Which instrument sounds down a major ninth (M2+1oct) from written treble?

• A. Eb alto clarinet
• B. Oboe
• C. Eb bari sax
• D. Bb tenor sax

Answer: (D)

Transposing instruments map written notes to sounded pitches differently, and the distance between written and sounded pitches is the key. The tenor saxophone, pitched in Bb, sounds a major ninth lower than written. A major ninth is an octave plus a major second, so any written treble note will come out sounding an octave plus a second lower. That exact interval matches the requirement in the question, so the Bb tenor sax is the correct choice. The oboe sounds as written, the Eb alto clarinet transposes down a major sixth, and the Eb bari sax transposes down a major thirteenth, none of which match a major ninth.