Austrian musicians died at 80
Here are 21 famous musicians from Austria died at 80:
Walter Slezak
Walter Slezak (May 3, 1902 Vienna-April 21, 1983 Flower Hill) also known as Walt Slezak was an Austrian actor. He had three children, Leo Slezak, Erika Slezak and Ingrid Slezak.
Walter Slezak began his acting career in the 1920s in Austria, where he performed on both stage and screen. In the 1930s, he moved to Germany and appeared in several popular films, including "The Three Musketeers" and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin."
Following the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Slezak fled to the United States in 1938. There, he continued his career as an actor and appeared in numerous Hollywood films, including "Lifeboat" (1944) and "The Inspector General" (1949). He also made appearances on television shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Love Boat."
Outside of his acting career, Slezak was known for his love of sailing and was an accomplished sailor. He also had a keen interest in literature and was an avid reader.
Slezak's daughter, Erika Slezak, followed in his footsteps and became a successful actress, best known for her role on the daytime soap opera "One Life to Live."
In addition to his impressive acting career, Walter Slezak was also a multilingual speaker, fluent in German, English, and French. He often performed in productions in all three languages throughout his career, and his linguistic abilities contributed to his popularity among international audiences. Despite his success in Hollywood, Slezak maintained strong ties to his Austrian roots and often returned to perform in Austria throughout his career. In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Slezak was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Sadly, Slezak struggled with depression and ultimately died by suicide in 1983 at the age of 80. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the worlds of film, television, and theater.
He died in suicide.
Read more about Walter Slezak on Wikipedia »
Otto Preminger
Otto Preminger (December 5, 1905 Vyzhnytsia-April 23, 1986 New York City) also known as Otto Ludwig Preminger or Otto the Ogre was an Austrian film director, actor, film producer and theatre director. He had three children, Erik Lee Preminger, Victoria Preminger and Mark Preminger.
Preminger started his career in theatre, working as an actor and director in Vienna before moving to the US in the 1930s. He quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood, directing and producing several highly acclaimed films such as "Laura" (1944), "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959) and "Exodus" (1960). He was known for his progressive and controversial films which tackled topics such as drug addiction, sexual morality and political corruption. Preminger also had a reputation for being difficult to work with and earned the nickname "Otto the Ogre" for his tough and uncompromising style on set. In addition to his work in film, Preminger also directed plays on Broadway and served as President of the Screen Directors Guild.
During his career, Otto Preminger earned a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, with several of his films also receiving critical acclaim at the Cannes and Venice film festivals. He was known for his mastery of the "film noir" genre, often focusing on flawed and complex characters and using innovative camera techniques to create tension and atmosphere. In addition to his film work, Preminger was also an advocate for civil rights and was one of the first Hollywood directors to cast African American actors in major roles. He was also a staunch defender of free speech in the film industry, famously challenging the Hollywood Production Code's restrictions on controversial content. Otto Preminger's legacy as a pioneering and influential filmmaker continues to be celebrated today.
He died caused by alzheimer's disease.
Read more about Otto Preminger on Wikipedia »
Ernst Hinterberger
Ernst Hinterberger (October 17, 1931 Vienna-May 14, 2012 Vienna) was an Austrian writer.
He was known for his works in the science fiction genre and is often considered as one of the significant names in Austrian science fiction. Hinterberger graduated from the Vienna University of Economics in 1958 and worked as a journalist for various newspapers, including Die Presse and Kurier. In his literary career, he published novels, short stories, novellas, and radio plays. Hinterberger's notable works include "Expedition nach Atlantis," "Die letzte Kolonie" and "Der Tag an dem die Galaxis erlosch." He was also awarded the Anton Wildgans Prize in 1967 for his contributions to Austrian literature.
Hinterberger was a pioneer in introducing the science fiction genre to the Austrian literary scene. His writing style was distinctively imaginative, and he was known for his captivating plotlines and vivid descriptions. In addition to his work as a writer, he was also an active member of the Austrian science fiction community, participating in conferences and contributing to several sci-fi journals.
