What does a time signature of 2/2 imply about the rhythm of a piece?

A time signature of 2/2, also known as "alla breve," indicates that there are two beats in each measure, and each beat is equivalent to a half note. This means that the beats are relatively longer compared to those in a more common time signature like 4/4, where each beat is a quarter note.

In 2/2, the emphasis is placed on the two primary beats per measure, and the rhythmic structure allows for a feeling that is less about counting many short notes and more about sustaining longer beats. This results in a style that feels broader and can often lend itself to a more flowing, less frenetic pace.

While it can technically be played with rapid passages, the inherent implication of the 2/2 time signature promotes fewer but longer beats, emphasizing the strength of each measure in a manner that is distinctive to its signature. Thus, the correct understanding of a 2/2 time signature revolves around its capacity to produce a rhythm with fewer, longer beats.