The term "loud pedal" is often used in music to refer to the sustain pedal on a piano that creates a longer, fuller sound. The spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /laʊd ˈpɛdəl/. The first syllable is pronounced similarly to "loud" and the second syllable rhymes with "pedal." This term is commonly used in classical music and can be found in many piano compositions. Proper use of the loud pedal can greatly enhance the sound and emotion of a musical performance.
The term "loud pedal" refers to a slang expression commonly used in music, particularly in the realm of piano playing. It is primarily associated with keyboards such as pianos and refers to the soft pedal or una corda pedal found on these instruments. The loud pedal is typically located on the far left side of the piano and is distinguished by its larger size and differing color.
When the loud pedal is pressed, it allows the pianist to produce a softer sound by shifting the position of the hammers, which strike the strings inside the piano. By moving the hammers closer to the strings, the pianist can create a more delicate and subdued tone, reducing the volume of the instrument. This effect is particularly useful for conveying a softer mood or texture in a musical passage.
The term "loud pedal" is derived from the fact that it is often mistakenly believed that pressing this pedal results in a louder sound. However, in reality, the pedal's purpose is quite the opposite. Consequently, saying "play the loud pedal" is a colloquialism that is often used ironically or humorously in discussions about piano playing.
In summary, the term "loud pedal" refers to the una corda pedal in piano playing, which allows the pianist to reduce the volume by changing the hammer's striking position.
The term "loud pedal" is commonly used in the context of playing the piano. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the early 19th century.
The word "loud" has its origins in the Old English word "hlūd", which means "noisy" or "making a sound". As for "pedal", it is derived from the Latin word "pedalis", meaning "foot".
In the 19th century, as pianos evolved and became more sophisticated, the inclusion of pedals allowed the player to alter the sound produced. Among the pedals found on a piano, the rightmost one was used to produce a louder and more resonant sound. Pianists would often press down on this pedal with their foot when they wanted to increase the volume and intensity of their playing.