Here are 13 famous musicians from Czech Republic died at 71:
Wiesław Adam Berger (June 6, 1926 Ostrava-January 15, 1998 Ostrava) was a Czech writer.
He was known for his literary works that reflected the atmosphere of post-war Czechoslovakia. Berger was born to a Polish-Jewish family and he spent his childhood in Ostrava in the Czech Republic. During World War II, he was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp and later to Auschwitz. After the war, he returned to Ostrava and started working as a journalist. He published his first novel, "The Young Man and Death," in 1952. In his novels, he portrayed the experiences of people whose lives were affected by the Communist regime that had taken over Czechoslovakia. Berger received several awards for his literary contributions, including the Czechoslovak State Prize for Literature in 1977.
Berger's literary works were highly critical of the Communist regime, and as a result, he was considered a dissident writer. His novels depicted the political and social changes that occurred in Czechoslovakia during the Communist regime, and explored themes such as censorship, oppression, and totalitarianism. Some of his notable works include, "The Communist Monk," "The Shadow of the Body," and "The Castle in the Air."
In addition to his literary career, Berger was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Czechoslovak Writers' Union and was one of the signatories of the Human Rights Petition in 1977. During the Velvet Revolution in 1989, he participated in the protests against the Communist regime.
Berger's works have been translated into several languages, and his contribution to Czech literature has been widely recognized. After his death, the Wiesław Berger Award was established in his honor, which is given to the authors of the best debut novel in the Czech Republic.
Berger was not only a writer but also a translator who translated the works of various foreign authors into Czech. He translated works of writers such as Franz Kafka, Arthur Miller, and William Faulkner. Additionally, Berger was a teacher at the University of Ostrava and later became the head of the Czech Writers' Fund. He was known for his strong personality and his commitment to defending the freedom of speech and human rights. Despite facing censorship and persecution during the Communist era, Berger returned to writing and continued to produce significant literary works until the end of his life.
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Bertha von Suttner (June 9, 1843 Prague-June 21, 1914 Vienna) was a Czech journalist, novelist and peace activist.
She is best known for her novel "Die Waffen nieder!" (Lay Down Your Arms!), which became an international bestseller and led her to become the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Bertha von Suttner was raised in a noble family and became a governess to different families, which exposed her to the harsh realities of war. She became an active peace activist promoting disarmament and developing relationships with prominent peace advocates such as Alfred Nobel and Andrew Carnegie. She also co-founded the Austrian Peace Society and served as its president for 21 years. Bertha von Suttner's legacy continues to inspire and influence peace movements around the world.
In addition to her work as a novelist and peace activist, Bertha von Suttner was also a prolific journalist. She wrote for various newspapers and publications, including the prestigious Neue Freie Presse in Vienna, where she was the first woman to work as a regular correspondent. Her articles on political and social issues were widely read and respected throughout Europe. She was also a frequent speaker at conferences and events, using her platform to promote the cause of peace.
Bertha von Suttner was a strong advocate for women's rights and suffrage. She believed that women had a unique role to play in the peace movement, and worked tirelessly to encourage more women to become involved in the cause. She was a member of the International Council of Women and helped to organize the first International Women's Congress for Peace in The Hague in 1915, the year after her death.
Despite facing criticism and opposition from some quarters, Bertha von Suttner never wavered in her commitment to peace. She continued to work for disarmament and international cooperation until the end of her life, and her legacy as a pioneering peace activist and feminist continues to inspire new generations of activists and thinkers.
In addition to her many accomplishments, Bertha von Suttner was also a polyglot, fluent in several languages including German, English, French, and Italian. She used her linguistic abilities to travel throughout Europe and promote the cause of peace, often serving as a translator for other activists and speakers at international conferences.
Throughout her life, Bertha von Suttner maintained a close friendship with Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite who established the Nobel Prizes in his will. It is said that her incessant urging of Nobel to use his fortune for peaceful endeavors, rather than for the development of weapons, led to his decision to establish the Nobel Peace Prize. When she was eventually named as the first woman to win the award in 1905, she used the prize money to establish an Austrian Peace Society school for girls.
