You MUST Master Pacing when Playing Rubato
​(Orchestrating the Melody to "I Fall in Love Too Easily")

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When playing rubato, you are not restricted to the original # of beats or measures (hence the weird time signatures). So take your time in select spots to allow phrases to have impact. But don't drag out every phrase. It's important to move along some phrases as well to create contrast. This push-pull contrast is what gives weight to the chords that we decide to take time on.

I personally like to look at the lyrics/melody, the form and the harmony to understand the emotional arc of the tune, which informs me where it makes sense to pull back. 

But choosing where you push the pace and where to pull back might be slightly different each time; the key is having a good balance! And remember when you pull back, don't be afraid to really pull back to bring out the drama of the tune.
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This excerpt is from a solo piano performance of "I Fall in Love Too Easily" from a special solo piano concert at Peebles Theatre in Newport News, VA. 
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To watch the FULL cut, click HERE