The succentor ("under-singer"[1]) is the assistant to the precentor, typically in an ancient cathedral foundation, helping with the preparation and conduct of the liturgy including psalms, preces and responses. In English cathedrals today, the priest responsible for liturgy and music is usually the precentor, but some cathedrals, such as St Paul's, Southwark Cathedral,[2] Durham, and Christ Church, Oxford,[3] retain a succentor as well. Lichfield used the title subchanter.[4] Westminster Abbey also retains the tradition; Brecon Cathedral previously had only a succentor, and no precentor, but this changed in 2022 with the appointment of The Rev'd Canon Steven Griffith to the post of precentor.[5][6] The succentor is normally a minor canon.[7][8]

Radley College appears to be unique in having a lay succentor, who is the college organist and assistant to the lay precentor, the director of music.[9]

References

  1. ^ "Succentor: definition of succentor in Oxford Dictionary (British & World English)". Oxford Dictionaries Online. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  2. ^ "The Clergy". Southwark Cathedral. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  3. ^ "New Succentor for Cathedral".
  4. ^ seen in Latin: "succentor" Robert Merford in 1421; http://aalt.law.uh.edu/H5/CP40no641/bCP40no641dorses/IMG_1238.htm
  5. ^ https://www.facebook.com/BreconCathedral/posts/canon-steven-griffith-has-been-installed-as-the-residentiary-canon-and-precentor/5424117974275587/?locale=ms_MY&paipv=0&eav=AfYTx1mJVHXQOr3unTGdc9LjK-at6AWMPtZt5AI_9J4YbXalFmpmwJ8XaicPT-jIZaY&_rdr
  6. ^ "Who's Who? : Brecon Cathedral". Brecon Cathedral website. Archived from the original on 9 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  7. ^ "St Paul's personnel". St Paul's Cathedral website. The Dean and Chapter of St Paul's. Archived from the original on 22 March 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2007.
  8. ^ "Who's who". Durham Cathedral website. Chapter of Durham Cathedral. 2006. Archived from the original on 9 October 2006. Retrieved 19 April 2007.
  9. ^ "Email Directory - Radley College". Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.


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