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Rubato – Definition
Rubato, short for tempo rubato, is an expressive performance technique in which the tempo is deliberately stretched or compressed to enhance musical expression.
What is Rubato?
The Italian word rubato means “stolen.” In tempo rubato, time is figuratively borrowed from one part of a musical phrase and returned in another. The overall musical flow remains intact even though individual notes or phrases may be played slightly ahead of or behind the beat.
Rubato is widely used in classical music, jazz, film music, and expressive piano ballads.
How is Rubato used in piano playing?
Pianists use rubato to shape phrases naturally, highlight emotional moments, and create a more vocal style of playing. Rather than following the beat mechanically, the performer allows the music to breathe while maintaining an underlying sense of pulse.
Developing tasteful rubato requires musical maturity, careful listening, and a strong internal sense of timing.