Viola part would need to be written with a surfeit of ledger lines-it’s general range
occupies the space “between” and “overlapping” Treble and Bass Clefs. The ‘Cello
often employs Tenor Clef (in addition to Bass Clef). In orchestral and more
advanced wind ensemble literature (but curiously, not in Jazz), Tenor Clef may be
used for the upper register of the Trombone. Again, the purpose is to keep the
majority of the pitches within the boundaries of the staff.

Other Clefs

The remaining C-Clefs are not normally encountered except in autograph scores
and facsimile editions of earlier music. There are several other clefs, one of which
has become very common, the others rarely seen. In Choral writing, Tenor Clef is
commonly replaced by a Treble Clef with an “8” (

ottava

) sign appended to the

bottom of the clef.

As open score became less common, and as fewer musicians were trained to read
Tenor Clef efficiently, this “compromise” clef came into general use. It reads exactly
as Treble Clef but “sounds” down an octave, conforming to the range of the Tenor
voice.

Figure 2.29

Octave Tenor Clef

Two clefs are no longer in use, French Violin Clef (locating G4) on the lowest line of
the staff, and a Bass Clef (F-Clef) located on the middle line of the staff. This is called
French Baritone Clef.

Figure 2.30

French Violin and French Baritone Clefs

The Neutral Clef is used for non-pitched percussion instruments.

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

2.6 Moveable C-Clef; Other Clefs

82