Decani Explained
Decani (; Latin: 'of the dean') is the side of a church choir occupied by the Dean.[1] In English churches, this is typically the choir stalls on the south side of the chancel. The opposite side is known as Cantoris.[2] The abbreviations "Dec." and "Can." are used. [3] [4]
The association of the Dean with the south side has propagated from the Sarum (now Salisbury Cathedral) liturgical norm, a practice that then propagated through pre-Reformation England and Wales.[5] There are some notable exceptions in the monastic cathedrals, where the senior cleric under the bishop was the prior; he often sat on the liturgical north.[5] Hence, in Durham Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral, Carlisle Cathedral, and Southwell Minster, decani is on the north.
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Latham, Alison. The Oxford Companion to Music. 2002. Oxford University Press. New York. 978-0-19-866212-9. 345. registration.
- Web site: Decani vc. Cantoris . The Church Times . 1 March 2020.
- Web site: Ashley . Martin . Where have all the singers gone, and when will they return? Prospects for Choral Singing after the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic . Association of British Choral Directors . 29 April 2024 . 21 . e.g. just Dec or Can on alternate days.
- Morning and Evening Canticles . Quarterly News Sheet . April 1928 . 1 . 3 . 29 April 2024 . School of English Church Music . Verses are allotted to full choir, Dec. and Can..
- Web site: Hughes. Gareth. Pass Decani on the Gospel Side: and other adventures in spiritual choreography. Ad Fontes. 14 June 2016. 19 May 2016.
