Ratnakar Pai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ratnakar Pai |
| Born | (1928-08-27)27 August 1928[1] Mumbai,Bombay Presidency, British India |
| Origin | Mumbai, India |
| Died | 9 August 2009(2009-08-09) (aged 80)[2] Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Genres | Khayal,Bhajans,Thumris |
| Occupation | Hindustani classical |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1943–2008 |
Pandit Ratnakar Pai (27 August 1928 – 9 August 2009) was aHindustani classical music vocalist of theJaipur-Atrauli Gharana.[3]
Pai received musical training from two erudite teachers, Mohanrao Palekar andUtd. Gulubhai Jasdanwalla. Pai's was regarded as the foremost authority on the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana because he represented a union of the two sub-streams of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, having learnt from descendants of Gharana founderUtd. Alladiya Khan and from the foremost, non-blood-related disciples of the Ustad. Pai was instrumental in clarifying the differences and enhancing the wholesomeness of the Gharana's ideology.
Although Pai did not take to a full-fledged performance career, Pai was regarded as an expert onKhayal by musicians and musicalconnoisseurs. Pai's primary focus was teaching, where his many successful students are evidence of his musical stature.
Endowed with a sweet voice and an uncanny sense oflaya (tempo), Pai's singing is one of the purest expressions of the traditionalJaipur-AtrauliGayaki. The aesthetics of the gayaki are based on the solid foundation of compositions that delineate the nuances of aRaag accompanied by asyncopated approach to laya. The balance of melody and rhythm is tightly woven and the appeal is distinct to the structural and intellectual aspects of creativity, with emphasis on precision, clean and bold strokes and balance, rather than on frills, decoration and technical showmanship.
According to Pai-Buwa, ourKhayals are not intended, specifically, for performance in any particularTala or even at a particular tempo. They can be sung in any tala, and at any tempo.
Pai died on the evening of 9 August 2009. He was not keeping good health and underwent an operation forgangrene several months prior.
Pai has taught many successful musicians, includingJitendra Abhisheki,Bhalchandra G. Tilak,Dr. Milind Malshe,Mrs. Shalmalee Joshi, andSmt. Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande.[5]
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