léger

French era

Definition

Light, delicate. A direction for touch and texture common in French piano music of the early 20th century, calling for a non-percussive, effortless tone with minimal sustain pedal.

Interpretive Guidance

Imagine a feather-light key contact. The sound should float rather than sink. Avoid the bottom of the key weight — French lightness lives in the upper half of the key depth.

Context

Scope Modern era term
Era Modern
Language French

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