Figure 2.27

C4 C-Clef

This clef may occur on any line in the staff. Regardless of which line it occurs on, it
always locates C4, “Middle C.” Originally, the use of this clef was concerned with
particular voice ranges. The moveable C-Clef kept the majority of pitches of a given
voice within the boundaries of the staff conforming to the typical range of that
voice. Hence the common names for this clef as it occurs on each line reflect the
associated voice part.

Figure 2.28

C-Clefs by Voice

Alto and Tenor Clefs

The C-Clef on the lowest line of the staff is called Soprano Clef, the second line
Mezzo-Soprano Clef, the third line

Alto Clef

14

, the fourth line

Tenor Clef

15

and the

top line Baritone Clef. Until the 19th Century (approximately) choral music was
written in open score, each voice part on a separate staff with the appropriate clef.
Gradually this became an arcane procedure.

Two of the Moveable C-Clefs have been retained in common use in instrumental
writing, primarily because of the ranges of certain instruments. Alto Clef is
predominantly used in writing for the Viola. If Treble or Bass Clefs were used, the

14. The C-clef placed on the second

line of the staff. Used primarily
for Viola.

15. The C-clef placed on the fourth

line of the staff. Used for ‘Cello,
Bassoon, and Trombone.

Chapter 2 The Elements of Pitch:Sound, Symbol, and Tone

2.6 Moveable C-Clef; Other Clefs

81