Alla breve
Alla breve [alla ˈbrɛːve] – also known as cut time or cut common time – is a musical meter notated by the time signature symbol 
(a C with a vertical line through it), which is the equivalent of 2
2.[1] The term is Italian for "on the breve", originally meaning that the beat was counted on the breve.[2]
Alla breve is a "simple-duple meter with a half-note pulse".[3] The note denomination that represents one beat is the minim or half-note. There are two of these per bar, so that the time signature 2
2 may be interpreted as "two minim beats per bar". Alternatively this is read as two beats per measure, where the half note gets the beat.
The name "common time" refers to 4
4, which has four beats to the bar, each of a quarter note (or crotchet).
Modern usage[edit]
In contemporary use, alla breve suggests a fairly quick tempo. Thus, it is used frequently for military marches. From about 1600 to 1900, its meaning with regard to tempo varied, so it cannot always be taken to mean a quick tempo.[4] Using alla breve helps the musician read notes of short duration more cleanly with fewer beats.