Pinchik, Pierre

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PINCHIK, PIERRE

PINCHIK, PIERRE (Pinchas Segal ; c. 1900–1971), *ḥazzan. Born in Zhivitov, Ukraine, the young Pinchik was sent to live with his grandfather in Podolia. His singing in the local yeshivah attracted the attention of one of his teachers who arranged for Pinchik to be taught music and piano and to study voice at Rostov. He became ḥazzan in Leningrad and subsequently made his way to the U.S., where his ḥazzanic talent was quickly recognized. His style was best expressed in his widely acclaimed performances and recordings of Raza de-Shabbat, which represent his successful attempt to evoke the mystical dimension of prayer.