Trombone tenore

As Printed on a Score

Labels the tenor trombone, normally the first two players of a three-trombone section, abbreviated Tbn. T. It is written at sounding pitch in tenor or bass clef (alto clef for high passages in older scores). Many scores drop the word tenore and print simply Tromboni I. II.

How Composers Use It

The standard trombone in B-flat, with seven slide positions covering E2 to about F5, more for strong players: a lyrical middle and a blazing forte. Two tenors and a bass make the classic three-part brass chorale; a single tenor can also carry a solo melody, as in Ravel’s Boléro. Write lines that respect slide distances, allow breathing, and use mutes or soft dynamics to keep the section from swamping the strings.

Example

Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture: the tenor trombones are labelled “Trombone Tenore I” and “Trombone Tenore II”, with the bass trombone on a separate staff.

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