Cantorial music in Synagogue: Pro or Con. Discuss.

I have not been an Orthodox Jew all my life.   Nor did I grow up in the Reform movement.  That means I missed both the end of the golden age of cantorial music (1960s) and the cantorial led prayer services of the large Reform Temples.  My Conservative synagogue was founded by intellectuals and businessmen who wanted something different from the rigid experience they saw in the Orthodox synagogue, but hewing more closely to standard tradition than the Reform movement practiced in the 50s and 60s.  I grew up with lay leaders and the occasional Rabbi, chosen for his spiritual leadership rather than his voice.

My path to Orthodox tradition in college did focus on the music, but it was music with an emphasis on group singing and ruach (spirit) rather than operatic highs and lows.  From then until now I have somehow managed to avoid synagogues with cantors, sticking primarily to the Young Israel movement, and offshoots thereof.  In those environments, lay leadership was emphasized, probably partially for monetary reasons, but also for philosophical ones as well.  These were "involved" communities, and cantorial music can separate instead of inspire if not carefully thought out.

It was therefore with scepticism that I heard about the plans my synagogue had to cantor to be scholar in residence for Shabbat this past week.  My experience with cantors primarily came from brief visits at synagogues with cantors, and from experiencing some cantor "wannabes."  However, I made a decision that I would attend the Saturday morning service with an open mind, and I believe I was successful.

First, the visiting cantor did not change my mind completely about the cantorial genre.  I would not want to attend a synagogue where there was a permanent paid cantor, nor would I want to attend a service that had a cantor once a month or even once every several months.  I also don't think I would want one to lead the service on the High Holidays, the service is long enough as it is, and my attention span just isn't that great.  However, this particular cantor had a very lovely voice (well I could have skipped the falsetto), and most of his musical selections managed to avoid the kvetching/crying tone that has turned me off in the past.  I particularly liked his rendition of the Prayer for the State of Israel, a piece he composed himself.  I did not find that he detracted from my kavannah (loosely translated as spiritual intent) and the service didn't drag on painfully.  If the synagogue chooses to bring him back next year, I would go again.

However, I have a serious concern.  We have a number of people who lead the service in our synagogue regularly.  Some have sweeter voices than others.  NONE are professionally trained musicians.  If any of them thinks that this Shabbat gives them the license to "perform" during Shabbat morning services, I will be seriously pissed.  Lead the prayers,don't race, don't drag, and please, for heaven's sake, if you really can't carry a tune or read Hebrew, let someone else who can do both take your place..