...that is the question.

I've a pupil doing her Grade 4 this session, and we've played it both with and without pedal, and can't settle on what works best. The pedal definitely helps with the 'jumpier' of the two waltzes, it seems to suit them. However, it definitely adds a layer of complexity - which she's coping with well, but obviously if it *ought* to be done without pedal, then it would make it easier.

Anyone else using this piece? What do you think?

I am in the same boat - and I agree about the level of complexity.

My pupil started this one first (iIrc) and got familiar with the key very quickly, learning the first of the two during the summer term. However we put it slightly on the back burner while we did other stuff, and it's not coming back terribly well as yet. Also the second half of the second Waltz proved much more tricky to get under her fingers, and if it holds together we'll be lucky.

My feeling is that a little pedal might be good - but I honestly doubt if we will get as far as adding it. Interestingly the teaching notes don't mention pedal at all here.

Heh, glad it's not just me then! The notes are coming together ok for my pupil at the moment, but the dynamics are a bit random. (However, I just checked the exam dates online, and the early weeks are already out, so it looks like we have an absolute minimum of three weeks before the earliest date, she should be fine by then. Phew.)

I checked the teaching notes, and was surprised there was no mention of pedal... <insert thoughtful looking smiley here...>

My pupil is also learning this piece, there are no notes that say to include pedal but it definitely sounds better with pedal!

I have a pupil preparing these for next month's exams, and I have to say that I didn't even consider the possibility of doing them without pedal! To me they are both definitely 'pedally' pieces, and I think the first one in particular needs it, in order to give the necessary depth and 'bloom' to the sound.