One of Hinterberger's most popular works was "Expedition nach Atlantis" ("Expedition to Atlantis"), which was published in 1960. The novel explored the notion of discovering an ancient civilization beneath the oceans and the ethical dilemmas that arise from such a discovery. Another notable work was "Der Tag an dem die Galaxis erlosch" ("The Day the Galaxy Went Dark"), a post-apocalyptic novel that painted a picture of a world in ruins.
Hinterberger remained active in the Austrian literary scene until his death in 2012. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in the development of science fiction in Austria and a writer who helped to push the boundaries of Austrian literature.
Read more about Ernst Hinterberger on Wikipedia »
Karl von Terzaghi
Karl von Terzaghi (October 2, 1883 Prague-October 25, 1963 Winchester) was an Austrian scientist, civil engineer and engineer.
He is widely considered the father of soil mechanics and rock mechanics, having made significant contributions in both fields. Terzaghi's work focused on understanding the behavior of soil and rock under different conditions, and he developed theories and methods to describe and predict this behavior. He is credited with pioneering the concept of effective stress, which describes the stress transmitted through a solid skeleton of particles in soil or rock. Terzaghi also developed the theory of consolidation, which describes the process of soil settling under applied loads. He authored several influential books, including "Erdbaumechanik auf bodenphysikalischer grundlage" and "Theoretical Soil Mechanics". Throughout his career, Terzaghi worked on numerous engineering projects around the world, including dams, highways, and airport runways. He was a highly respected teacher and mentor, and many of his students went on to make significant contributions to the field. In recognition of his pioneering work, Terzaghi was awarded numerous honors and awards, including the National Medal of Science in 1962.
Terzaghi received his education in civil engineering from the Vienna University of Technology, where he later became a professor. He also taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Terzaghi was a founding member of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering and served as its first president. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Society of Civil Engineers, among many other professional organizations. Terzaghi's legacy is felt today in geotechnical engineering, where he is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in the field. The Karl Terzaghi Award, established in 1960 by the American Society of Civil Engineers, recognizes outstanding contributions to soil mechanics and/or rock mechanics.
Read more about Karl von Terzaghi on Wikipedia »
Marcus Schmuck
Marcus Schmuck (April 18, 1925 Austria-August 21, 2005 Salzburg) was an Austrian mountaineer.
He is best known for being part of the first ascent of Broad Peak in the Himalayas, which he achieved alongside Fritz Wintersteller, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl in 1957. Schmuck was also part of the successful Austrian Annapurna expedition in 1950, during which two members of the team, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, summited the mountain.
Aside from his mountaineering achievements, Schmuck was also an accomplished photographer and writer. He documented many of his expeditions in writing and photographs, including a book about his experience on the first ascent of Broad Peak. Schmuck was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art in 1974, and in 1984 he became the first Austrian to receive the Piolet d'Or, the highest international mountaineering award.
Schmuck's passion for mountaineering started at a young age when he joined the Austrian Alpine Club. He soon began making solo climbs and became known for his daring and innovative techniques. In addition to his successful climbs, Schmuck also experienced tragedies in the mountains. In 1954, during a solo ascent of Fitz Roy in Patagonia, his climbing partner fell to his death.
Following his mountaineering career, Schmuck became a mountain guide and led expeditions to the Himalayas, Alaska, and South America. He also worked as a photographer and filmmaker, producing documentaries about mountaineering.
Schmuck's legacy in the mountaineering community is significant. He was known for his bold and creative approach to climbing and inspired many of his peers. His contributions to the sport, both as a climber and as a writer, continue to live on today.
Read more about Marcus Schmuck on Wikipedia »
Peter R. Hofstätter
Peter R. Hofstätter (October 20, 1913 Vienna-June 13, 1994 Buxtehude) also known as Peter R. Hofstatter was an Austrian psychologist.
He received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Vienna in 1937 and later worked as a researcher and lecturer at the university. Hofstätter fled to the United States during World War II and worked at several universities in America, including Harvard, before returning to Austria in 1957.
He is best known for his research on perception, particularly in the area of visual illusions. He co-authored the book "The Psychology of Seeing" with his colleague Michael Wertheimer, which is still widely used in psychology courses today. Hofstätter also made significant contributions to the understanding of attention and cognitive processes.
