Ascher, Leo, 1880-

Leo Ascher was born on Aug. 17, 1880 in Vienna, Austria, the son of a local umbrella manufacturer. His talent for music became evident at an early age. At age thirteen, he composed his first piano solo. At the age of eighteen, he was accepted to the University of Vienna Conservatory of Music and the following year published his first waltz. His father, believing music would not secure his son a prosperous future, insisted that he study law along with music. In 1904, Ascher received his doctorate in law from the University of Vienna. During his academic years he mastered orchestration and continued to compose and publish art songs. His first operetta, Vergeltsgott, premiered in 1905 and launched his career in the theatrical arts. From 1905 to 1932 he composed over thirty operettas, including Hoheit tantz Walzer, Der Soldat der Marie, and Bravo Peggy. In the early 1920's, Ascher began to write popular songs and themes for motion pictures. Before his death, over thirty popular songs were published in several different languages. He and his wife and daughter departed Austria just prior to Nazi Germany's annexation of the country in 1938. After a brief time in France and England, the family arrived in New York City in December of 1939. While in the United States, he composed popular musicals, patriotic songs, and educational pieces for children. Leo Ascher passed away in New York City on Feb. 25, 1942.