Rubato

Definition

Rubato is a musical term meaning 'stolen time,' where the tempo is flexible, allowing for slight speeding up or slowing down to enhance expressiveness. This technique is particularly significant in Romantic music, where emotional depth and personal expression are paramount, shaping performances and compositions in unique ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rubato allows performers to manipulate the rhythm of a piece without altering the underlying beat, enabling them to convey deeper emotions.
2. Frédéric Chopin frequently employed rubato in his piano compositions, contributing to their lyrical and poignant character.
3. In symphonic works, especially those by composers like Beethoven, rubato can highlight thematic material and enhance emotional intensity.
4. Liszt's transcriptions often utilize rubato to adapt orchestral textures for piano while maintaining the original's expressiveness.
5. Rubato became a defining feature of Romantic music, reflecting the era's focus on individual expression and emotional exploration.

Review Questions

• How does rubato enhance the expressiveness of musical performances in the Romantic period?
  • Rubato enhances expressiveness by allowing musicians to take liberties with timing, creating a sense of emotional urgency or relaxation. This flexibility means that performers can emphasize certain notes or phrases, making the music feel more personal and dynamic. In the Romantic period, where emotional depth was a priority, the use of rubato became a crucial technique for conveying feelings and engaging audiences.
• Discuss the ways in which Chopin's use of rubato distinguishes his piano works from those of earlier composers.
  • Chopin's use of rubato sets his piano works apart by infusing them with a unique lyrical quality that emphasizes nuance and emotional complexity. Unlike earlier composers who adhered more strictly to tempo, Chopin allowed for expressive deviations that mirror human emotion. This approach not only showcases his innovative style but also influences pianists to interpret his music with greater freedom and individuality.
• Evaluate how rubato contributes to the performance practices of key symphonies from the Romantic era and its impact on modern interpretations.
  • Rubato plays a critical role in shaping performance practices of key symphonies from the Romantic era by introducing an element of flexibility that reflects the emotional landscape of the music. Modern interpretations often embrace this practice, allowing conductors and orchestras to bring forth an expressive quality that may have been understated in earlier performances. By recognizing rubato's importance, musicians today can create more nuanced interpretations that resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring the composer's intentions.

Related terms

Tempo: The speed at which a piece of music is played, typically indicated by beats per minute.

Expressiveness: The quality of conveying emotion and feeling through music, often achieved through dynamics, phrasing, and techniques like rubato.

Phrasing: The way in which musical phrases are articulated, shaping the flow and emotional impact of a performance.