Ad libitum

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"Ad lib" redirects here. For other uses, see Ad lib (disambiguation).

In music and other performing arts, the phrase ad libitum (/ædˈlɪbɪtəm/; from Latin for 'at one's pleasure' or 'as you desire'), often shortened to "ad lib" (as an adjective or adverb) or "ad-lib" (as a verb or noun), refers to various forms of improvisation.

The roughly synonymous phrase a bene placito ('in accordance with [one's] good pleasure') is less common but, in its Italian form a piacere, has entered the musical lingua franca (see below).

The phrase "at liberty" is often associated mnemonically (because of the alliteration of the lib- syllable), although it is not the translation (there is no cognation between libitum and liber). Libido is the etymologically closer cognate known in English.

In biology and nutrition, the phrase is used to describe feeding without restriction.[1]

Music

As a direction in sheet music, ad libitum indicates that the performer or conductor has one of a variety of types of discretion with respect to a given passage:

  • to play the passage in
    rubato
    when not expressly indicated by the composer);
  • to improvise a melodic line fitting the general structure prescribed by the passage's written notes or chords;
  • to omit an instrument part, such as a nonessential accompaniment, for the duration of the passage; or
  • in the phrase "repeat ad libitum", to play the passage an arbitrary number of times (
    vamp
    ).

Note that the direction a piacere (see above) has a more restricted meaning, generally referring to only the first two types of discretion. Baroque music, especially, has a written or implied ad libitum, with most composers intimating the freedom the performer and conductor have.

For post-Baroque classical music and jazz, see cadenza.

Ad Libs In Rap

In the realm of

rap music
, ad libs play a crucial role in enhancing lyrical delivery, adding depth to the overall sound, and reinforcing the artist's persona. Ad libs are spontaneous vocalizations, often interjections or short phrases, layered over the main lyrics or beats of a song. They serve to emphasize certain words or phrases, create rhythmic patterns, and inject energy into the performance.

One of the pioneers in utilizing ad libs effectively in rap is Jordan Terrell Carter, known professionally as

Atlanta hip-hop scene, the King Vamp gained prominence for his unique style characterized by infectious ad libs and minimalist production. His ad libs, such as "What?" and "Yeah," became signature elements of his music, contributing to his distinct sound and making him a standout figure in contemporary rap.[2]

Other performing arts

"Ad-lib" is used to describe individual moments during live theatre when an actor speaks through their character using words not found in the play's text. When the entire performance is predicated on spontaneous creation, the process is called improvisational theatre.

In film, the term ad-lib usually refers to the interpolation of unscripted material in an otherwise scripted performance. For example, in interviews, Dustin Hoffman says he ad-libbed the now famous line, "I'm walking here! I'm walking here!" as "Ratso" Rizzo in Midnight Cowboy (1969). While filming at a streetcorner, the scene was interrupted by a taxi driver. Hoffman wanted to say, "We're filming a movie here!", but stayed in character, allowing the take to be used.[3]

Some actors are also known for their ability or tendency to ad-lib, such as

Columbo. When performing as Colombo, Falk would ad-lib such mannerisms as absent-mindedness, fumbling through his pockets, or asking for a pencil, all in a deliberate attempt to frustrate his co-stars in the scene and obtain a more genuine reaction.[4]

Live performers such as

talk-show hosts sometimes deliver material that sounds ad-libbed but is actually scripted. They may employ ad-lib writers to prepare such material.[5]

The

retroscripting
and ad lib instead of scripted dialogue.

See also

Look up ad libitum in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

References

  1. ^ A., Antonio. "Ad Libitum". DS 414 Ruminant Nutrition Knowledge Base. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Migos, Desiigner, Playboi Carti and the Return of Hip-Hop Ad Libs".
  3. ^ Onda, David. "Greatest Unscripted Movie Moments". Xfinity. Archived from the original on August 17, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  4. ISBN 978-0-7867-1939-6
    .
  5. ^ Wilson, Earl (15 July 1951). "That's Earl, Brother". Milwaukee Sentinel. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
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