Rubato: meaning, definitions and examples

music term

Rubato is a musical term that refers to the flexibility of tempo within a musical passage. This technique allows composers and performers to stretch or compress the timing of notes to enhance the expressiveness of the piece. While the tempo may speed up or slow down, the overall structure of the music remains intact. Rubato is often used in romantic music and jazz to convey emotions. It is crucial for musicians to interpret rubato appropriately to maintain the integrity of the piece while also delivering emotional depth.

swing, tempo rubato, tempo variation

Examples of usage

• She played the sonata with beautiful rubato.

• The pianist's use of rubato brought the piece to life.

• Rubato adds a unique character to the performance.