rubato Hear it!

rubato Definition

ru·bato (ro̵̅o̅ bät′ō)

adjective, adverb

with some notes arbitrarily lengthened (or shortened) in performance and, often, others correspondingly changed in length; (in a manner) intentionally and temporarily deviating from a strict tempo: also used as a musical direction

Etymology: It < (tempo) rubato, stolen (time)

noun

  1. rubato modification or execution
  2. pl. -·tos a rubato passage, phrase, etc.

rubato Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • introduce: Even the pianist cannot fail to make some notes more prominent than others, and quite naturally introduces some rubato into almost everything played.

Noun used with modifier

  • tempo: This sonnet shd. almost be sung: it is most carefully timed in tempo rubato.