Re: Cantorial Tradition

[richard_wolpoe <richard_wolpoe...>]

Dear Stan,
        There are probably a gazillion articles on this topic.  Idelson's 
books are very helpful.  Cantor Macy Nulman has authored several books that 
would also be useful...

        Cantor and Chazan were NOT always synonymous (sp?).  The 
leader/reader is better termed Shliach Tsibbur (Shats).  The medieval use 
of chazan implied slightly different things than does the modern term.
        Apparently, the Chazan used to refer to a Torah reader (ball Koreh 
or Ball Kriah) and also the Arranger of the services (close to what a 
gabbai does today).
        In modern terms, a chazan is a shliach tsibbur with a trained voice 
and usually musical training, and is educated in the liturgy and lore etc.  
A Baal Tefillo, is a more informally trained individual who often can be a 
repository of traditional melodies and chants.  The lines between them can 
be very fuzzy.  (eg I have functioned as ball tefillo in one shul and 
chazan in another...)
        There has been a great influence between non-Jewish music and 
Jewish Chazzanus, but I don't have all the facts handy....

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Richard Wolpoe           


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Cantorial Tradition 
Author:  <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org > at tcpgate
Date:    12/6/97 8:50 PM


To the Cantors on the list:I'm interested in learning the origins and relative 
antiquity of the Cantorialtradition in Jewish worship.  Does the role of Cantors
predate the diaspora?It is common to both European and oriental Judaism?  To 
what degree (if any)has the tradition lent to, or borrowed from, Christian 
liturgical practice?Is the term "liturgical" correct in reference to Jewish 
worship?These must seem naïve questions, but I'm not Jewish and would like to 
learn.Thanks, Stan