Swiss musicians died at 79
Here are 29 famous musicians from Switzerland died at 79:
Carl Spitteler
Carl Spitteler (April 24, 1845 Liestal-December 29, 1924 Lucerne) was a Swiss writer and poet.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1919 for his novel "The Olympian Spring." In addition to his famous novel, Spitteler wrote various poems, plays, and essays that explored themes such as the relation between nature and culture, myth and reality, and the human condition. He was part of the Swiss Romantic tradition but also incorporated elements of modernism in his work. Before pursuing his literary career, Spitteler studied philosophy and natural sciences and worked as a teacher. He was a staunch pacifist and spoke out against the use of violence in political conflicts. Despite receiving accolades for his work, Spitteler led a solitary life in his later years and suffered from various health issues.
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Max Frisch
Max Frisch (May 15, 1911 Zürich-April 4, 1991 Zürich) also known as Max Rudolf Frisch was a Swiss novelist, architect, playwright, philosopher and writer. His children are called Ursula Priess, Hans Peter Frisch and Charlotte Frisch.
Frisch is widely recognized as one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century, particularly in the German-speaking world. He began his career as an architect, but went on to write numerous novels, including "I'm Not Stiller", "Homo Faber", and "Man in the Holocene". Frisch's work often explored themes related to identity, morality, and the human condition. Frisch was also a prolific playwright, writing notable plays such as "The Fire Raisers" and "Andorra". Throughout his life, Frisch was committed to social and political activism, using his writing to confront issues such as war, fascism and the nuclear arms race. He received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Büchner Prize in 1958.
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Alexandre Yersin
Alexandre Yersin (September 22, 1863 Aubonne-March 1, 1943 Nha Trang) otherwise known as Dr. Alexandre Yersin was a Swiss physician.
He is best known for his discovery of the bacterium responsible for causing the bubonic plague. Yersin was also a well-respected bacteriologist and one of the pioneers in the development of serotherapy, the technique using serum from an immune organism to treat a disease.
Apart from his scientific contributions, Yersin was also an avid traveler and adventurer. In 1892, he arrived in Indochina (today's Vietnam) as a member of the Pasteur Institute and fell in love with the region. He spent most of his life in Vietnam, where he dedicated himself to improving the lives of the local population.
Yersin established himself as a successful phytopathologist, introducing several new crops to Vietnam that became essential components of the Vietnamese economy. He also established a medical research institute in Nha Trang, which today bears his name.
In addition to his medical and scientific work, Yersin was an accomplished photographer and wrote extensively about his travels, adventures, and experiences. His legacy in Vietnam is still celebrated, and his contributions to medicine and science are remembered and appreciated worldwide.
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Denis de Rougemont
Denis de Rougemont (September 8, 1906 Couvet-December 6, 1985 Geneva) otherwise known as Denis Rougemont was a Swiss writer.
He was known for his contributions to the field of cultural and intellectual history. Rougemont was influenced by the philosopher Henri Bergson and his work focused on the relationship between culture, democracy, and society. His most famous book, "Love in the Western World," explores the history of romantic love in Western culture. Rougemont was also a prominent advocate for European unity and served as the founder and president of the European League for Economic Cooperation. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Erasmus Prize in 1978.
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Jean Piccard
Jean Piccard (January 28, 1884 Basel-January 28, 1963 Minneapolis) was a Swiss chemist.
In addition to being a chemist, Jean Piccard was also a celebrated high-altitude balloonist, physicist, and explorer. He made significant contributions to the fields of atmospheric science and aviation, and was widely recognized for his expertise in exploring the stratosphere. Along with his twin brother Auguste, Jean Piccard conducted several pioneering balloon flights, including the first ascent of the stratosphere in 1931. He also developed important inventions, such as the pressurized cabin for high-altitude flights and the plastic balloon. In recognition of his achievements, Piccard was awarded the Hubbard Medal, the highest honor of the National Geographic Society. He later served as a consultant for the US Air Force during World War II, working on various projects including the Manhattan Project. Despite his many accomplishments, Jean Piccard remained humble and dedicated throughout his life, and is remembered as one of the greatest explorers and scientists of the 20th century.
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Jost Bürgi
Jost Bürgi (February 28, 1552 Lichtensteig-January 31, 1632 Kassel) also known as Joost Burgi was a Swiss mathematician and clockmaker.
