Abstract

Romantic music is characterized by large fluctuations of tempo and dynamics. The rubato is one of the most important stylistic characteristics in Chopin`s music. Many studies identify the "expressive timing" and "expressive patterns" that performers create during their performance by adopting a motor program: the formulation and execution of musical ideas pass through the body. The rubato is a type of "expressive timing" that the performer uses to reflect and give expression to hierarchic musical structures. Other studies are also focusing on the relationships between the law of physical motion and expressive timing. This research shows how young pianists, who feel time oscillations of Chopin`s Mazurka through their bodies, produce expressive rubato patterns in their performances. The assimilation of piano rubato through the body has helped to develop a motor programme in their performances.

Keywords: learning process, skilled performance, motor skills, stylistics component, music perception

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