A German cellist, Becker studied first with his father and then with Kündinger, Grützmacher, de Swert and Piatti. He debuted in Leipzig and toured with his family before becoming solo cellist at the Frankfurt Opera in 1884. He also taught at the conservatory there and was a member of the Heermann Quartet. From 1909 to 1929 he served as professor at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik and was highly regarded as a teacher. Becker was known for rich tone quality and fine left hand technique. He experimented for a time with a soundbox to improve resonance, an effort that proved futile. He owned two Stradivari cellos: the 1720 'Cristiani' and the 1719 cello now known as the 'Becker'. Of his own compositions, only the studies are still played.