What is breve?

Breve is an Italian musical term meaning "brief" or "short." It is commonly used in music notation to indicate a specific duration or note value.

In music theory, a breve is equivalent to two whole notes or four half notes. It is typically represented by a double whole note with a stem, or by a whole note with two long stems.

The breve is rarely used in modern music notation, as it is considered an archaic symbol. However, it may still be found in certain types of classical or early music scores.

In terms of tempo, a breve is often interpreted as a slow and steady pace, similar to a moderate or slow tempo marking.

Overall, the breve is a symbol that represents a relatively long duration in music, but its usage is limited in contemporary musical compositions.