In addition to his research, Hofstätter was also a trained psychoanalyst and worked as a therapist throughout his career. He was a recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award and was named an Honorary Member of the American Psychological Association.
Hofstätter's research on visual perception and illusions had a significant impact on the field of psychology, and his work is still referenced by modern researchers today. He was one of the first psychologists to use computer-generated images to study perception, which opened up new avenues of research in the field. Hofstätter's contributions to the understanding of cognitive processes led to the development of new theories, such as the idea of cognitive load, which posits that there is a limit to the amount of information that the brain can process at once. Hofstätter was also a prolific writer, publishing over 150 articles in highly regarded psychology journals throughout his career. He was known for his rigorous research methods and his attention to detail, which made him highly respected within the field of psychology. After his retirement from the University of Vienna, Hofstätter continued to write and conduct research until his death in 1994.
Read more about Peter R. Hofstätter on Wikipedia »
Bernhard Wicki
Bernhard Wicki (October 28, 1919 Sankt Pölten-January 3, 2000 Munich) also known as Bernard Wicki or Bernard Wicky was an Austrian film director, actor, screenwriter, photographer, television director and voice actor.
Wicki began his career as an actor, appearing in over 60 films in Europe and the United States. He is best known for his directorial work, which often tackled sensitive political and social issues. In 1959, he directed the award-winning film "The Bridge," which depicted the last days of a group of German teenagers during World War II. He also directed the 1961 film "The Longest Day," a landmark war film that chronicled the D-Day invasion of Normandy. In addition to his film work, Wicki was also an accomplished photographer and published several books of his works. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1977. Wicki was also noted for his humanitarian work, including his involvement with the Children's Aid organization, which provided aid to war-torn regions in the Middle East.
Wicki was born in Sankt Pölten, Austria, and grew up in Innsbruck. During World War II, he served in the German army and was a prisoner of war in Italy before being released in 1945. He then began his acting career in the theater and quickly transitioned to film. He appeared in films such as "The Miracle of Bern" and "The Longest Day," which he also directed.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Wicki was passionate about humanitarian causes. He founded the charity organization Artists for Peace and served as the president of the International Film and Television Council. Wicki was also a respected environmentalist and was known for promoting sustainable lifestyles long before it became a mainstream issue.
Wicki was married twice and had five children. He continued directing films and serving charitable causes until his death in 2000. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential filmmakers of his time, whose work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
He died in heart failure.
Read more about Bernhard Wicki on Wikipedia »
Wilhelm Gericke
Wilhelm Gericke (May 18, 1845 Schwanberg-October 27, 1925 Vienna) was an Austrian conductor.
He studied at the Vienna Conservatory and went on to conduct at various opera houses, including the Königliche Hofoper in Berlin and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He also served as the conductor of the Vienna State Opera from 1875 to 1880, and again from 1895 to 1900. Gericke was known for his interpretations of Wagner and Mozart, and was considered one of the leading conductors of his time. In addition to his work as a conductor, he was also a composer and wrote several operas and other works.
After his tenure as conductor of the Vienna State Opera, Gericke served as the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1884 to 1889. During his time in Boston, he was instrumental in raising the standard of orchestral performance in the United States. He also conducted the first American performance of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde". Gericke was highly regarded as an educator, and he served as the director of the Vienna Conservatory from 1900 until his retirement in 1912. He was also a respected writer and published several books on music theory and performance. Wilhelm Gericke is remembered as a pioneering conductor who helped to shape the field of orchestral music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Read more about Wilhelm Gericke on Wikipedia »
Balthasar Permoser
Balthasar Permoser (August 13, 1651 Traunstein-February 20, 1732 Dresden) was an Austrian personality.
He was a sculptor during the Baroque period and is considered one of the leading artists in the Austrian and German regions during the 17th and 18th centuries. Permoser started his career in Austria, working as an assistant to master sculptor Giovanni Giuliani, and eventually moved to Dresden, where he worked for the Saxon court.
Permoser was known for his striking sculptures and his ability to capture lifelike expressions in his subjects. Some of his most famous works include a statue of Neptune and a series of busts of the kings of the House of Wettin. Over the course of his career, Permoser produced a large number of religious sculptures, including many for the Zwinger Palace in Dresden.
