For those who've always desired a little professional guidance at classical recitals, noted pianist Andrew Rangell's lecture may be just the thing. He will read, perform and speak on J.S. Bach's preludes and fugues, with an eye on the challenges of interpretation. Rangell is rather well-known in classical circles as a consummate performer of Beethoven and Bach, and his Julliard pedigree should make this event unmissable for serious pianists and Bach aficionados. (Thur., 7:30 p.m., Earle Recital Hall, Sage Hall, Smith College. No admission charge.)

For a figure for which the town and College is named, Lord Jeff has surprisingly little visual presence in either. The Mead Art Musuem is exhibiting portraits of the Baron Amherst among a larger selection of British art. "Through British Eyes: British Art at the Mead" promises to be a breathtaking display of paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, photographs and decorative arts. (Now through Aug. 26, Mead Art Museum. No admission charge.)

It's not quite the Cirque du Soleil, but the Cirque Éloize, Canadian art circus, may be just as accomplished. Their latest offering, "Rain," features the customary music scores and dance routines set to a distinct theatricality, sensibility and originality. (Tues., 7:30 p.m., Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, UMass. $15 for students.)

You've read Pound and Eliot; now sample the work of their Russian counterparts with "Stray Dog Cabaret" poetry. Anna Akhmatova, Osip Mandelstam and Vladimir Mayakovsky marked tumultuous early 20th-century Russia with poetry of stunning clarity. The College's Center for Russian Culture has invited contemporary American poets to read a selection of these highly influential works. The event will also celebrate the publication of Paul Schmidt's "The Stray Dog Cabaret: A Book of Russian Poems (2006)," co-edited by Professor of Russian Catherine Ciepiela. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., Center for Russian Culture, Webster Hall. No admission charge.)