Word Study
alla breve
CIDE DICTIONARY
alla breve, [It., according to the breve.].
With one breve, or four minims, to measure, and sung faster like four crotchets; in quick common time; -- indicated in the time signature by /. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
alla breve, n. Mus. a time signature indicating 2 or 4 minim beats in a bar.
Etymology
It., = at the BREVE
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