Leo Ascher was born on August 17, 1880 in Vienna, Austria, the son of
a local umbrella manufacturer. His talent for music came at an early age
when 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, his wife and his daughter departed Austria just prior to
Nazi Germany's annexation of the country in 1938. After a brief time in
France and England he and his 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 Asher passed away in New
York City on February 25, 1942. Operas -- Austria -- 20th century.
Operas -- Scores and parts -- Sources.
Operas -- Stage guides.
Musicals -- Scores -- Sources.
Composers -- Austria -- 20th century.
Musicals -- Lead sheets.
Operas -- Lead sheets.