Wyner, who grew up in
New York City, was raised in a musical family. His father,
Lazar Weiner, was an eminent composer of
Yiddishart songs. Wyner attended
Juilliard,
Yale and
Harvard, and was a student of
Paul Hindemith and
Walter Piston. He has written music in a variety of genres, including compositions for
orchestra,
chamber ensembles, solo voice and solo instruments, as well as theatrical music and settings of the
Jewish liturgy. Among his best-known works are the Friday Evening Service (1963) and "Torah Service with Instruments" (1966)
for
cantor and
chorus, and On This Most Voluptuous Night (1982) for
soprano and chamber ensemble.
Wyner taught for 14 years at Yale, where he was the head of the composition faculty. He also taught at
SUNY Purchase,
Cornell,
Brandeis and Harvard.
Wyner was married to Nancy Braverman (Wyner) from 1951 to 1966, with whom he had three children – Isaiah, Adam, and Cassia.[3] He married
sopranoSusan Davenny-Wyner in 1967.[4]
YEHUDI WYNER: 'CHIAVI IN MANO,' OTHER WORKS. Robert Levin, pianist; Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Spano; other performers. Bridge 9282; CD,
OCLC1067026313