Precentor

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Precentor is an ecclesiastical office with the function of a service helper. Its exact tasks vary according to religion and epoch. The meaning of the originally Latin word is cantor .

In Judaism , the precentors are precentors or prayer leaders who conduct the music in the synagogue. This function has been around since at least 30 BC. It can be proven in BC and still exists today in the office of Chasan (cantor) .

In Christianity, the precentor is assigned to a church, in whose divine services it helps. This office was taken over from Judaism in the early Christian church.

In early Christianity in antiquity , a precentor was initially referred to as an ecclesiastical dignitary, sometimes also an administrative employee or master of ceremonies. He had various tasks: as the lead singer, he would sing certain antiphons , psalms , hymns , responsories or other things on Sundays and feast days . He also set the tone for the bishop or dean during mass : the succentor held the same office for canons and simple clerics . The Precentor was also responsible for the composition and training of the choir , led its rehearsals and supervised its performances. He explained the process of ceremonies , generally took care of the conduct of church services and composed occasionally required hymns, sequences , etc. to order. He was also referred to as caput scholae , prior scholae , magister scholae and primicerius ; the great differences in the meaning of these titles give an indication of the range of tasks performed by the precentor.

In the Middle Ages , the highest dignitaries of cathedrals , cathedral chapters and monastic orders, following the example of Gregory the Great, took over the office of directors of the choir schools. The Schola was always present when the bishop celebrated in the cathedral, and the precentor had an honorable place near the bishop. His office required long study and great skill; his dignity was adapted to his duties. In the cathedrals of Spain, France, Germany and England he was in the hierarchy partly directly behind the dean of the cathedral , sometimes even directly behind the archdeacon . Occasionally, his powers were extended to include the appointment of deans, canons and other dignitaries and, in some monasteries, the service of librarian and registrar . However, during the 14th century, the titles and functions of the Preceptor passed to others. Their musical knowledge was often insufficient to provide the service that originally gave the office its name. The position and title thus remained, but the functions associated with it became more blurred. Some external signs of this office remained in the hands of other dignitaries, such as the baton cantoral , a silver or white staff.

The modern function of the precentor is that of a choir leader who also brings the antiphon to the bishop when he is exercising his office. In addition, sacristans , singers, choirboys and employees of the cathedral are under his supervision, and he is responsible for order and quiet in the sacristy .

In the Anglican Church , the precentor, usually a cleric, is responsible for preparing the worship service. This position usually only exists in large churches; so most cathedrals have a precentor who organizes liturgy and worship. A cathedral precentor is usually a capitular canon or beneficiary and can be assisted by a succentor, especially in the daily choral cantor's duties. In some cathedrals, such as Canterbury , the precentor is a minor canon and is not a member of the chapter in that capacity.

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Individual evidence

  1. ^ Migne: Dict. de Droit Canon ; sv chantre; Migne: Dict. de jurisprudence ; sv Grand Chantre.