Bertha von Suttner's impact on the peace movement can still be felt today. Her notion of "no war, no peace" and the idea that peace is not just the absence of war, but a continuous effort towards disarmament and the promotion of understanding still resonate with activists around the world.
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Vincenc Strouhal (April 10, 1850 Seč-January 26, 1922 Prague) was a Czech physicist.
He is best known for his contributions to the study of fluid dynamics, particularly the Strouhal number which describes the relationship between the frequency of vortex shedding and the velocity of a fluid stream. Strouhal's work was instrumental in the development of modern aerodynamics and laid the foundation for the study of a wide range of subjects related to fluid mechanics. He was also a professor at Charles University in Prague and played an important role in the development of physics education and research in Czechoslovakia. In addition to his scientific work, Strouhal was also an accomplished musician and played the organ at the Church of St. Nicholas in Prague.
Strouhal was born in Seč, a small town in eastern Bohemia. His father was a miller and Strouhal spent his early years working in the family mill. Despite this, he showed a strong aptitude for mathematics and physics and eventually went on to study at Charles University in Prague. After completing his studies, Strouhal was appointed to a teaching position at the university and began his research in fluid dynamics.
In 1878, Strouhal observed that when a fluid flows past an object, such as a cylinder or a wing, it can create vortices that shed from the object's surface. He discovered that the frequency of these vortices is proportional to the fluid velocity and to the inverse of the object's size, which became known as the Strouhal number. This work was crucial in understanding the behavior of fluids and led to the development of many key concepts in modern aerodynamics.
Strouhal's work in fluid dynamics was recognized around the world and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field. He was a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the Royal Society in London and the National Academy of Sciences in the United States.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Strouhal was a talented musician, and played the organ at the Church of St. Nicholas in Prague for over 40 years. He also had a deep appreciation for art and was an avid collector of paintings.
Today, Strouhal is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of fluid dynamics and his name is still widely recognized in the field. His contributions continue to shape our understanding of the behavior of fluids and have applications in everything from airplane design to weather forecasting.
Later in his career, Strouhal became interested in acoustics and the study of sound waves. He conducted experiments on the relationship between frequency and the speed of sound, discovering what is now known as Strouhal's law. He also investigated the acoustics of organ pipes and wrote several papers on the subject, combining his love of music with his scientific pursuits.
During his lifetime, Strouhal published over one hundred scientific papers and played a key role in the development of Czech physics. He was a dedicated teacher and mentor, helping to train a generation of physicists who went on to make their own significant contributions to the field. Strouhal passed away in 1922 in Prague, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both science and music.
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Jaromír Weinberger (January 8, 1896 Prague-August 8, 1967 St. Petersburg) also known as Jaromir Weinberger, Weinberger or Weinberger, Jaromír was a Czech personality.
His most important albums: Schwanda (Munich Radio Orchestra & Bavarian Radio Chorus feat. conductor: Heinz Wallberg) and New World Symphony and Other Orchestral Masterworks.
He died in suicide.
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Jan Kaplický (April 18, 1937 Prague-January 14, 2009 Czech Republic) a.k.a. Jan Kaplicky was a Czech architect. He had two children, Johanna Kaplický and Josef Kaplicky.
Kaplický studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and later at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. He co-founded the architectural firm Future Systems in 1979, which gained international recognition for its innovative and futuristic designs. Some of his notable works include the Selfridges department store in Birmingham, England, the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, and the National Library building in the Czech Republic, which was not completed until after his death. Kaplický was also a visiting professor at various universities and received several awards for his contributions to architecture.
Kaplický was known for his unusual designs that blended creativity and technology. His work was inspired by science fiction and organic forms found in nature. His conceptual designs often pushed the limits of what was considered possible in architecture, incorporating materials such as glass, steel, and carbon fiber.
