Stolen time in Italian is tempo rubato.
This is an expressive musical term that literally translates to "stolen time." It describes a performance technique where a performer may subtly deviate from a strict tempo for expressive purposes, "robbing" time from one part of a phrase or measure and "giving" it back to another, without altering the overall duration of the piece.
Understanding the Components
To fully grasp the meaning of tempo rubato, it's helpful to break down its individual Italian words:
- Tempo: This Italian word directly translates to "time." In a musical context, it refers to the speed or pace at which a piece of music is performed.
- Rubato: This term is derived from the Italian verb rubare, meaning "to rob" or "to steal." Therefore, rubato itself means "robbed" or "stolen."
When combined, tempo rubato precisely means "stolen time." This concept is a cornerstone of expressive musical performance, particularly in romantic-era compositions.
| Italian Term | Literal Translation | Contextual Meaning (in music) |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo | Time | The speed or pace of music |
| Rubato | Robbed, Stolen | Indicating flexibility |
| Tempo rubato | Stolen Time | An expressive musical device where the performer intentionally varies the tempo for emotional or artistic effect. |
Significance and Application in Music
Tempo rubato is not a license for random changes in speed. Instead, it is an artful and nuanced manipulation of rhythm that contributes significantly to the emotional depth and natural flow of a musical piece. It allows the performer to infuse the music with personal interpretation and feeling, making the performance more human and less mechanical.
This technique is especially prominent in the works of composers such as Frédéric Chopin, where the melody might subtly accelerate or decelerate over a relatively steady accompaniment, creating a sense of longing, urgency, or relaxation.
Performers apply tempo rubato by:
- Varying note durations: Slightly elongating or shortening notes within a phrase.
- Flexible phrasing: Adjusting the rhythm of a melodic line to emphasize certain notes or create a more lyrical contour.
- Dynamic rhythm: Using subtle pushes and pulls in the timing to build or release tension, adding dramatic impact to the music.
The essence of tempo rubato lies in this constant give-and-take of time, ensuring that while the individual parts might be flexible, the underlying pulse or the total duration of a section remains largely consistent. It's an artistic freedom that allows the music to breathe and convey deeper meaning.