In addition to his sculptural work, Permoser was also tasked with designing various decorative elements for the city of Dresden, including fountains and gates. He was highly regarded in his time, and his influence on the Baroque style can still be seen in many buildings and works of art throughout Austria and Germany.
Permoser's talent was recognized at a young age, and he was sent to Venice to study under the renowned sculptor Antonio Visentini. During his time in Venice, Permoser was exposed to the works of famous artists such as Bernini and Pietro da Cortona, which greatly influenced his style. He returned to Austria in the late 1670s and began working for various churches and palaces, including the Salzburg Cathedral.
In 1689, Permoser was invited by Augustus the Strong, the Elector of Saxony, to move to Dresden and work for the royal court. He spent much of his career producing sculptures for the Zwinger Palace, the royal gardens, and the Dresden Cathedral. One of his most famous works is the sculpture of Elector Augustus on horseback, which still stands at the entrance to the Zwinger Palace.
Permoser's legacy lives on through his many disciples, who continued to work in the Baroque style long after his death. He is also remembered for his influence on the development of the Rococo style, which emerged in the mid-18th century as a reaction to the ornate, grandiose style of the Baroque. Today, many of Permoser's sculptures can be seen in museums throughout Europe, including the Dresden State Art Collections and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Read more about Balthasar Permoser on Wikipedia »
Andreas Okopenko
Andreas Okopenko (March 15, 1930 Košice-June 27, 2010 Vienna) was an Austrian writer.
He was known for his experimental writing style and his works often challenged traditional literary forms. Okopenko's literary career began in the 1950s, and he went on to publish numerous novels, short stories, and essays during his lifetime.
One of his most famous works is the novel "Doch" (1970), which is a surreal and fragmented exploration of the human psyche. Another notable work is "Die Schülerausgabe" (1990), a satire on the education system in Europe. Okopenko also wrote extensively on art, and was known for his essays on artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso.
In addition to his writing, Okopenko was also an accomplished artist and filmmaker. He produced a number of experimental films during the 1960s and 1970s, and his paintings and collages have been exhibited in galleries throughout Europe.
Despite his prolific output and artistic achievements, Okopenko remained relatively unknown outside of Austria. However, his work continues to be studied and appreciated by literary scholars and art historians today.
Later in his career, Okopenko became increasingly interested in the intersection between literature and science, and his writing began to reflect his fascination with physics, chemistry, and biology. He wrote several works in this vein, including "Das Gestaltproblem" (1984), a book on perception and form, and "Der Majorant von C." (2002), a collection of essays on chaos theory and complexity. In addition to his literary and artistic pursuits, Okopenko was also a devoted teacher, and he spent many years teaching courses on literature and art history at the University of Vienna. He was a beloved mentor to many students, and his passion for his subjects inspired generations of young scholars. Okopenko died in Vienna in 2010 at the age of 80, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature, art, and intellectual curiosity.
Read more about Andreas Okopenko on Wikipedia »
Joseph von Quarin
Joseph von Quarin (November 19, 1733 Vienna-March 19, 1814 Vienna) was an Austrian physician.
He studied in Vienna and Paris before beginning his career as a practicing physician. Quarin became known for his expertise in diseases of the heart and lungs, and he was particularly interested in the relationship between mental and physical health.
In addition to his work as a physician, Quarin was a respected professor of medicine, and he held positions at several prestigious institutions throughout his career. He also wrote extensively on medical topics, publishing numerous articles and books, including "Observations on Mental Derangements," which examined the causes and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
In recognition of his contributions to the field of medicine, Quarin was awarded several honors during his lifetime, including the Order of Leopold and the Order of the Iron Crown. Today, he is remembered as one of the pioneers of modern medical science in Austria.
Quarin's contributions to the field of medicine went beyond just the study of diseases. He was also interested in preventative medicine and hygiene, and he developed a number of public health initiatives aimed at improving the health of the general population. One of his notable initiatives included the installation of public water fountains throughout Vienna, which helped improve access to clean drinking water for the city's residents.
Quarin's work was also influential in the establishment of medical education in Austria. He played a key role in the founding of the Vienna Medical Society, which became a leading institution for medical research and education in Europe. Quarin's dedication to the field of medicine inspired many of his students, who went on to become successful physicians and scientists in their own right.
