sent” pedal because it can be used to create a very soft and quiet sound.
What is the difference between the sostenuto pedal and the celeste pedal?
The main difference between the sostenuto pedal and the celeste pedal is that the sostenuto pedal only sustains notes that were being held down when the pedal was depressed. Therefore, notes played after the pedal was depressed would not be sustained. On the other hand, the celeste pedal sustains all notes being played, regardless of when the pedal is depressed.
What is the difference between the sostenuto pedal and the soft pedal?
The sostenuto pedal only keeps notes playing that was being held when the pedal was tapped. If any new notes are played after the pedal is depressed, they won’t be sustained. The soft pedal, however, will maintain all sounds regardless of when it’s pressed down in the song. Furthermore, the soft peddle makes hammers hit strings more lightly, which leads to a quieter overall sound.
How do silent pianos work?
Silent pianos are designed with a middle practice pedal that raises a bar to stop the hammers from hitting the strings, allowing the piano to be played without producing sound.
Headphones can be connected to Silent pianos for private sessions that simulate digital/hybrid pianos. These models are fashionable in NYC apartments and among creative professionals who often need to link their piano with external devices like computers or recording equipment.
For years, Kawai and Yamaha have been manufacturing silent pianos, with Bösendorfer joining them more recently. Currently, most 48″ + upright and grand pianos can be fitted with a silent piano system.
The main advantage of a silent acoustic piano is that the player can still experience the original, hammer-weighted action of an acoustic piano, both with headphones and without.
Do pianists use the middle pedal?
It’s uncommon for pieces to use the middle pedal that were written before the late 20th century. However, some pianists use it when they are playing pieces by earlier composers like Ravel and Debussy.
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