Precentor

Precentor is an ecclesiastical office with the function of a church helper. His exact duties vary by religion and era. The meaning of the original Latin word is cantor.

In Judaism, the prayer leader or cantor Precentors which direct the music in the synagogue. This feature is detectable at least since 30 BC and still exists today in the office of the hazzan ( cantor ).

In Christianity, the Precentor of a church is associated with the worship he participates supportive. This office has been taken over from Judaism in the early Christian church.

In early Christianity, the ancient a church dignitary was initially referred to as Precentor, sometimes, an administrative assistant or master of ceremonies. He held several positions: as a cantor, he agreed on Sundays and feast days to certain antiphons, psalms, hymns, Responsorien or otherwise. In addition, he gave the Bishop or the Dean during the fair the tone: the Succentor knew the same office for canons and clerics simple. The Precentor was also responsible for the composition and training of the choir, headed its samples and oversaw its performances. He explained the process of ceremonies, made ​​generally for the conduct of religious services and composed occasionally needed hymns, sequences, etc. to order. He was also referred to as caput scholae, prior scholae, magister scholae and primicerius; the large differences in meaning of these titles give an indication of the range of perceived by the Precentor tasks.

In the Middle Ages the highest dignitaries of cathedrals, cathedral chapters and monastic orders took the example of Gregory the Great, following the post as head of the choir schools. The Schola was always there when the bishop celebrated in the Cathedral, and the Precentor had an honorable place in the vicinity of the bishop. His office required a long learning and great skills; his dignity was adapted his duties. In the cathedrals of Spain, France, Germany and England, he was standing in the hierarchy partially right behind the Domdekan, sometimes even just behind the archdeacon. Occasionally, his powers were extended even further and also included the appointment of deans, canons, and other dignitaries, as well as in some monasteries the service as librarian and registrar. During the 14th century, however, titles and functions of the preceptor went over to others. Their musical knowledge often no longer sufficient to provide the service that had given the office originally his name. The position and the title remained thus exist though, but the associated features were blurred. Some outward signs of this office remained in the hands of other dignitaries received, the baton Cantoral, a silver or white bar.

The modern function of the Precentor is that of a choir leader, who is also the bishop brings the antiphon, when the latter exercises his office. It also offers sacristans, singers, choristers and staff of the Cathedral under his supervision, and he is responsible for order and tranquility in the sacristy.

In the Anglican Church is the Precentor, usually a cleric responsible for the preparation of worship. There's usually this position only in large churches; so most cathedrals have organized a Precentor, the liturgy and worship. A Kathedralpräzentor is usually a Kapitularkanoniker or Benefiziat and can be supported by a Succentor, especially in the daily task of the choir's lead singer. In some cathedrals, for example, in Canterbury, the Precentor is a lower canons and in this function, not a member of the chapter.