Très lié

As Printed on a Score

Printed beside the passage it governs — above a vocal line, between piano staves — and often coupled with a colour word: très doux et très lié. It remains in force until a new articulation or character marking takes over.

Also spelled: tres lie

How Composers Use It

Très lié asks for a seamless line in which even the joins between notes disappear: overlapping fingers at the keyboard, unbroken breath in the voice, invisible bow changes on strings. It is most useful where the notation itself suggests separation — repeated notes, wide leaps, chords in an accompaniment. At the piano, pair it with pedalling indications so the connection does not depend on the sustain alone.

Example

Ravel, Pavane pour une infante défunte, piano, m. 40: “très doux et très lié” arrives with the return to the 1er Mouvement, two bars after a “Large” at ff.

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