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This site introduces unknown Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach).
The Six Pedals of the Fortepiano
I asked ChatGPT the following question: "There is a photo of a fortepiano with six pedals. How do these pedals function?"
A fortepiano with six pedals is designed to offer a wider range of tone colors and expressive possibilities compared to a modern piano. Each pedal serves a different function, affecting the tone, sound decay, or sustain. Below is an explanation of the typical functions of these six pedals.
Damper Pedal (Sustain Pedal)
This pedal functions similarly to the sustain pedal on modern pianos. It lifts all the dampers off the strings, allowing the notes to ring out and sustain longer.
Soft Pedal (Una Corda)
This pedal shifts the hammers so they strike only one string instead of two or three, reducing the volume and producing a softer, more delicate tone.
Moderator Pedal
A layer of felt or other material is inserted between the hammers and the strings, softening the sound and creating a muted, gentle tone. Unlike the modern soft pedal, this significantly alters the tonal quality.
Bass Damper Pedal
This pedal lifts only the dampers on the lower (bass) strings, allowing the bass notes to sustain while the higher notes remain unaffected. It adds depth and resonance to the sound.
Forte Pedal (or Fortesza Pedal)
This pedal causes the hammers to strike the strings with greater force regardless of how softly the keys are played, resulting in a louder, more resonant sound.
Harp Stop Pedal (Harp Pedal)
This pedal applies felt or another material to the strings to produce a dry, harp-like timbre. It creates a distinctive, muted sound effect.
By combining these pedals, the fortepiano can produce a variety of tone colors, allowing performers to expand their expressive capabilities. During the fortepianoʼs era, these pedals were innovative features that provided composers and performers with new means of musical expression.