alla breve

noun
al·​la breve | \ ˌa-lə-ˈbrev How to pronounce alla breve (audio) , ˌä-lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)vā How to pronounce alla breve (audio) \

Definition of alla breve

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: the sign marking a piece or passage to be played alla breve also : a passage so marked

alla breve

adverb or adjective

Definition of alla breve (Entry 2 of 2)

: in duple or quadruple time with the beat represented by the half note

Illustration of alla breve

Illustration of alla breve

Noun

In the meaning defined above

First Known Use of alla breve

Noun

circa 1731, in the meaning defined above

Adverb or adjective

1740, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for alla breve

Noun

Italian, literally, according to the breve

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