Tempo rubato

Definition

Tempo rubato is a musical term that refers to the practice of varying the speed of a piece by speeding up or slowing down certain notes or phrases, allowing for expressive interpretation. This technique is often employed to convey emotion and nuance in music, especially in the performance of lyrical or dramatic pieces. In the context of Baroque music, such as the French overture and dance suite, tempo rubato can enhance the stylistic elements, adding depth to the rhythmic structure and emotional character of the composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tempo rubato is most prominently found in Romantic music but also has roots in earlier styles, such as the French overture and dance suite.
2. In Baroque music, tempo rubato was often used by performers to create a more expressive and personal interpretation of written scores.
3. The practice of tempo rubato allows for flexibility in phrasing and can enhance the emotional content of a performance, making it feel more spontaneous.
4. While tempo rubato does not change the overall tempo of a piece, it introduces fluctuations that provide a sense of drama and expression.
5. Not all composers explicitly indicated tempo rubato in their scores; instead, it relied on performers' interpretation and understanding of the music's emotional context.

Review Questions

• How does tempo rubato influence the performance style of the French overture?
  • Tempo rubato influences the performance style of the French overture by allowing musicians to inject personal expression into their playing. This technique enables performers to emphasize certain melodic lines or rhythmic patterns, creating contrasts between sections. By manipulating the tempo within the framework of the piece, musicians can convey a sense of grandeur or drama that complements the formal characteristics of the overture.
• Discuss how the use of tempo rubato can change a dancer's interpretation of movements in a dance suite.
  • The use of tempo rubato can significantly alter a dancer's interpretation of movements in a dance suite by providing freedom to express emotions through timing. Dancers can adjust their movements to sync with the music's fluctuating pace, allowing for more dynamic and varied interpretations. This flexibility creates an interplay between music and movement, enhancing both the visual performance and emotional impact on the audience.
• Evaluate how tempo rubato reflects broader changes in musical expression from the Baroque period to later styles, especially in relation to dance forms.
  • Tempo rubato reflects broader changes in musical expression by showcasing a shift from rigid adherence to strict tempos found in Baroque music to greater emphasis on personal interpretation and emotional conveyance in later styles. This evolution highlights an increasing focus on individual artistry and expressive freedoms in both instrumental and vocal music. In relation to dance forms, this shift allowed dancers to interpret movements with more nuance, resulting in performances that were not just about following steps but also about embodying emotions expressed through music.

Related terms

French overture: A musical form characterized by a slow, majestic introduction followed by a fast, fugal section, commonly used in orchestral suites.

dance suite: A collection of instrumental dances, typically in a stylized form, often performed as a suite in a specific order.

rubato: An Italian term meaning 'stolen time,' referring to the expressive timing variations in music where the strict tempo is temporarily disregarded.