Čiurlionis in Leipzig: Adaptations and Arrangements

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’s time in Leipzig (1901–1902) was a formative period that shaped his artistic identity. While studying at the conservatory, he struggled with linguistic and cultural barriers, leading him to explore alternative means of self-expression through music and painting. This article examines Čiurlionis’s adaptive strategies during this time, focusing on the role of adaptation and arrangement in his creative process. His Kęstutis Overture serves as a case study of artistic negotiation between personal expression and institutional constraints. The article also explores how his Leipzig experiences influenced his later visual works. By analyzing Čiurlionis’s letters, compositions, and paintings, this study highlights the role of adaptation and intermediality in his artistic development.