Musical Pairings: Arabesque

Our 2024-25 lecture series, Musical Pairings, highlights the intersection of music with art forms, culture, food, and drink. Join Levine faculty member Minji Kim to explore the world of Arabesque in art and music.

Explore Arabesque, an artistic decoration originating in Islamic and European art. This lecture examines how its rhythmic patterns of foliage and tendrils influenced baroque dance and later became stylized in instrumental music. The discussion focuses on how visual Arabesque affected musical elements and how composers approached its expression in their works.

The event features performances by Levine faculty member Minji Kim and Levine piano students, showcasing musical Arabesque interpretations.

Program:

Burgmuller, Arabesque, Opus 100
Macdowell, Arabesque from Twelve Etudes, Opus 39
Debussy, Two Arabesques, L. 66
Sibelius, Arabesque from 13 piano pieces, Opus 76
Schumann, Arabesque, Opus 18
Medtner, Arabesques, Opus 7