His work in mathematics included contributions to logarithmic and trigonometric tables, as well as the development of a formula for numerical calculation of π that would be used for centuries. Bürgi's clockmaking innovations included the creation of the first portable timepiece with minute hand in 1577, and the invention of the cross-beat escapement. He worked for many notable figures of his time, including Swiss astronomer Johannes Kepler and the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, for whom he designed a planetary clock. Despite his significant contributions to science and technology, Bürgi's name remains relatively unknown outside of the scientific community.
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Willy Schärer
Willy Schärer (September 20, 1903 Bern-November 20, 1982 Bern) a.k.a. Willy Scharer was a Swiss personality.
He was a successful businessman and entrepreneur who founded and owned several companies, including a well-known chocolate manufacturing company. Schärer was also involved in politics and served in various local and national governmental roles. He was a member of the Swiss Federal Parliament from 1951 to 1963 and served as Bern’s mayor from 1969 to 1978. In addition, Schärer was recognized for his philanthropic efforts and donated generously to various charities and organizations throughout his life. He was admired for his kind nature, strong work ethic, and dedication to his community.
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Heinrich Rohrer
Heinrich Rohrer (June 6, 1933 Buchs-May 16, 2013 Wollerau) was a Swiss physicist.
Heinrich Rohrer is best known for his groundbreaking work in nanotechnology which led to the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) along with Gerd Binnig in 1981, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986. Before his momentous discovery, Rohrer obtained his PhD in physics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) in 1960 and went on to work at various leading research institutions including IBM Research Division in Switzerland and the United States. In addition to his work in nanotechnology, Rohrer also conducted research in various areas of physics including superconductivity, thin films, and surface physics. Rohrer's legacy continues to inspire research in the field of nanotechnology and his contributions have had a profound impact on the scientific community.
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Edmund Landolt
Edmund Landolt (May 17, 1846 Switzerland-May 9, 1926 Paris) also known as E. Landolt was a Swiss ophthalmology.
He is best known for his work in the field of vision testing and the development of the Landolt C chart, a chart used to measure visual acuity. Landolt was also instrumental in founding the first school for optometry in Switzerland, known as the Ecole d'Optique, and in establishing optometry as a recognized medical profession. He published several key works on optics and ophthalmology, including "Handbook of Examination of the Eye" and "Contributions to the Study of Vision." In recognition of his contributions to the field, Landolt was awarded numerous honors and awards throughout his lifetime, including the Legion of Honor and the Helmholtz Medal.
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Amé Pictet
Amé Pictet (July 12, 1857 Geneva-March 11, 1937 Geneva) was a Swiss chemist.
Amé Pictet was born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1857. He was a brilliant student and showed an early interest in chemistry. After completing his studies, he worked as a professor of chemistry at the University of Geneva. During his career, Pictet made significant contributions to organic chemistry, including the discovery of the Pictet-Spengler reaction, a chemical reaction used to synthesize certain organic compounds.
Pictet was also an inventor and developed a method for producing liquid air, which is used today in industrial and medical applications. He was a founding member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and served as its president from 1922 to 1923.
In addition to his scientific work, Pictet was a philanthropist and supported many charitable causes in his hometown of Geneva. He passed away in Geneva in 1937, leaving behind a legacy as one of Switzerland's most accomplished chemists.
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Edwin Klebs
Edwin Klebs (February 6, 1834 Königsberg-October 23, 1913 Bern) was a Swiss pathologist. He had one child, Arnold Klebs.
Klebs was a pioneer in the field of bacteriology and is best known for his research on the bacterial cause of tuberculosis. He discovered the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is responsible for the disease. Klebs also made significant contributions to the study of diphtheria and pneumonia. In addition to his work as a researcher, he was also a respected physician and educator. Klebs taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of Bern, where he spent the last years of his life. He published many papers and books on pathology, bacteriology, and other medical topics. Today, Klebs is remembered as a key figure in the development of microbiology and the understanding of infectious diseases.
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Adolphe Reymond
Adolphe Reymond (September 4, 1896-March 7, 1976) was a Swiss personality.
He was born in the small village of Leytron in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland. Reymond was a highly respected journalist and writer who gained prominence as the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular Swiss daily newspaper "Le Nouvelliste".
In addition to his journalistic work, Reymond was also an accomplished author who wrote several books, including "Les guerriers pacifiques" and "Un paysan de Suisse". He was also deeply involved in politics and was elected to the Swiss National Council in 1947, where he served until 1967.
