tempo rubato

Tempo rubato (quite literally 'robbed time') is an expression in music which, roughly translated, means "anything goes". It's used to escape the confines of a strict rhythm, allowing the conductor or soloist to interpret a passage as they see fit. Soloists often use it to great effect during a cadenza, where they get to show off their virtuoso playing while the rest of the orchestra sits around twiddling their thumbs (or sneaks out for a sly fag - remember those prolonged drum solos from the seventies? no, of course you don't little one but there's a wicked list here).



A true tempo rubato moment should inject a feeling of improvised spontaneity into a piece, and should not be trotted out in a similar format time and time again. It's not obligatory to "rubato" but it sure helps if you can do it well.



Or if you can do it in ignorance .... which we did at the arts festival this weekend when my wrist watch decided to 'tempo rubato' all by its sweet self, thus making me believe we had been waaaaay shorter at the event than we had. Thus there was no hurry to get away back home to rescue daddy and we made floral art with Agata, completed our annual raku painting, made buttons with Sarah, did a screen printing with Candice, ate hot dogs, became a tiger, and splashed in soapy bubbles.



Today my watch is apparently keeping Normal Time .... but secretly I'm hoping for some rubato sometime soon :)

... and now for this week's Meet Me On Monday Q's

1.  How many TV’s do you have in your home?
- only two, unless you count computer monitors/screens and then we have six (or more)

2.  What is on your bedside table (nightstand)?
- pen, pencil, knitting, sundry 'toys', notebook, a couple of books, inhalers .... well, you did ask!

3.  How many pair of shoes do you own?
- i refuse to divulge (my husband reads my blog)

4.  Can you change a flat tire?
- oh yes! can't everyone?

5.  Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?
- chocolate doesn't count as a treat so i'll say salty :)