Ascher, Joseph

1829-1869

Born in Groningen, Holland. Pianist and composer. He was a pupil of Moscheles and followed his master to the Leipsic Conservatory. In 1849 he went to Paris and became Court Pianist to the Empress Eugenie. He became very dissipated in later life, thus ruining both his health and his music. Ascher wrote over one hundred pieces for the piano, besides many songs. Alice, Where Art Thou? one of his best known songs, is still a favorite. Ascher was a very brilliant pianist but has been severely condemned as a composer. That he had talent was undoubted, but that he spent it in a light and superficial style of music was also true.