Reymond was known for his strong beliefs in democracy, freedom, and human rights. He was a vocal critic of totalitarian regimes, including Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, and used his writing to raise awareness of the dangers of these ideologies.
Despite his success and accomplishments, Reymond remained humble and grounded throughout his life. He continued to live in his hometown of Leytron and remained actively involved in local politics and community events. His legacy as a writer, journalist, and political figure continues to be celebrated in Switzerland today, and he is remembered as a champion of freedom and democracy.
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Adolf Dietrich
Adolf Dietrich (November 9, 1877 Berlingen-June 4, 1957 Berlingen) was a Swiss artist and visual artist.
Dietrich was a self-taught painter who focused on the landscapes and still-life subjects of his native Biederthal region. His work was deeply rooted in the tradition of naive art and he often used bright colors and bold outlines in his paintings. Though he did not gain widespread recognition during his lifetime, he became an important figure in Swiss art history after his death. In 1950, he was awarded the Kunstpreis der Stadt Basel and in 1952, he was the subject of a retrospective at the Kunstmuseum Basel. Dietrich's work is now held in numerous public collections, including the Museum im Lagerhaus in St. Gallen and the Museum für Kunst und Geschichte in Fribourg.
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Fritz Hünenberger
Fritz Hünenberger (March 14, 1897-August 30, 1976) was a Swiss personality.
He was an accomplished athlete, having competed in both the 1924 and 1928 Winter Olympics as a bobsledder and winning a silver medal in 1928. Hünenberger was also a successful businessman, serving as the CEO of several major Swiss companies. In addition to his athletic and business achievements, he was involved in the Swiss political world, serving as a member of parliament for the Free Democratic Party. Hünenberger was a well-respected and well-known figure in Swiss society and remains a celebrated athlete in Swiss Olympic history.
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Jacob Burckhardt
Jacob Burckhardt (May 25, 1818 Basel-August 8, 1897 Basel) was a Swiss historian.
He is known for his work on the Italian Renaissance and his famous book, "The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy." Burckhardt's research and ideas about the Renaissance period have greatly influenced the field of art history and other related disciplines. He was also a professor of history at the University of Basel, where he taught numerous students who would later become influential in their own fields. Burckhardt's writings were known for their insightful analysis and his ability to place events within their social and cultural context. His works continue to be widely read and studied today.
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Édouard Dapples
Édouard Dapples (December 12, 1807 Lausanne-April 30, 1887 Nice) was a Swiss politician.
He began his political career in 1841 when he was elected to the Council of State of the Canton of Vaud. He served as a member of the Federal Assembly from 1851 to 1863 and again from 1866 to 1872. During his time in the Assembly, he was a member of the Liberal Party and played a key role in the passage of the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1874.
In addition to his political career, Dapples was also a successful businessman. He was the founder of the Swiss National Bank and served as its first director from 1851 to 1856. He also owned a hotel in Vevey, which he ran with his wife.
Dapples was widely respected for his integrity and his contributions to Swiss politics and business. After his death in 1887, he was buried in the cemetery of Vevey, where he lived for many years.
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Eduard Spelterini
Eduard Spelterini (June 2, 1852 Switzerland-June 16, 1931 Vöcklabruck) was a Swiss personality.
He was a pioneer of ballooning and was known for his daring feats in the air. Spelterini was not only a balloonist but also a professional photographer who captured stunning aerial views of Alpines and other landscapes. He was the first man to cross the Swiss Alps in a balloon, which he achieved in 1909. Spelterini set several altitude records and was awarded many accolades for his achievements in ballooning. He continued to fly and take photographs well into his 70s and became a respected figure in the world of aviation. Spelterini's legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the bravest and most skilled balloonists of his time.
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Ernst Stueckelberg
Ernst Stueckelberg (February 1, 1905 Basel-September 4, 1984 Geneva) was a Swiss physicist.
He made notable contributions to the development of quantum mechanics and particle physics. Stueckelberg was awarded his PhD in 1929 from the University of Basel under the supervision of Peter Debye. He then worked as an assistant at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, where he met Wolfgang Pauli and collaborated with him on a number of research projects. Stueckelberg's contributions to theoretical physics included the development of the S-matrix theory, which describes the probability amplitude of scattering processes in particle physics. He was also involved in the development of the renormalization group method, which is used to calculate the behavior of quantum field theories at different length scales. In addition to his work in physics, Stueckelberg was a mountaineer and an accomplished pianist.
