{Click here to go to the first audio clip}. Article by Christos Tsitsaros. empo rubato (meaning robbed or stolen time) is a broad term that denotes tempo flexibility of an expressive nature.Click here to go to the first audio clip}. Article by Christos Tsitsaros. empo rubato (meaning robbed or stolen time) is a broad term that denotes tempo flexibility of an expressive nature.