In addition to his architectural work, Kaplický was an author, publishing several books on architecture, design, and urban planning. He was also a co-founder of the Future Systems Forum, a group dedicated to exploring innovative design concepts and their potential impact on society.
Despite his groundbreaking designs, Kaplický's work was not without controversy. Some critics accused him of sacrificing functionality in favor of style, and his designs were often seen as too avant-garde for many traditionalists. Nevertheless, his influence on the field of architecture is widely recognized and his designs continue to inspire and provoke discussion.
Following Kaplický's death, his company Future Systems was dissolved, and many of his designs remained unrealized. However, his legacy continued to influence architecture and design, and his work was celebrated in exhibitions and retrospectives around the world. In 2012, the Design Museum in London held an exhibition titled "Jan Kaplický: The Drawings," showcasing his intricate and imaginative drawings and sketches of buildings and structures. In 2021, the Prague National Gallery held a retrospective exhibition titled "Jan Kaplický: The Future Designer," which explored Kaplický's legacy and influence on contemporary architecture. Kaplický's designs and ideas continue to inspire architects and designers around the world, and his futuristic vision of architecture remains a symbol of innovation and creativity within the field.
He died as a result of heart failure.
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Vilém Flusser (May 12, 1920 Prague-November 27, 1991) also known as Vilem Flusser or Villem Flusser was a Czech philosopher.
Flusser was a prolific writer and a prominent intellectual figure in the 20th century. He fled from the Nazis in 1939 and eventually settled in Brazil where he worked as a journalist, professor, and philosopher. He wrote extensively on topics such as communication theory, media philosophy, and the impact of technology on society. His most well-known work, "Towards a Philosophy of Photography", explores how the invention of photography has altered the nature of human communication and perception. Flusser's work has been influential in shaping contemporary discussions on technology, media, and communication. He remains an important figure in the field of philosophy and his ideas continue to be studied by scholars around the world.
Flusser was born into a family of intellectuals in Prague, Czechoslovakia. From an early age, he was exposed to a diverse range of philosophical and cultural ideas. After fleeing from the Nazis, he settled in São Paulo, Brazil where he taught at the University of São Paulo and became a well-respected member of the intellectual community. In addition to his academic work, Flusser also wrote extensively for newspapers and magazines, providing insightful commentary on politics, culture, and society.
Flusser's philosophical work focuses on the role of communication in human society. He argued that the development of new technologies, such as photography and digital media, has fundamentally changed the way we communicate and understand the world around us. He urged his readers to question the prevailing assumptions about the impact of technology on society and to consider new, more nuanced perspectives.
Today, Flusser is widely regarded as one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. His work has been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire scholars and thinkers around the world. His ideas remain highly relevant in the age of digital media, and his insights into the nature of communication and perception continue to shape contemporary discussions on these topics.
Despite his prolific writing and influence on contemporary philosophy, Flusser's work remains relatively unknown to the general public. However, his ideas have had a significant impact on a wide variety of fields, including photography, media studies, and cultural theory. In addition to "Towards a Philosophy of Photography," some of Flusser's other notable works include "The Shape of Things," "The Freedom of the Migrant," and "The Nomadic Thought." Flusser's legacy continues to be celebrated by academics and intellectuals alike, and his ideas are still being explored and developed in new and innovative ways.
He died as a result of traffic collision.
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Artur London (February 1, 1915 Ostrava-November 8, 1986 Paris) a.k.a. Lise et Artur London was a Czech politician.
Artur London was a Czechoslovak Communist politician and journalist who was best known for his involvement in the Slánský trial, one of the most famous political trials in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. He served as the Minister of Foreign Trade in the Czechoslovak government from 1949 to 1951. After the Slánský trial, where he was one of the accused, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, but was released in 1955. He then moved to France with his wife Lise and started working as a journalist and writer. In 1968, he took part in the Prague Spring and later became a founding member of the Czechoslovak Committee for the Defense of the Unjustly Prosecuted. He also wrote several books, including "The Confession" which describes his experiences during the Slánský trial.
