Cut-time is another term for which time signature?

Cut-time is another term for which time signature?

• A. 4/4
• B. 3/4
• C. 2/2 time
• D. 6/8

Answer: (C)

Cut-time signals alla breve, meaning the half-note gets the beat. It’s written as 2/2 time, with two beats per measure and each beat being a half note. This is why it’s the best choice: the pulse is two equal half-note beats per bar, not four quarter-note beats like in 4/4. The other meters don’t fit because 4/4 has four quarter-note beats per bar, 3/4 has three quarter-note beats, and 6/8 is a compound duple with two main beats per bar that are dotted-quarter notes, not half-notes.

Cut-time signals alla breve, meaning the half-note gets the beat. It’s written as 2/2 time, with two beats per measure and each beat being a half note. This is why it’s the best choice: the pulse is two equal half-note beats per bar, not four quarter-note beats like in 4/4. The other meters don’t fit because 4/4 has four quarter-note beats per bar, 3/4 has three quarter-note beats, and 6/8 is a compound duple with two main beats per bar that are dotted-quarter notes, not half-notes.