Topic: Pedal Accent & Repedal Accent

I've brought up some pedal techniques in the past that I thought would be great for Pianoteq to model. I don't know of any sample/model out there that can do a pedal accent (known by various names). These techniques are generally used more at an advanced level, and since they are a bit difficult to describe, I recorded a quick video demonstrating how they work.

The pedal accent is pretty simple, you basically stomp the pedal. This can be done by keeping the foot in constant contact with the pedal, rapidly and forcefully depressing the pedal, or it can be done with the foot off the pedal, creating more force and sound from the shoe striking the pedal itself (that version wouldn't need to be modeled as the shoe striking the MIDI pedal would have the same effect). This technique is sometimes used to enhance certain moments, particularly large fff chords. It gives a sort of sfz effect.

An even more dramatic pedaling technique is what I call the "repedal accent." This technique is related to standard re-pedaling, or syncopated pedaling. With the damper pedal depressed (dampers off the strings), you very rapidly lift the pedal allowing the dampers to hit the strings with force, then the very instant they hit you depress the pedal again, lifting the dampers so that the strings resonate from the thud of the dampers. The speed and timing must be just right, otherwise the dampers will stop the strings from vibrating. Think of it as the dampers acting like mallets which strike all the strings at once and bounce off. This takes a good bit of practice.

Here's the video (sorry about the noise, my heating system is loud) --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHku15YC-bM

Re: Pedal Accent & Repedal Accent

Definitely would love to be able to accomplish this in Pianoteq - thank you Nathan, excellent demonstration.

Pianoteq Studio Bundle (Pro plus all instruments)  - Kawai MP11 digital piano - Yamaha HS8 monitors

Re: Pedal Accent & Repedal Accent

Thanks.

Here's another demonstration with better audio and with musical context in case anyone's wondering how this might be applied. It can be a fairly subtle effect depending:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IydN1S...e=youtu.be

Re: Pedal Accent & Repedal Accent

Nathan, that's very cool. 

In the beginning, I thought that you were allowing your pedalled dampers to play the 'percussion march' part of the 1812 Overture, as a lead-in to the musical orchestral instrument.

Unfortunately for me, my upright piano has no where near the "ooomph" of the dampers as you demonstrate in your video.

- David

Re: Pedal Accent & Repedal Accent

1812, great idea!

It's been a long time since I've tried this on an upright, but yes, I do think the effect is not as strong. I will say though, the up/down motion has to be very quick (and full range) -- if it's not fast enough it won't really work.