Precentor
PRECENTOR (Late Lat. praecenlor, from praecinere, to sing before, lead in singing), the title of the principal director of the singing or musical portions of the service in a cathedral or cathedral church. In the English Church in cathedrals of the " Old Foundation " the precentor is a member of the cathedral chapter and officially ranks next to the dean. His musical duties are usually performed by the " succentor," one of the vicars choral. In cathedrals of the " New Foundation " the " precentor " is not a member of the chapter, but is one of the minor canons.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