Throughout his career, Quarin remained committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving the health of his patients. His legacy lives on today in the many medical breakthroughs that have followed in the wake of his pioneering work.
Read more about Joseph von Quarin on Wikipedia »
Hans Hollein
Hans Hollein (March 30, 1934 Vienna-April 24, 2014 Vienna) was an Austrian architect.
Hollein is best known for his innovative and provocative architectural designs, which challenged the conventions of modernist architecture. He embraced a wide range of styles and materials, from concrete to glass to neon, and was particularly interested in the way that buildings interacted with their surroundings.
Hollein's most famous buildings include the Haas House in Vienna, the Museum Abteiberg in Mönchengladbach, Germany, and the Museum of Modern Art in Frankfurt, which he designed in collaboration with Richard Meier and Peter Eisenman.
In addition to his work as an architect, Hollein was also a prolific writer and teacher, and was a Professor at the University of Applied Arts Vienna for over 30 years. He authored several books on architecture and design, including "Design Alchemy" and "Everything Architecture."
Hollein's work had a profound influence on the field of architecture, and his legacy continues to be celebrated around the world. He was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1985, and in 2013 he was named an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
Hollein's interest in architecture began at a young age, as his father was also an architect. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and later at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, where he was exposed to the work of influential architects such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Hollein's unconventional approach to architecture drew both criticism and admiration throughout his career, and he was known for challenging established norms and pushing boundaries. He believed that architecture should reflect the diverse and complex nature of modern society, and his designs often incorporated elements of pop culture and technology.
In addition to his famous buildings, Hollein designed a wide range of other projects, including furniture, jewelry, and even a perfume bottle for the fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He also worked on urban planning projects, and his proposals for the redesign of Vienna's historic center sparked a lively public debate.
Hollein's contributions to the field of architecture continue to be recognized and celebrated, and his work serves as an inspiration to many young architects today.
He died in disease.
Read more about Hans Hollein on Wikipedia »
Rupert von Trapp
Rupert von Trapp (November 1, 1911 Pula-February 22, 1992 Stowe) was an Austrian singer. His children are Monique von Trapp, Francoise von Trapp, Stephanie von Trapp and Christopher von Trapp.
Rupert von Trapp was the fourth child of Georg and Maria von Trapp, who were the inspiration behind the famous Hollywood film, The Sound of Music. Growing up, Rupert's love for music was nurtured by his parents, who encouraged him to sing and play various musical instruments. He began his singing career in Austria, where he performed with his siblings in the family's choir.
In 1938, Rupert and his family fled Austria when Nazi Germany annexed the country. They eventually settled in the United States, where they continued to perform and gained international fame. However, Rupert soon left the family's singing group to pursue his own career.
He joined the United States Army during World War II and served as a sergeant in the ski troops. After the war, Rupert settled in Vermont and began a successful career as a dairy farmer. He also continued to perform, singing at local events and occasionally with his sisters.
Rupert married his wife, Henrietta, in 1948, and they had four children together. He passed away in 1992 at age 80, in Stowe, Vermont, where he spent most of his life.
Aside from his dairy farm, Rupert von Trapp was also well-known for his love of skiing. He was an accomplished skier and competed in the 1936 Winter Olympics as part of the Austrian ski team. He also helped to establish the Austrian Ski School in Stowe, which is now known as the Trapp Family Lodge. In addition to his music and sports pursuits, Rupert was a devout Catholic and was known for his humanitarian work in Vermont. He was involved in various charitable organizations, including the local hospice and an organization that helped families in need. Rupert's legacy lives on through his children, who continue to perform and carry on the family's musical tradition.
Read more about Rupert von Trapp on Wikipedia »
Felix Weltsch
Felix Weltsch (October 6, 1884 Prague-November 9, 1964 Jerusalem) was an Austrian writer.
He was a prominent figure in the intellectual world of Prague during the early 20th century. Weltsch was a member of the Prague Circle, a group of Jewish German-speaking intellectuals who debated and discussed literature, philosophy, and cultural politics in the city. He was also a critic, translator, and essayist, and a friend and collaborator of Franz Kafka.
