A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Vicars Choral

by William Barclay Squire

VICARS CHORAL. 'The assistants or deputies of the Canons or Prebendaries of (English) collegiate churches, in the discharge of their duties, especially, though not exclusively, those performed in the choir or chancel, as distinguished from those belonging to the altar and pulpit.' (Hook.) The Vicars Choral answer to the κανονίκοι ψαλΤαὶ of the early church. Originally each member of the capitular body had a vicar choral or minor canon attached to his dignity, whose appointment only lasted during his own life; but in process of time the numbers of these inferior ecclesiastical corporations became diminished. The difference between Minor Canons and Vicars Choral appears to be that whereas for the former, only clergy are eligible, the latter post can be held by either laymen or clerics. The former term is generally found in cathedrals of the new foundation, where the lay members are termed 'lay clerks,' the name 'vicars choral' being chiefly confined to cathedrals of the old foundation. St. Patrick's (Dublin) and Hereford have both Minor Canons and Vicars Choral; in the former the two bodies form distinct corporations, in the latter they are united. In all cathedrals of the old foundation in England, in St. David's, and in twelve Irish cathedrals the Vicars Choral form a distinct corporation, the members of which vary in number from twelve to three: these corporations are distinct from the chapter as regards property, but in subjection to it as to the performance of the services. Formerly the members of these ecclesiastical colleges lived in common in collegiate buildings, some of which (as at Hereford, Wells, and York) still exist. The 42nd Canon orders that the Vicars Choral shall 'be urged to the study of the Holy Scriptures, and every one of them to have the New Testament, not only in English, but also in Latin.' The name is entirely confined to the Anglican church; in Catholic cathedrals the corresponding duties to those of the Vicars Choral are performed by various functionaries. (Jebb on Choral Service; Hook's Church Dictionary, etc.)

[ W. B. S. ]