Alla Breve: A musical meter indicating two beats per measure, often represented by the symbol “C” with a vertical line through it, resembling a cut time signature.

Context and Significance

Alla breve, commonly known as cut time, is significant in music for providing a brisk and lively tempo. It is frequently used in marches, fast-paced orchestral works, and choral compositions where a quick tempo is desired without the complexity of smaller note values. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a preferred choice for composers aiming for a driving rhythm, allowing musicians to read and perform intricate passages more easily.

Historical Background

The term “alla breve” comes from Italian, meaning “in the style of the breve,” referring to an older musical notation where the breve was a longer note value. Historically, this meter became popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods when music began to emphasize rhythm and speed. Its evolution allowed composers to adapt old notation styles to suit the changing musical landscape.

Examples

In Bach’s “Mass in B Minor,” the “Credo” section uses alla breve to convey a sense of urgency and movement. Similarly, Sousa’s famous marches, like “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” often employ cut time to maintain their energetic and precise character. These examples highlight alla breve’s adaptability across different music forms.

Related Terms

Common Time: A time signature of 4/4, often represented by the symbol “C.”

Tempo: The speed or pace of a given piece.

Time Signature: Notation indicating the number of beats in each measure.

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