Weltsch became a Zionist in the 1920s and emigrated to Palestine in 1934. He continued to write and publish in Hebrew and German, becoming one of the leading voices in the cultural and intellectual life of the Jewish community in Palestine. Weltsch was also a significant figure in the establishment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and served as the editor of the university's first academic journal, Immanuel, from 1947 until his death in 1964.
Throughout his life, Felix Weltsch made a significant contribution to Jewish and Zionist thought, particularly in the areas of Jewish culture and philosophy. As a writer, he was known for his critical essays and thoughtful analysis of literature and artistic movements. Weltsch was also a respected translator, and his translations brought major works of German literature and philosophy into Hebrew. Among his translations are works by Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Hermann Hesse.
During his time in Palestine, Weltsch continued to be an active participant in the intellectual and cultural life of the Jewish community. He was a founder of the literary magazine "Mahbarot" and was involved in the establishment of the Jewish National and University Library in Jerusalem. Weltsch played a key role in shaping the intellectual discourse of Jewish and Zionist thought during this era.
Aside from his literary and intellectual pursuits, Felix Weltsch was known for his activism on behalf of Jewish causes. He was involved in efforts to rescue Jewish refugees during World War II and worked to promote the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Weltsch's lifelong commitment to Jewish culture and political rights made him an enduring figure in the history of Jewish intellectual life.
Read more about Felix Weltsch on Wikipedia »
Gustav Bergmann
Gustav Bergmann (May 4, 1906 Vienna-April 21, 1987 Iowa City) was an Austrian philosopher.
Bergmann was best known for his work in ontology, the study of the nature of existence. He developed a branch of ontology called "ontological pluralism," which suggests that there are multiple levels of reality that cannot be reduced to one another.
Bergmann fled Austria during World War II and eventually made his way to the United States. He taught at the University of Iowa for over 30 years, where he had a significant impact on the development of American philosophy. Bergmann was also a founding member of the Society for Exact Philosophy and served as its president in 1969.
Aside from his work in philosophy, Bergmann was also an accomplished violinist and played in the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra for many years. He was also an avid hiker and spent much of his free time exploring the natural beauty of Iowa.
Bergmann began his academic career at the University of Vienna, where he studied with some of the leading philosophers of the time, including Moritz Schlick and Rudolf Carnap. He later taught at the University of Iowa, where he was known for his engaging teaching style and his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Bergmann made significant contributions to the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, and logic, and his work has been the subject of much debate and discussion in philosophical circles.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Bergmann was known for his deep love of music and the outdoors. He was an accomplished violinist and often performed in chamber music groups in Iowa City. He was also an avid hiker and spent much of his free time exploring the natural beauty of the Iowa countryside.
Throughout his career, Bergmann received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to philosophy, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Wilbur Cross Medal from Yale University. Today, his work continues to be widely read and discussed, and he is considered one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century.
Read more about Gustav Bergmann on Wikipedia »
Theodor Gomperz
Theodor Gomperz (March 29, 1832 Brno-August 29, 1912 Baden bei Wien) was an Austrian philosopher. He had one child, Heinrich Gomperz.
Theodor Gomperz was born to a large Jewish family in Brno, which was part of the Austrian Empire at the time. He received his education in Vienna and became a professor of classical philology at the University of Vienna. Gomperz was a prolific writer and his research focused on ancient Greek philosophy, literature, and culture. He was particularly interested in the works of Plato and his ideas on ethics and politics. Gomperz's most famous work is his four-volume history of Greek philosophy, which is still widely read and cited today.
In addition to his academic work, Gomperz was active in politics and was a member of the Austrian parliament. He was a strong supporter of liberalism and believed in the importance of individual freedom and universal education. He was also an advocate for women's rights and was involved in the efforts to grant women the right to vote.
Gomperz retired from teaching in 1901 and spent his remaining years in Baden bei Wien, where he continued to write and publish. He was a respected figure in the academic community and his contributions to the study of ancient Greek philosophy are still remembered and celebrated today.
