Which one of the following musical notations allows performers to improvise slightly with the rhythm?
A. Sostenuto
B. Moderato
C. Allegretto
D. Rubato
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubato
rubato
The musical notation that allows performers to improvise slightly with the rhythm is option D, Rubato. To arrive at this answer, let's examine the given options and their meanings:
A. Sostenuto - Sostenuto is a musical term that means sustaining the duration of the notes or chords. It does not refer to improvisation with rhythm.
B. Moderato - Moderato is a tempo marking that indicates a moderate or medium speed. It does not suggest improvisation with rhythm.
C. Allegretto - Allegretto is another tempo marking that is generally faster than Andante but slower than Allegro. It does not indicate improvisation with rhythm.
D. Rubato - Rubato is an Italian term meaning "robbed time." It is a musical technique that allows performers to deviate from the strict rhythm of a piece, making subtle alterations to the timing and rhythm within phrases. This flexibility allows for expressive interpretation and personalization of a performance.
Therefore, the correct answer is D, Rubato, as it is the only notation among the options that encourages performers to improvise slightly with the rhythm while playing.