What does "rubato" allow musicians to do with tempo?

Rubato is a musical term that translates to "stolen time," and it provides performers with the freedom to manipulate the tempo of a piece. This technique allows musicians to stretch or compress the duration of certain notes or phrases, creating expressive nuances in the performance. By playing with some freedom of time, musicians can convey emotion and highlight musical ideas, making their interpretations more personal and engaging.

This interpretation of tempo means that while the overall structure is maintained, individual phrases or moments can diverge from a strict metrical flow, allowing for expressive timing. Musicians might hold notes longer, rush through others, or subtly delay entrances, giving the performance a more human and emotive quality. The essence of rubato is in this balance between freedom and structure, making it central to expressive playing in genres such as Romantic music, where emotional conveyance is key.