Eric Werner

Born in Ludenberg (near Vienna).

Studied music and religion in several cities in Europe, receiving his PhD in musicology at the University of Strasbourg in in 1928. Taught in Saarbrucken (1926-1933) and Breslau (1934-1938). Immigrated to the U.S. in 1938. Began teaching Jewish music and liturgy at the Hebrew Union College in 1939, becoming the chairman of its School of Sacred Music in New York in 1951.

Besides general musicological research, Werner has conducted research in the field of Jewish music, on topics such as comparative Jewish-Christian music, Jewish composers, Ashkenazi liturgy, and more.

His compositions include mainly Jewish liturgical works, in addition to choral compositions, songs, and instrumental works.

Sources: Encyclopedia Judaica; Concise Encyclopedia of Jewish Music (Macy Nulman); Eric Werner's collection in Leo Baeck Institute; A bibliography of Werner's writings can be found in Musica Judaica vol. 10, no. 1.: 'Dedicated to the Memory of Eric Werner (1901-1988).'