Which instrument sounds down a major second from its written treble pitch?

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

Answer: (A)

Transposition is when an instrument’s sounding pitch is different from what’s written. A major second downward means the written note is a whole step higher than what actually sounds. The Bb soprano clarinet fits this pattern: it’s a Bb instrument, so every written note sounds a whole step lower in concert pitch. For example, written C in treble clef would sound as B-flat to listeners, which is exactly a major second lower than the written pitch.

The other options don’t fit this specific transposition. The oboe sounds as written (no transposition). The Eb alto clarinet and the Bb bass clarinet transpose by different intervals (not a simple major second downward), so they wouldn’t match the requirement.