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Ligne

by Jean Langlais

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1937
Duration
3'
Publisher
Henry Lemoine
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About this piece

Jean Langlais (1907–1991), blind from the age of two, became one of the great French organist-composers and was organist of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris for more than four decades. Ligne ('Line') is a three-minute piece from 1937 for cello, which can be played alone or with piano; the cellist Julien Bertault gave the first performance in Nantes. It was published by UCP from 1975, by Combre from 1987, and since 2010 by Henry Lemoine, whose edition is described as for 'cello alone (and piano)'.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Professional

Left Hand

  • Complete command of the fingerboard.
  • Proficient thumb position across all strings.
  • Execute complex double stops and rapid trills precisely.
  • Fast scales and leaps with precise intonation and speed.
  • Apply expressive techniques (portamenti, micro‑adjusted intonation) tastefully.
  • Easily execute false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Seamlessly blends martelé, spiccato, sautillé, legato & ricochet.
  • Meticulous bow distribution for sustained lines or rapid passages.
  • Clear pianissimo to controlled fortissimo.
  • Economical, efficient bow movement with smooth transitions.
  • Employ advanced effects (ponticello, bow effects) artistically.

Musicality

  • Focus on a deeply personal, communicative performance.
  • Make interpretive choices reflecting deep understanding of form, style & emotion.
  • Convey nuanced phrasing, wide dynamic range & a unique artistic voice.
  • Craft dramatic cadenzas/solos with rubato, tone & expressive timing.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.