In musical terminology, what does "Rubato" encourage the musician to do?

Rubato is a musical term derived from the Italian word for "stolen." This technique encourages musicians to adjust the tempo of a piece in a flexible manner to enhance expression. It allows for slight speeding up or slowing down at certain passages, creating a more emotive and nuanced performance. The essence of rubato lies in its ability to convey feelings and lyrical quality, often making the music more engaging and expressive.

The other options do not capture the essence of rubato. Sticking to a strict tempo contradicts the very nature of the technique, as it requires flexibility rather than rigidity. Playing quickly or playing staccato do not relate to the expressive adaptability that rubato promotes; they focus on other technical aspects of performance rather than emotional expression through tempo variation.