Definition: The Italian musical command rubato, which literally means “robbed,” indicates that the performer may take liberties with the articulation, dynamics, or overall expressiveness of a song for dramatic effect. However, rubato most commonly affects tempo.
See ad libitum, a piacere, and espressivo.
See ad libitum, a piacere, and espressivo.
Also Known As:
Common Misspellings: robato, rubatto
- rubamento di tempo (It)
- dérobé (Fr)
- frei; nicht im strengen Zeitmass (Ger)
Common Misspellings: robato, rubatto
Examples:
Rubato is often seen in the musical phrase tempo rubato, meaning “stolen time.”
More Tempo Commands:
