tenor clef

noun

, Music.

1. a sign locating middle C on the next to the top line of the staff.

tenor clef

noun

1. See C clef
   the clef that establishes middle C as being on the fourth line of the staff, used for the writing of music for the bassoon, cello, or tenor trombone See also C clef

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenor clef¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The first song was written in the soprano clef; the second has tenor clef but two solo voices; neither was made for Ehlers.

From Project Gutenberg

Exit whistling in the tenor clef; and keeping their hearts up, like a man.

From Project Gutenberg

The young workman grinned: "Soyons de notre siecle," said he, and departed whistling in the tenor clef.

From Project Gutenberg

Primarily (besides the bass clef), in Italy and Germany, only the tenor clef was used, and the alto clef in France.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be possible to write this passage entirely in the tenor clef, using only three leger lines above.

From Project Gutenberg