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soft pedal
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soft pedal

music
Also known as: una corda
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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Quick Summary

The term "soft pedal" in music refers to a specific mechanism on a piano designed to reduce the volume of sound. This pedal, also known as the una corda pedal, shifts the piano's action sideways so that the hammers strike only one of the two strings for each note, resulting in a softer tone and a different tonal color.12

Figuratively, "soft pedal" can also mean to downplay or de-emphasize something, reducing its effect.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. soft pedal
  2. soft pedal
  3. una corda pedal
  4. keyboard instrument - German and Austrian pianos

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