What term describes music played without strict timing?

The term that describes music played without strict timing is "senza misura." This Italian phrase translates to "without measure," indicating a style of performance where the rhythmic structure is flexible and not strictly adhered to, allowing for expressive variability in tempo. This approach emphasizes free-flowing musical phrasing, which can create an emotive and improvisational quality in the performance, contrasting with more structured styles that rely on precise timing and rhythm.

In this context, the other terms refer to different musical concepts. "Fanfare" refers to a short, distinctive musical announcement typically played by brass instruments, often associated with ceremonial occasions, but maintains a strict rhythmic structure. "Arch form" is a compositional structure that helps to organize music in a symmetrical fashion, focusing on the layout of sections rather than free timing. "Syncopation," on the other hand, involves emphasizing normally weak beats or off-beats within a regular rhythm, which is structured rather than free. Thus, "senza misura" is distinctly characterized by its lack of strict rhythmic adherence.