Gomperz's influence on the study of Greek philosophy was not limited to his own work. He founded the Vienna Circle, which was a group of intellectuals who met regularly to discuss philosophy and science. This group was a precursor to the development of the logical empiricism movement and was instrumental in shaping the philosophy of science in the 20th century.
Despite his Jewish heritage, Gomperz converted to Protestantism later in life. He believed that science and reason should be guiding principles in human society and that religion should not interfere with these principles.
In addition to his academic and political contributions, Gomperz was also an avid traveler and collector of art and artifacts. He had a particular interest in Asian art and culture and donated many of his treasures to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
The legacy of Theodor Gomperz is significant and his contributions to the study of philosophy, politics, and culture continue to be studied and discussed to this day.
Read more about Theodor Gomperz on Wikipedia »
Archduke Louis of Austria
Archduke Louis of Austria (December 13, 1784 Florence-December 21, 1864 Vienna) was an Austrian personality.
He was the youngest of fifteen children born to Emperor Leopold II and Marie Louise, Grand Duchess of Tuscany. Louis was educated by private tutors and later went on to serve in the Austrian army. He played an important role in the Napoleonic Wars and was given the rank of field marshal at a young age.
After the wars, Louis became interested in politics and served in various high-ranking positions in the Austrian government. He was known for his liberal views and worked to improve the education system and promote freedom of the press.
In 1815, Louis married Princess Henrietta of Nassau-Weilburg and had two children. He was also an avid art collector and helped to establish the Albertina Museum in Vienna.
Despite his accomplishments, Louis was overshadowed by his older brother, Emperor Franz I, and was never able to ascend to the throne himself. He passed away in 1864 at the age of 80.
However, Louis' legacy lived on through his contributions to the arts and his liberal political views. He was known for his support of the abolition of serfdom and worked towards the emancipation of the Jewish population in Austria. In addition, Louis was interested in architecture and landscape design, and was responsible for the construction of several buildings and parks in Vienna. Furthermore, he was a patron of music and supported Mozart in his early career. Louis' passion for the arts was reflected in his extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, which he bequeathed to the Austrian state upon his death. Today, he is remembered as a progressive and cultured member of the Habsburg dynasty.
Read more about Archduke Louis of Austria on Wikipedia »
Hans Bemmann
Hans Bemmann (April 27, 1922 Groitzsch-April 1, 2003 Bonn) was an Austrian writer.
He is best known for his novel "Stein und Flöte" (Stone and Flute), which was published in 1970 and became a bestseller in Germany. The novel is a coming-of-age story set in a magical world and has been translated into multiple languages.
Bemmann studied German literature and philosophy, and worked as a freelance journalist after World War II. He began his writing career with poetry, and published his first collection of poems in 1952.
Apart from "Stein und Flöte", Bemmann also wrote several other novels, short stories and essays. His works often featured themes of mythology, fantasy, and nature.
Bemmann was recognized with several literary awards during his lifetime, including the Austrian State Prize for Literature in 1973. He is considered one of the most important German language writers of the 20th century.
In addition to his literary career, Bemmann was also a political activist. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany and an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War. He was also involved in the anti-nuclear movement and was one of the founders of the environmentalist organization Friends of the Earth in Germany.
Bemmann's love for nature was reflected in his works, and he actively campaigned for environmental protection. He was a passionate writer, and his works were well-received by readers and critics alike. His novels continue to be read and appreciated by fans around the world.
Bemmann lived for many years in a small town in the Eifel region of Germany, where he drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape. He passed away in Bonn at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of literary excellence and social conscience.
Read more about Hans Bemmann on Wikipedia »
Arthur Schütz
Arthur Schütz (January 25, 1880 Saint Petersburg-February 9, 1960 Vienna) was an Austrian engineer and writer.
He was born to a Russian mother and German father, and spent his early years in Russia before his family moved to Austria. Schütz studied engineering and later worked as an engineer in Vienna, where he also began writing. He became known for his novels, stories, and essays, many of which dealt with the intersection of technology and society. Schütz was particularly interested in the role of machines and automation, and he believed that technology could help improve people's lives. During World War II, he was briefly imprisoned by the Nazis for his political views. After the war, he continued to write and advocate for peace and social justice. Schütz died in Vienna in 1960 at the age of 80.
