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Rubato Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rubato

[ruˈbɑːtoʊ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music Theory

  • Rubato is often used in expressive music styles like romantic and impressionistic, allowing performers to inject personal feelings.
  • Musicians often combine rubato with other techniques, such as dynamics and phrasing, to enhance a piece's emotional impact.
  • Different types of rubato include 'stretto' (tight) where the tempo is quickened, and 'largo' (slow) where time is drawn out.

Pop Culture

  • Famous composers like Chopin and Rachmaninoff frequently used rubato, making it a signature element of their music.
  • In film scores, contemporary composers often employ rubato to heighten emotional moments, allowing the audience to feel the intensity.
  • Many pop and rock musicians have adopted rubato in performances to create a more dramatic interpretation of their songs.

Performance Practice

  • Each musician may interpret rubato differently, making it a very personal aspect of how a piece is performed.
  • In jazz, rubato can be seen in improvisation, where artists take liberties with timing, creating a unique interpretation of the music.
  • Rubato allows performers to engage more deeply with the audience by varying the tempo, creating a sense of spontaneity.

Historical Context

  • Rubato reflects the shift towards more emotive playing that characterized the Romantic era in music history.
  • It illustrates the evolution of performance where individual expression became as important as strict adherence to the written score.
  • The implementation of rubato was often frowned upon in earlier musical traditions, as precision was valued more than expression.

Origin of 'rubato'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'rubato' comes from the Italian word meaning 'stolen', reflecting the idea of stealing time from one note to give to another.
  • It was popularized in the 19th century, especially among composers who wrote romantic music, emphasizing emotion in performance.
  • The concept of rubato has roots in practices dating back to the baroque period, showing its long-standing importance in music.

The term 'rubato' originates from the Italian verb 'rubare,' which means 'to steal.' It was first used in a musical context in the 19th century, particularly in reference to the expressive performances in Romantic music. The concept emphasizes a playful interaction with tempo, allowing performers the freedom to interpret music in a way that conveys deep emotional resonance. As composers began experimenting with different structures and emotions, rubato became a crucial element, helping to create more captivating performances. Over time, it has been embraced not only in classical music but also in jazz and other genres, establishing itself as a vital part of musical expression.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,207, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.