Tenorposaune

As Printed on a Score

Labels the tenor trombone in German scores, though most scores print just Posaune with a number, since the tenor is the default trombone. It is written at sounding pitch in tenor or bass clef. Older scores name the section by voice (Alt-, Tenor-, Baßposaune), which tells you the clef each part reads in.

How Composers Use It

The B-flat tenor trombone is the core of the German trombone section: two tenors and a bass, or alto, tenor and bass in older scores. Use it for chorale-like harmony, solemn melody and climaxes; most modern orchestral tenors carry an F attachment that extends the low range. Write sustained lines that respect slide distances and leave room to breathe.

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