Avec pédale

As Printed on a Score

Printed above or below the piano staves at the start of the passage as a general instruction to use the damper pedal, often without detailed pedal marks; it lasts until sans pédale or specific pedal marks replace it.

How Composers Use It

Avec pédale, the French con pedale, leaves the exact changes to the player: you ask for resonance and blending and trust their ear to change with the harmony. That suits flowing accompaniments and impressionist textures. If a particular blur or a precise release matters, notate the pedal instead, and mark sans pédale where a dry passage follows.

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