Altposaune

As Printed on a Score

Labels the alto trombone in German scores, usually the first of three trombones in Classical and early Romantic music, written in alto clef at sounding pitch. Later scores drop the alto and write first-trombone parts for tenor, often still in tenor clef.

How Composers Use It

Pitched in E-flat, a fourth above the tenor, with a lighter, clearer sound that suits Classical-size orchestras and choirs, as in the trombone parts of Mozart’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Missa solemnis. Many players return to it for that repertoire. In new music, ask for it only when you want its particular brightness, and expect a tenor player to double.

Related Terms