For years we had a female Cantor at our church. She used to pretty much sing what she wanted, regardless of what the priest wanted her to sing. My mother would come home snorting mad because they would practice something for hours at choir practice and then in church the Cantor would disregard it and sing what she wanted! And everything was a dirge to the Cantor. I was surprised when I attended another Byzantine church when a child and heard that the Liturgy wasn't supposed to be sad, depressing and every so very long! It was actually delightful and full of hope and gladness. Who knew? Not me!
Tim
