How would you describe a piece of music marked "rubato"?

A piece of music marked "rubato" is characterized by a flexible approach to tempo, allowing the performer to stretch or compress the beats according to the emotional expression or artistic intent of the piece. This term comes from the Italian word meaning "stolen," which metaphorically refers to the way musicians "steal" time from certain beats and give it back at others. Therefore, the nature of rubato incorporates a sense of freedom, enabling performers to emphasize particular notes or phrases by playing them slightly faster or slower than the established tempo. This expressive timing adds depth and character to the music, making it more emotionally compelling.