cut time
Two beats per measure
Cut time is a musical time signature indicating 2/2 meter—two half-note beats per measure instead of four quarter-note beats.
It's notated with a C symbol bisected by a vertical line, suggesting the common time symbol has been "cut" in half.
The effect is a faster feel, with emphasis on two strong beats rather than four: The march was written in cut time.
Also called alla breve.
- minimSmallest apothecary volume
- dupleConsisting of two
- marchesCoordinated rhythmic walking
- military bandArmed forces musical unit
- music notationWritten system for sound
half note · tempo · quick march · meter · pulse · conducting · rhythm · fugues · Renaissance music · musical score · measure · quarter note · dance forms · beat · breve · marcato · conductor's baton · subdivision
cut timecommon time
Four quarter-note beats per bar
4/4 time · 4/4 · four-four time · triple meter · 3/4 time
cut, time, cuts, cutting, cutter, cutters, times, timed, timing