What does the term 'rubato' mean in musical expression?

The term 'rubato' translates to "robbed time," which refers to a flexible approach to tempo in music performance. This allows the performer to temporarily speed up or slow down the rhythm for expressive purposes. The goal of using rubato is to enhance the emotional quality of the music, allowing the musician to convey feelings and nuances that are not captured by a strict tempo.

This interpretation gives performers the freedom to interpret the music with their own sense of timing, creating a more personal and expressive rendition of a piece. The practice of rubato can enrich phrasing, especially in romantic and expressive music, where subtle fluctuations in speed can evoke stronger emotional responses from both the performer and the audience.