Despite his success as a writer, Arthur Schütz's engineering career also played a significant role in his life. He worked on various projects, including the construction of the Vienna subway and the rebuilding of the Tyrolean power stations after a major avalanche. He was also a proponent of renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power. In addition to his literary work, Schütz was involved in progressive politics and social movements. He was a member of the Austrian Resistance during World War II and worked with the Austrian People's Party after the war to help rebuild Austria. Schütz's legacy as both a writer and an engineer continues to inspire those interested in understanding the impact of technology on society.
Read more about Arthur Schütz on Wikipedia »
Eduard Zirm
Eduard Zirm (March 18, 1863 Vienna-March 15, 1944) was an Austrian personality.
He was an ophthalmologist who performed the first successful modern corneal transplant in 1905, saving the sight of a 45-year-old man who had been blinded in both eyes by an aggressive bacterial infection. Zirm's pioneering technique involved transplanting a small piece of healthy corneal tissue from a deceased donor into the damaged eye of the patient. The transplant was a stunning success, and Zirm went on to perform numerous other successful corneal transplant surgeries over the course of his career. In addition to his groundbreaking work as a surgeon, Zirm was also a respected medical educator, authoring several influential medical textbooks and serving as the director of a major ophthalmology clinic in his native Vienna.
Zirm was born into a working-class family in Vienna and began his professional career as an apprentice in a pharmacy. However, he soon realized his passion for medicine and enrolled in medical school at the University of Vienna. After completing his studies, he worked in various hospitals and clinics across Austria before developing an interest in ophthalmology.
Despite facing initial skepticism and ridicule from some of his colleagues, Zirm remained committed to his vision of using corneal transplants to restore vision in individuals suffering from corneal damage or blindness. His groundbreaking work earned him widespread recognition and accolades in the medical community, and his technique is still used today in modern corneal transplant surgeries.
Unfortunately, Zirm's successful and groundbreaking career was cut short by the rise of Nazi Germany. As a Jew living in Austria, he was forced to flee the country after the Nazi invasion in 1938, and he ultimately died in exile in Czechoslovakia in 1944. Although his life was marked by tragedy and persecution, Zirm's contributions to the field of ophthalmology continue to inspire and benefit countless individuals around the world.
Read more about Eduard Zirm on Wikipedia »
Emanuel Löwy
Emanuel Löwy (September 1, 1857 Vienna-February 11, 1938 Vienna) also known as Emanuel Lowy was an Austrian personality.
He was a prominent physician, physiologist and histologist who contributed greatly to medical research in Austria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Löwy specialized in the study of connective tissue and made important discoveries about the structure and function of fibers in the body. He also developed new methods for staining tissue samples that allowed for more detailed examination of cells under a microscope. In addition to his work in medicine, Löwy was a well-known patron of the arts and a collector of rare books and manuscripts. He was actively involved in the cultural life of Vienna and was a close friend of the composer Gustav Mahler. Löwy was forced to flee Austria in 1938 after the Anschluss with Nazi Germany, and he died in exile in Switzerland later that year.
Löwy received his medical degree from the University of Vienna in 1881 and began his career as a physician at the Vienna General Hospital. He later became a professor of histology and embryology at the University of Vienna, where he made groundbreaking contributions to medical research. Löwy's research on connective tissue helped to establish the understanding of its structure and function, laying the groundwork for modern advances in the field.
In addition to his scientific work, Löwy was an avid art collector and bibliophile. He was a friend and patron of many prominent artists and writers of his time, including Egon Schiele and Rainer Maria Rilke. Löwy's personal library included rare manuscripts and early printed books, and his collection was highly regarded by bibliophiles and scholars around the world.
Despite his success as a physician and collector, Löwy's life was marked by tragedy and upheaval. His first wife, Marie Hock, died tragically in 1897, leaving him to raise their two young children alone. Löwy remarried in 1905, but his second wife, Mathilde Klarwein, died in 1935. The rise of Nazi power in Austria led to Löwy's exile in 1938, and he died just a few months later, far from his beloved Vienna. Nonetheless, his contributions to medical research and cultural life live on as a testament to his brilliance and dedication to both science and the arts.
Read more about Emanuel Löwy on Wikipedia »