Rubato

Definition

Rubato is a musical term that refers to the expressive alteration of tempo, allowing performers to stretch or compress the timing of a piece to convey emotion. This technique is particularly essential in bel canto singing, where vocalists manipulate the rhythm to highlight lyrical phrasing and emotional content, enhancing the overall expressiveness of the performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rubato is often used in romantic and expressive styles of music to add emotional depth and nuance.
2. In bel canto singing, rubato helps singers to create a more natural and conversational feel in their performances, moving away from rigid metrical constraints.
3. Performers using rubato may vary the timing between notes, often slowing down during expressive moments and speeding up during more energetic passages.
4. The use of rubato can differ greatly among performers, making it a personal expression of interpretation rather than a strict rule.
5. Rubato is commonly found in operatic arias and art songs, where conveying emotion is crucial to the effectiveness of the performance.

Review Questions

• How does rubato contribute to the expressiveness of bel canto singing?
  • Rubato enhances bel canto singing by allowing performers to manipulate tempo for emotional expression. Singers stretch or compress timing to emphasize certain phrases or feelings within the music. This flexibility helps create a more lyrical and conversational quality in their performances, which is essential for engaging the audience and conveying the music's emotional depth.
• Discuss the relationship between rubato and phrasing in vocal performance.
  • Rubato and phrasing are closely related concepts in vocal performance. While rubato allows singers to alter tempo for emotional effect, phrasing involves shaping musical lines to enhance expression. By using rubato within their phrasing, singers can highlight important lyrical moments, creating a dynamic interplay between rhythm and melody that captivates listeners.
• Evaluate how varying interpretations of rubato by different performers affect the overall character of a piece in opera.
  • Different interpretations of rubato can significantly alter the character and emotional impact of an opera performance. Some singers may choose to apply rubato subtly, preserving a sense of structure while enhancing expressiveness. Others may embrace more extreme variations, leading to performances that feel freer and more spontaneous. These choices influence not only the singer's interpretation but also how the audience perceives the emotional landscape of the piece, making each performance unique.

Related terms

Tempo: The speed at which a piece of music is played, typically indicated by beats per minute (BPM).

Legato: A style of playing or singing where notes are smoothly connected and performed in a flowing manner without breaks.

Phrasing: The way musicians shape a sequence of notes in a piece, often influencing the expression and interpretation of the music.