Definition of the word soft pedal

The term "soft pedal" originated in the early 19th century, when pianos were still in their infancy. At that time, most pianos had only one string for each note, which resulted in a somewhat harsh and unrefined sound. To make the tone softer, piano makers added a second string for each note, contributing to a fuller and richer sound. But this duplication also made the action more complicated, which in turn made playing the piano more difficult. To address this issue, inventors devised a solution: a pedal that could temporarily lower the hammers and allow the pianist to play softer notes without having to make any changes to the conventional position of the keys. By lowering the hammers slightly, the pedal allowed each note to vibrate for a shorter amount of time and produce a softer sound. The original intention behind this pedal was simply to soften the tone. Yet, the term "una corda"-(Latin for "one string") started being used to describe this pedal, exemplifying the original design of single stringing. However, due to its precisely executed function, anglophone musicians came to refer it as "soft pedal." Eventually, the name "una corda" fell out of use, but the term "soft pedal" persisted in usage, solidifying itself as a popularized terminology among music enthusiasts. In conclusion, the soft pedal, originally an invention to help pianists produce softer tones, has evolved over time, morphing into an essential tool for classical pianists to express themselves in various ways.