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Frédéric Studer
Frédéric Studer (May 26, 1926 Muralto-October 22, 2005 Lausanne) was a Swiss personality.
He was a renowned artist, sculptor, and painter. Frédéric Studer started his art studies at École des Beaux-Arts in Geneva, Switzerland. After completing his studies, he worked for several years as a graphic designer, before focusing on his career as a painter and sculptor.
Studer created a diverse range of artwork during his lifetime, including bronze sculptures, oil paintings, and drawings. He was particularly known for his large-scale sculptures that are displayed in public spaces in Switzerland, France, Italy, and the United States. His art was characterized by a unique style that blended elements of classical art with modern abstraction.
In addition to his artistic career, Frédéric Studer was also a dedicated educator. He taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Geneva for many years, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of artists. He was also a member of numerous art associations and juries, and his work was exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.
Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Frédéric Studer remained humble and dedicated to his art until his passing in 2005. He is remembered as a true master of his craft, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of artists today.
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Georges-Louis Le Sage
Georges-Louis Le Sage (June 13, 1724 Geneva-November 9, 1803 Geneva) was a Swiss physicist.
He is best known for his theory of gravitation, which he proposed in 1783. According to Le Sage's theory, tiny particles of matter constantly bombard all objects from every direction, which creates a push or radiation pressure that causes attraction between the objects.
Le Sage also made contributions to the fields of optics and electricity. He formulated a theory of the nature of light, postulating that it consisted of minute particles emitted by a luminous body. He also conducted experiments on electrical conductivity, discovering that certain substances could conduct electricity when moistened with a special liquid.
In addition to his scientific work, Le Sage also served as a diplomat and government advisor for the city of Geneva. He wrote extensively on social and political issues, including advocating for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of women's rights.
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Hugo Loetscher
Hugo Loetscher (December 22, 1929 Zürich-August 18, 2009 Zürich) was a Swiss novelist.
Hugo Loetscher received a PhD in Germanic languages and literature from the University of Zurich and worked as a journalist, broadcasting author, and literary critic. His literary works were often characterized by a search for meaning and identity in a changing world, and he was known for his skillful use of language and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. In addition to his novels, Loetscher also wrote essays and travelogues. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Swiss Schiller Prize and the Swiss Grand Prix Literatur.
He died in surgery.
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Johann Balthasar Bullinger
Johann Balthasar Bullinger (November 30, 1713 Langnau am Albis-March 31, 1793 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.
He was a theologian and a prolific writer in his time. Bullinger was widely known for his contributions to Reformation thinking and his role as a prominent member of the Swiss Reformed Church. He studied theology in Zurich and later became a pastor in the city. Bullinger's most notable work was his monumental multi-volume study of the Church Fathers, titled "Decades Theologicae", which was published between 1748 and 52. In addition to his theological work, Bullinger also served as a diplomat for the city-state of Zurich, representing his home region in various negotiations with neighboring territories. He is remembered as an influential figure in the history of Swiss theology for his unwavering commitment to Protestant theology and his significant contributions to the development of Reformation thought.
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John Knittel
John Knittel (March 24, 1891 Dharwad-April 26, 1970 Maienfeld) a.k.a. John Herman Emanuel Knittel or Hermann Emanuel Knittel was a Swiss writer. His children are called Doreen Knittel, Margaret Knittel and Robert Knittel.
John Knittel was born in Dharwad, India, to Swiss parents. He spent his formative years in India before moving to Switzerland to study. He worked as a teacher and later as a freelance writer, producing novels, short stories, and plays. Knittel's work often focused on the experiences of people facing social and political upheaval.
One of his most well-known works is the novel "Via Mala," which was later adapted into a film. The novel tells the story of a family living in a Swiss mountain village and depicts their struggles with love, power, and morality.
In addition to his writing, Knittel was also a passionate advocate for peace and disarmament. He was awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade in 1951.
Knittel's legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and readers around the world. His works have been translated into many languages and remain widely read and celebrated.
He died caused by natural causes.
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John Louis Nuelsen
John Louis Nuelsen (January 19, 1867 Zürich-June 26, 1946 Cincinnati) was a Swiss historian and writer.
