semibreve
8.3
A musical note held for four beats in common time
- noun
- /ˈsɛmɪˌbriv/
- UK
:
blanca
- Our music teacher explained that a semibreve is equal to four beats in common time.
Examples
-
The composer wrote a piece that used a semibreve to hold the music's main theme for four beats.
-
In the sheet music, I noticed a semibreve at the beginning of the second measure.
-
Massimiliano here is the semibreve.
Synonyms
1
4.2
A musical note that lasts for four beats in common time
is identical in meaning but serves as an alternate term
Antonyms
How Long
breve
- Specialized
semibreve
- UK
half note
1
3.6
- Specialized
1
3.6
quarter note
1
3.9
- Specialized
1
3.9
eighth note
1
4.8
- Specialized
1
4.8
sixteenth note
1
5.8
- Specialized
1
5.8
Surface Forms
semibreve singular
semibreves plural
Morphology
Etymology
Semibreve is made of semi- 'half' and breve (from Latin brevis) 'short', and it links to the English word 'brief' which also means 'short'. It was once a 'half short' note in old music but over time became the long, common 'whole note' we use today, so the name now points to that long sound.