Definition & Meaning of "alla breve"

What is "alla breve"?

Alla breve is a musical term that indicates a time signature where each measure contains two beats, with each beat represented by a half note. It is often notated as 2/2. This time signature, also known as "cut time", is used to create a faster, more energetic rhythm compared to common time, and is typically used in faster-paced or more lively pieces of music.