Rubato: A Musical Term Explained

What does the term "rubato" refer to in music?

Which of the following describes rubato?
"robbed time"
quick tempo
in strict time
completely devoid of time?

Answer:

Rubato is a musical term referring to expressive and rhythmic flexibility within a phrase or piece of music, giving it a sense of 'robbing' time from one note or phrase and giving it to another.

Explanation:

Rubato, in music, is an expressive technique that involves nuanced changes in tempo, often deviating from the strict rhythmic precision. It can be thought of as 'robbed time', where time is taken from one note or phrase and given to another, creating a fluctuating, flexible tempo. Rubato allows for greater expressiveness in performance, often increasing tension and release within the music. It is NOT a quick tempo, neither strictly in time, nor completely devoid of time. Instead, it involves a creative and artful manipulation of the musical time.