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Topic: Alla Breve (Read 4659 times) previous topic - next topic

Alla Breve

A question:

Alla Breve (cut time) is defined as designating either 2/2 or 2/4 time (in a rather poor source I have). I have a collection of old music in which it is used for either 4/2 or 2/1 (I can't be sure which). Can anyone tell me the REAL meaning of Alla Breve?

Cyril N. Alberga

Re: Alla Breve

Reply #1 –
According to the Schirmer Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms, "alla breve", in modern music, means, "a meter of 2/2; i.e., two beats per measure with the half note carrying the beat; also called "cut time." The implication is of a faster tempo than 4/4."

Re: Alla Breve

Reply #2 –
As I recall "alla breve" literally translated means "by the half-note" or 2/2 time.