Which instrument sounds down a major second from written treble among the following options?

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

Answer: (B)

This question tests transposition in instruments. A instrument that sounds a whole step lower than what is written in treble clef will have written notes that are a major second above the concert pitch.

The B-flat soprano clarinet is a transposing instrument whose written pitch is a whole step higher than its sounding pitch. So when you see written C on the page, it sounds as B-flat in concert pitch — down a major second.

The other options don’t fit that exact relationship: the tenor sax in B-flat also transposes but sounds down a ninth (an octave plus a major second), not just a single major second. The alto sax in E-flat transposes down a major sixth, not a second. The oboe is a non-transposing instrument in C, sounding the same as written.

So the instrument that sounds down a major second from written treble is the B-flat soprano clarinet.