ad libitum
Definition of the Latin term ad libitum in music:
- literally "at one's pleasure"
- freely (with freedom in tempo, rhythm, and expression)
- optional (the instrument part may be omitted)
- improvised (with an improvised melody)
Language
Latin
Abbreviation
ad lib.
Synonym
Musical examples
Music scores that include ad libitum:
- Alexandre Guilmant: Organ Sonata No. 1 (1874) Page 1
- Arnold Schoenberg: Begleitungsmusik zu einer Lichtspielscene (1929‑1930) Page 1
- Charles Gounod: Ave Maria (1852‑1853) Page 2
- Edward Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 (1901) Page 1
- Emile Jaques-Dalcroze: Violin Concerto No. 1 (ca. 1901) Page 1
- Gabriel Fauré: Pavane (1887) Page 1
- Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring (1910‑1913) Page 1
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture (1880) Page 2
- Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vocalise (1912) Page 1
- Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vocalise (1912) Page 1
Related terms
Latin musical terms related to ad libitum:
- ad placitum – literally "at one's pleasure"...
- libitum – literally "one's pleasure"...