Understanding Rubato: How to Play with Flexibility and Expressiveness

Rubato is a concept in music that allows the performer to play with flexibility in tempo, taking a little freedom to push or pull the rhythm to enhance expression. It’s one of the most beloved techniques in music performance because it offers space for personal interpretation, adding a deeper emotional layer to a piece. Click on the image above to watch the video for an explanation of rubato.

However, rubato can be a tricky concept to grasp, especially for beginner and intermediate pianists. In this blog, I will break down how you can start to incorporate rubato into your playing in a way that feels natural and effective.

What Is Rubato?

The term rubato comes from the Italian word meaning "stolen time." It refers to the practice of slightly speeding up or slowing down the tempo of a piece, without altering its overall sense of rhythm. Rubato allows a performer to stretch or compress time in a way that reflects the mood or emotional content of the music.

This technique isn’t just about playing freely; it’s about doing so within the boundaries of the musical style and maintaining the integrity of the piece. If used appropriately, it can transform a simple piece into something more expressive and dynamic.

Starting Simple: Begin with Ritenuto and Rallentando

When you're first experimenting with rubato, it’s best to start with clear markings from the score. Ritenuto (a slightly more sudden slow-down or held back) and rallentando (gradually slowing down) are clear instructions from the composer to guide your flexibility with the tempo. These are great starting points as you learn how to shape the music's phrasing and feel more comfortable using rubato.

Take a look at the markings in your music. If the composer has included a ritenuto or rallentando, it's an invitation to slow down in a way that feels natural within the context of the music. Start by practicing these sections, paying attention to the mood of the piece and using the rubato markings to highlight key moments.

How to Apply Rubato to Phrasing

In my video demonstration, I talk about applying rubato to individual phrases rather than just speeding up or slowing down for the entire piece. This approach helps you to focus on the musical sentence in front of you, rather than thinking about the entire work at once. You can experiment with adding flexibility to certain moments within the phrase and relaxing the tempo in others.

For instance, let’s say you have a melancholy theme. Instead of rushing through it, play it slowly and reflectively, allowing the music to “breathe.” In contrast, when you reach a more energetic section, you can push the tempo a little forward. However, be mindful that this doesn’t mean making dramatic tempo changes, but rather slight, controlled shifts that add expressive depth to the music.

Tip: Slow Down at the End of Phrases

A simple way to start getting used to playing with rubato is to experiment with slowing down at the end of a phrase. This is a common musical gesture and a great way to introduce flexibility without feeling overwhelmed. The natural slowing of the tempo can reflect the sense of finality or conclusion that often accompanies the end of a musical idea. Of course this is not going to be true of all phrases/endings and so it will be worth watching the video to gain a more thorough understanding.

You can experiment with different gradations of ritenuto, applying it progressively more or less as you approach the end of a phrase. Start with a subtle slowing down and gradually increase it to see how the music reacts. Once you're comfortable with this, try incorporating it into your playing with different pieces.

The Importance of Control and Consistency

It’s essential to remember that rubato should be used in a controlled manner. A little goes a long way. You don’t want the rubato to become erratic or unpredictable. Ideally, the tempo should return to the steady beat once you've explored the flexibility of a phrase.

Getting Used to Flexibility

In my upcoming YouTube Shorts, I will be sharing some quick tips and exercises to help you get used to playing more flexibly with rubato. These videos will allow you to try out different exercises that encourage you to take liberties with your tempo while keeping the underlying structure intact.

For now, remember that practice makes perfect. Start small, pay attention to the markings in your score, and feel free to experiment within the boundaries of the piece. Over time, you will develop your unique style of interpretation, and rubato will become a powerful tool in your musical expression.

Experimenting and Personal Interpretation

Lastly, rubato is an artistic choice. As the performer, you have the power to decide how to apply it, based on your interpretation of the piece. It’s important to listen deeply to the music and let it guide you. If you can keep your interpretation within the stylistic framework of the music, you'll be able to breathe life into the phrases and deliver a more engaging performance.

Rubato is about finding a balance between freedom and structure. So, have fun with it, and take your time experimenting with different ways of adding flexibility to your playing.

Want to learn more about these techniques?

You can explore this and other essential piano skills in my Hey Presto! Adult Piano Method, where I break down key concepts for adult piano beginners. Additionally, if you're ready to take your piano playing to the next level, join my Adult Piano Beginners Course online and start learning in a flexible and supportive environment. I look forward to seeing you there!