Rubato

Definition

Rubato is a musical term that refers to the expressive and flexible manipulation of tempo, allowing for slight accelerations and decelerations in the music. This technique creates a sense of emotional depth, enabling performers to emphasize certain notes or phrases by stretching or compressing time. It plays a crucial role in shaping melodic contour and structure, enhancing the overall expressiveness of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rubato can be applied to both melodic lines and harmonic progressions, allowing performers to interpret the music with personal expressiveness.
2. It is commonly found in Romantic-era music, where composers like Chopin and Liszt used rubato to enhance the emotional impact of their works.
3. Rubato does not alter the overall tempo of a piece; rather, it allows for the flexible treatment of individual notes while maintaining a steady pulse in the accompaniment.
4. Performers must use rubato judiciously, as excessive use can disrupt the flow of the music and make it sound disorganized.
5. Different genres may interpret rubato differently; for instance, jazz musicians often incorporate it more freely than classical performers.

Review Questions

• How does rubato contribute to the emotional expression in music?
  • Rubato enhances emotional expression by allowing performers to manipulate tempo, creating tension and release within musical phrases. By stretching certain notes while compressing others, musicians can highlight moments of intensity or softness, conveying deeper feelings. This flexibility enables performers to connect more profoundly with the audience, making the music feel more personal and relatable.
• Discuss the differences in the application of rubato between classical and jazz music styles.
  • In classical music, rubato is often used with a sense of restraint, where performers apply subtle changes to enhance phrasing without losing the overall tempo. In contrast, jazz musicians typically embrace rubato more freely, allowing for greater improvisation and spontaneity in their performances. This difference illustrates how rubato can serve distinct artistic purposes depending on the genre, affecting the structure and feel of the music.
• Evaluate the role of rubato in shaping melodic contour and structure in a specific piece of music.
  • In pieces like Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2, rubato plays a vital role in shaping its melodic contour by allowing expressive fluctuations that highlight key phrases. The performer can draw out emotionally charged notes while keeping the accompaniment steady, creating a captivating interplay between melody and harmony. This use of rubato not only enriches the melodic structure but also invites listeners into a more intimate experience with the music, making it resonate on a deeper emotional level.

Related terms

Tempo: The speed at which a piece of music is played, typically indicated by beats per minute (BPM) or descriptive terms like 'allegro' or 'adagio.'

Phrase:

A musical unit that expresses a complete thought, often comprising several measures and typically marked by a sense of closure or pause.

Dynamics: The variation in loudness between notes or phrases in music, which contributes to the emotional expression and contrast within a piece.