Answers. Best Answer: Tempo rubato (Italian: stolen time) is a musical term referring to expressive and rhythmic freedom by a slight speeding up or slowing down of the tempo of a piece at the discretion of the soloist.nswers. Best Answer: Tempo rubato (Italian: stolen time) is a musical term referring to expressive and rhythmic freedom by a slight speeding up or slowing down of the tempo of a piece at the discretion of the soloist.