octave treble clef

[English]

This is a normal treble clef symbol with the number 8 printed above or below. The addition of the number 8 directs the musician to perform the music an octave higher than indicated (with the number 8 printed above) or an octave lower than indicated (with the number 8 printed below). The octave treble clef with the number 8 printed below is also known as the vocal tenor clef. The vocal tenor clef is used in vocal music for the male tenor voice part to indicate that the tenor voice actually sounds an octave lower that where it is notated in the normal treble clef. The vocal tenor clef should not be confused with the C clef that is also named tenor clef. In the past, the C clef known as the tenor clef was used for the tenor voice and is still used for other instruments in the same range such as the trombone, the cello, and the bassoon. Today, while music for the tenor voice is often written using only the treble clef, the vocal tenor clef is a much more accurate notation.

An additional indication of performing an octave lower is the double treble clef indicated by two treble clefs shown side by side. This symbol is not seen very often, but has the same effect as the treble clef with the number 8 printed below.

See more about clefs in the Appendix.

Example

Octave Treble Clef

Perform One Octave Lower

Octave Treble Clef

Perform One Octave Lower

Octave Treble Clef

Perform One Octave Higher

octave treble clef

Example

See Also

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