alla breve

Definition: The Italian musical phrase alla breve (“to the breve” - where breve refers to a half-note) is an indication to play in cut time. Alla breve has the 2/2 time signature, in which one beat = half-note.

Also Known As:

• cut time; half time; in 2 (Eng)
• à deux temps rapide; à la blanche (Fr)
• Allabreve; Takt in Halben Noten (Ger)

Pronunciation: ah'-lah  BRAY-vay


More Rhythm & Tempo Commands

• allegretto
• (BPM) beats per minute
• common time


• rhythm dot
• tempo rubato
• tie