A musical meter characterized by a time signature of 2/2, where each measure contains two beats, each equivalent to a half note. This contrasts with 4/4 time, where each measure contains four beats, each equivalent to a quarter note. For example, a piece notated with this meter will typically feel faster and lighter than if it were written in 4/4 time at the same tempo marking, due to the halved rhythmic values.
This particular meter contributes to a sense of forward motion and urgency within a musical piece. It has been employed across various genres, from marches and dances to classical compositions and popular music, to create a specific rhythmic feel. Its use can significantly affect the perceived tempo and energy of a composition, providing a distinct alternative to other common time signatures. Historically, it arose as a shorthand notation to simplify writing music in tempi where the quarter note pulse felt too slow or cumbersome.