Newbie question: how should I interpret this bit of score?
It seems that this score is asking me to play the same B with both hands here. I think I've spotted another piece that does this too. How should I approach this? Do I kind of acknowledge that it's indicating a continuation of the left-hand pattern but ignore that B in the left hand at this spot and play it with the right? Thanks in advance
Is sustain pedal usually down for this sort of piece? If so, just play both times. If not, I might leave of the b in the left hand? Or replay it softly?
I think you are reading it right. Hold that b with the right hand. I assume this is done to more clearly indicate the musical structure than it is to tell you how to play it. A little like the consistency of pieces that have e# in them.
Pick one hand to play the note. Pick whichever one makes the most musical or technical sense. I would play it on the right hand so it's easier to phrase the melody.
When the b is repeated, use the left hand because its accompaniment now. The pedal will give enough sustain.
What is the piece? Context is important for interpretation.