The extreme ranges of the 102 key Stuart piano and all four pedals are engaged in this sound. The highest pitches are harmonically audible in the repetitive triadic sequence which ascends to the piano’s 3rd highest note, Eb8, The triads are labelled (Ab) (Gb) in the final three bars , see score below in fig 6. A cluster of the lowest 5 notes, F0, F#0, G0, G#0, A0 are selectively sustained by the sostenuto pedal (sost) throughout the phrase, enabling a sympathetic resonance to occur as the triads ascend in the treble. The dolce pedal has the effect of containment, enabling more pianist control controlling of the dynamic range. The timbre combination of the fully engaged dolce and una corda pedals produces the instrument’s extreme in ‘round’ sound timbre, facilitating a cantabile, and least percussive impact at the onset of each note. The dolce and una corda pedals assist the pianist to produce sounds with a full harmonic spectrum, with a round and singing tone at a very soft and contained dynamic. Naturally without the pedals, the Stuart sound can be easily played with a bright and percussive sense. The una crda and dolce pedals enhance the pianist’s access to play sounds of soft and round textures.
Una Corda flight to the highest .wav |
Sound table 6.5 |