Rubato is a term used in music to describe a flexible tempo, where the performer can vary the tempo of a piece to add expressiveness. The spelling of "rubato" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ruˈbɑtoʊ/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "u" sound, followed by a rolled "r" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a soft "t" sound, and the final syllable has a long "o" sound. Altogether, the word sounds like "roo-BAH-toh."
Rubato is a musical term used to describe a flexible approach to rhythm and tempo in performance. Derived from the Italian word "rubare," meaning "to steal," rubato involves the slight stretching or compression of time within a musical phrase. It refers to the artful manipulation of rhythmical durations to create an expressive and emotional performance.
In rubato, a performer freely alters the tempo as they feel appropriate, deviating from the strict adherence to the written rhythm. Often used in romantic and expressive music, it allows the musician to convey their personal interpretation, adding passion and emotion to the piece. When executed skillfully, rubato can provide a sense of individuality and spontaneity, enhancing the overall musical experience.
Rubato can be expressed in various ways, such as slowing down or speeding up the tempo, holding certain notes slightly longer, or shortening others. It requires an intuitive understanding of the music, allowing the performer to adapt and respond to the emotional content of the composition. Rubato is typically indicated in sheet music with symbols such as fermatas, accelerandos, or rallentandos, but it is ultimately the performer's discretion to interpret and apply it.
While rubato can add expressive depth to a musical performance, it must be used judiciously to maintain the overall integrity and coherence of the composition. It requires a delicate balance between creative freedom and respect for the composer's intentions, as the performer aims to captivate the audience through their individuality and musical sensitivity.
The word rubato is derived from the Italian language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Italian verb rubare, which means to steal. In the musical context, rubato refers to a technique where the tempo of a piece is temporarily paused or slowed down, then accelerated or rushed, creating a flexible, expressive, and personal interpretation from the performer. The concept of stealing time or rhythm in this manner gave rise to the term rubato.