Music Devotee: Olga Craen's Lifelong Dedication to Tunes
Renowned Pianist and Educator Olga Craen Shaped the Landscape of Western Classical Music in India
Olga Craen, a prominent figure in Indian music history, was born in 1913 and immersed in music from an early age. Her impressive talent was soon recognized, leading her to receive rigorous training in piano, ultimately propelling her to become one of India's most distinguished pianists and music educators. Her life became even more entwined with Western classical music as the result of her marriage to Jules Craen, the inaugural conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Bombay.
Together, Olga and Jules Craen emerged as central figures in India's musical panorama, nurturing and guiding numerous young musicians for nearly half a century. Smita Godrej Crishna, a student of Olga's, recalls, "I was a young pupil of hers, and my mother had every intention of helping me master the piano. But Olga was an awe-inspiring figure to me, and I attended her classes with great trepidation!"
Despite her extraordinary skill, Olga's career as a concert pianist was halted by nerve damage in her 4th and 5th fingers, a condition resembling modern-day carpal tunnel syndrome. This unfortunate development compelled her to retire from performing and instead concentrate on teaching, where she discovered a new and arguably greater purpose.
Zinnia Mehta Khajotia, one of Craen's many accomplished students, praised the solid foundation her mentor laid from the start. Khajotia remembers, "Olga was not only an excellent teacher, but she took me on as a 6-year-old beginner, thus laying a strong foundation for me." Khajotia also recalled Craen's demanding nature and her insistence on precision: "She was often impatient, with the occasional knocks on the head or hand if a wrong note was played. She emphasized proper technique and hand position and frowned upon affectations like body-swaying, instead encouraging us to 'coax the notes and make the piano sing!'"
Ennavaz Bharucha, who encountered Olga later in life, attested to her commitment to music, stating that, "Music was her life, not just a part of her life." Bharucha also echoed the sentiments of other students, praising Craen's diligent push for excellence.
For Marialena Fernandes, another of Craen's students, the annual Pupils' Recital at the Taj Crystal Room stood out as a defining aspect of her early musical education. Fernandes recalls, "Olga's Annual Pupils' Recital at the Taj Crystal Room provided us, her students, with the opportunity to perform before larger audiences at an early stage in our musical growth, thereby helping us overcome stage fright and evolve our public performance strategies."
Roshan Chowna emphasized the rigorous discipline Craen imposed on her students, appreciatively noting that, "I have conveyed the importance of discipline to my own students, just as Olga taught me." Chowna also shared a poignant memory, saying, "Once, on my 14th or 15th birthday, I went to a lesson wearing a brand new dress and presented Olga with cake and flowers. I was stumbling over the music more than usual that day, so she closed my book, passed it back to me, and sent me on my way!"
Zarir Baliwalla summarized Craen's approach, acknowledging that "Olga was a musical prodigy, demanding, and one who knew her music well. She expected equal emphasis on technique and playing heart and soul."
Khushroo Suntook recalled his time under Craen's guidance, stating, "Her teachings were strict, musical, and demanding. She played a significant role in my life, causing me to prioritize and avoid musical indiscipline."
Craen's teaching methodology was influenced by her own demanding training, which included time spent at the prestigious Nadia Boulanger's studio in Paris—a renowned finishing school for musicians aspiring to international careers. This European influence permeated her expectations of her students, many of whom went on to successful musical careers.
Farah Rustom reflected on the profound impact Craen had on her development as a musician, saying, "Olga was a force to be reckoned with, holding unwavering standards. She sincerely believed that music was more than just hitting the right notes, but rather about conveying emotion, about making the audience feel something." Rustom also described a powerful memory of her mentor, saying, "I remember the way she would sit by the piano, listening intently, and then gently guide my hands to the keys, teaching me how to elicit depth from a piece."
Roshun Birdy added depth to our understanding of Craen's impact, noting her approach to music theory as a vital component of education. "She insisted on a solid theoretical foundation in her students from an early stage, taking music theory seriously and applying it to the pieces we were studying. This approach aided our progress by integrating knowledge into our performances," Birdy recounted.
The legacy of Olga Craen is not confined to the recollections of her former students but rather echoes through the ongoing work of The Olga and Jules Craen Foundation, which continues to promote excellence in Western classical music in India. This organization, established to honor the memory of both Olga and her husband, Jules, has been pivotal in identifying and nurturing young musical talent in the nation.
Zinnia Mehta Khajotia, a trustee of the foundation, highlighted its commitment to maintaining impartiality in selecting the Young Musician of the Year prize by entrusting the selection process to visiting UK music board examiners. This diligent process underscores the foundation's dedication to preserving the standards Olga Craen championed throughout her life.
The Young Musicians of the Year (2013-2024) Variety Performance will take place at the Tata Theatre on September 29, 2024, at 6:30 pm, presenting a diverse range of young pianists, harpists, flutists, guitarists, violinists, countertenors, dancers, and other musicians in a unique celebration of the Young Musician of the Year award's 10th anniversary. The event will feature performances by prominent musicians Choral Director Blossom Mendonca with Living Voices-Mumbai, and pianist Marialena Fernandes, among others.
Olga Craen's dedication to personal growth extended beyond music, as she also valued education and self-development in her students. Her annual Pupils' Recital was an opportunity for young musicians to tackle nerve-wracking performances and refine their public presentation skills.
In her teaching approach, Olga fused entertainment with education, encouraging her students to make their music sing and evoke emotions, not just hit the right notes. Her insistence on precision, proper technique, and a solid theoretical foundation exemplified her commitment to both entertainment and education.