He immigrated to the United States in 1887 and settled in Cincinnati, where he began working as a journalist for local newspapers. Nuelsen was also an advocate for social reform, and his writings often focused on issues such as workers' rights and improved living conditions for immigrants.
In addition to his journalistic work, Nuelsen published several books on Swiss and American history, including "The Swiss in the United States" and "The Story of the Germans in America." He was also a founding member of the Swiss-American Historical Society, which was established in 1927.
Later in life, Nuelsen became involved in politics and was elected to the Cincinnati Board of Education in 1935. He continued to write and speak on social issues until his death in 1946. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in both Swiss and American history.
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Louis Appia
Louis Appia (October 13, 1818 Frankfurt-May 1, 1898 Geneva) was a Swiss personality.
He was a co-founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) along with Henry Dunant. Appia was a trained soldier and a talented field surgeon who was passionate about providing aid and medical assistance to the wounded in times of conflict. He played a crucial role in establishing the first Geneva Convention in 1864 which aimed to limit the suffering of wounded soldiers during wartime.
Throughout his career in the ICRC, Appia traveled extensively to various war zones across the globe, including the American Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War, and the Russo-Turkish War, where he worked tirelessly to provide medical care and aid to thousands of sick and wounded soldiers.
Appia was also an accomplished artist and photographer. He documented his experiences in the war-torn regions he visited through sketches and photographs, and his works are now considered an important historical record of the early days of humanitarian aid.
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Maria Schell
Maria Schell (January 15, 1926 Vienna-April 26, 2005 Preitenegg) also known as Maria Margarethe Anna Schell, Margarete Schell, Gritli Schell, Seelchen or Little soul was a Swiss actor. She had two children, Oliver Schell and Marie-Theres Relin.
Maria Schell began her career in the late 1940s in German films and gained international recognition for her role in the movie "The Last Bridge" (1954). She also received critical acclaim for her performance in the film "Gervaise" (1956), for which she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Schell continued to act in films and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often collaborating with her brother, director Maximilian Schell. In addition to her acting work, she was also an activist for animal rights and supported various charitable causes. Schell was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1992 for her contributions to German film and culture.
She died as a result of pneumonia.
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Paul Scherrer
Paul Scherrer (February 3, 1890 St. Gallen-September 25, 1969 Zürich) was a Swiss physicist.
He studied at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich and completed his doctoral dissertation in 1913. Scherrer's research career began at the University of Göttingen, where he worked with Max Born and James Franck, two future Nobel laureates in physics. Scherrer later served as a professor at ETH and became the Director of the Zurich Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics in 1939.
During World War II, Scherrer worked on developing a neutron source for the Swiss Army. In the postwar years, he became involved in the construction of Switzerland's first nuclear reactor, which was completed in 1960. Scherrer was also a co-founder of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and served on its first scientific council. In 1961, he was awarded the Max Planck Medal for his contributions to theoretical physics. Today, the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland is named in his honor and is one of the leading research institutions in the world for materials science and energy research.
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Paul Zweifel
Paul Zweifel (June 30, 1848 Höngg-August 13, 1927 Leipzig) was a Swiss personality.
He was a famous glass artist and designer, known for his intricate and beautiful works of art made from glass. Zweifel founded his own glass workshop in Switzerland in 1875 and became the leading figure in the Swiss glass industry. He was honored with numerous awards and accolades for his work throughout his career, including a grand prize at the Paris World’s Fair in 1900. In addition to his glass art, Zweifel was also an accomplished musician and composer, and was known for his philanthropic work supporting the arts and culture in Switzerland. His legacy continues to live on through his impressive body of work, which can be found in museums and private collections around the world.
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Sigfried Giedion
Sigfried Giedion (April 14, 1888 Prague-April 10, 1968 Zürich) a.k.a. Sigfried Gideon or S. Giedion was a Swiss architect.
In addition to being an architect, Sigfried Giedion was also a historian and critic of architecture. He is particularly known for his seminal work "Space, Time and Architecture: The Growth of a New Tradition" which was published in 1941 and has remained an influential text in architectural theory. Giedion was a key figure in the International Congress of Modern Architecture and helped to popularize the Bauhaus movement. He also taught at various institutions including the Harvard Graduate School of Design and ETH Zurich. Giedion’s approach to architecture was interdisciplinary, integrating ideas from the fields of art, science, and philosophy.
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