Regarding the "3rd" pedal (2nd pedal?) . . Do not overlook that the "middle" pedal may be assigned for functions other than "Sostenuto":
• transposing • changing a preset • swapping between Preset A and preset B etc.
But in the pure classical sense, the middle pedal has remained polished and quite unused. I am not a classically trained pianist. I cannot name a particular composition that requires the use of the "classical" function of the middle pedal. I have a close friend who is the retired chair of a liberal arts college in Texas - he has a masters degree in piano performance and he told me once that he would have to do a little research on any compositions requiring the use of Sostenuto and get back to me. (tongue in cheek).
A "real" concert grand . . . the ones costing thousands of Euros, Pounds and Dollars and Francs . . . will have what the most prestigious brochures refer to as a "Full Sostenuto". Basically, one would play a chord or note and immediately depress that Sostenuto pedal before letting go of the manually held note or chord. That chord or note would continue to sustain as long as you hold the middle pedal. kind of like memory . . . because other notes on the keyboard that did not get played do not sustain. After all, that is what the Sustain Pedal does. So as the chord or note fades away, you may play chords or notes or figures through that area that you had latched with the Sostenuto pedal. Some notes will sustain and some notes will not . . kind of muddling up the new part you are playing.
It would probably be more useful if all of the newly played notes would play with or with out sustain depending upon whether you used the sustain pedal at this point. Unfortunately, there is not a way to FIX this "problem" on one of those real concert grand pianos costing thousands. (tongue in cheek) They would need a second set of strings and a second set of hammers etc.
This boring expose . . or the same words by countless others has caused the phrase: "OH - NO ONE EVER USES THAT PEDAL ANYWAY"
I contend that FIXING this could become an optional feature in Pianoteq. For once the "Full Sostenuto" could become the "most full" or "fuller sostenuto" or perhaps just "Super Sostenuto"
For a serious improv player . . such an enhanced Sostenuto feature is very useful. Play and latch a chord and immediately be able to play a figure right through that same area of the keyboard independently . .? It is more useful musically to be able to do this.
Finally, don't get spoiled . . you would not be able to do this on a "real" piano.
Lanny