In addition to "The Confession," Artur London wrote several other books including "The Night Visitors: A Study of the Communist Takeover in Czechoslovakia," and "Requiem for a Czech," which chronicled the trials and executions of Czechoslovak patriots during World War II. He also worked as a journalist, writing for publications such as "Le Monde."
Despite being a former Communist politician, Artur London was an advocate for human rights and political freedom. He was critical of the Soviet Union and its influence on Communist governments across Eastern Europe. In his later years, he became an important figure in the Czechoslovak dissident community and continued to speak out against totalitarianism until his death.
Artur London's life and legacy were the subject of the documentary film "Lise et Artur," which was released in 1991. The film was directed by his daughter, Lucie London.
In France, Artur London became an important voice for dissent and was often invited to speak and participate in discussions about human rights and political freedom. He helped to organize protests and rallies against the Soviet Union and supported the democratic movement in Czechoslovakia. His activism led to him becoming a founding member of the French section of Amnesty International. Artur London's dedication to promoting human dignity and freedom did not go unnoticed, and in 1981 he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his contributions to the defense of human rights. He passed away in Paris in 1986 at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of courage and commitment to the principles of democracy and individual freedom.
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Karel Effa (May 23, 1922 Prague-June 11, 1993 Prague) otherwise known as Karel Effenberger or Effa was a Czech actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to appear in over 60 films and TV shows. Effa was particularly known for his work in historical and period films, such as "Markéta Lazarová" (1967) and "Jan Žižka" (1955). He also had success on stage, performing at the National Theatre in Prague and other prominent theaters throughout Czechoslovakia. Despite his success, Effa was known for his humble nature and dedication to his craft. He continued acting until his death in 1993 at the age of 71.
In addition to his career in acting, Karel Effa was also a talented painter and graphic artist. He studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague before turning his focus to acting. Effa's artistic background and attention to detail were evident in his performances on screen and stage. He was a respected member of the Czech acting community and was honored with several awards during his career, including the Thalia Award for his contribution to Czech theater. Effa's legacy continues to be celebrated in the Czech Republic, where he is regarded as one of the country's most talented actors.
Apart from his acting and artistic work, Karel Effa was also a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. He was a strong supporter of the Prague Spring in 1968, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, and he publicly criticized the Soviet intervention that ended it. As a result of his political views, he was banned from acting for a period of time in the 1970s. However, he continued to work behind the scenes and was eventually allowed to return to the stage and screen. Effa's dedication to his art and his principles earned him widespread admiration, and he remains an important figure in the cultural history of Czechoslovakia.
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Přemysl Pražský (July 24, 1893 Nýřany-August 1, 1964 Prague) was a Czech screenwriter, film director and actor.
He was known for his work in the Czech film industry during the early 20th century. Pražský began his career as an actor and later transitioned into directing and writing screenplays. He worked on a number of notable films throughout his career, including "Saturnin" (1941), "Mlhy na Blatech" (1943), and "Krakonoš a lyžníci" (1950). Pražský was also heavily involved in the development of Czech cinema, serving as the president of the Czechoslovak Film Union from 1945 to 1947. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of Czech cinema, and his contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated to this day.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Přemysl Pražský was also a writer and a playwright. He wrote several plays, including "Přijela k nám pouť" (The Fair Came to Our Town) and "Ukřižovaná" (The Crucified). He was also a member of the renowned Prague theater group, Právnický klub, where he became a close friend of the famous playwright and novelist Karel Čapek. Pražský was known for his wit and humor, and his plays often reflected his love of life and his joy in telling stories. After his death in 1964, he was buried in Prague's Vyšehrad Cemetery, where he rests alongside other prominent Czech artists and intellectuals.
Přemysl Pražský's involvement in the film industry extended beyond just directing and writing screenplays. He also appeared as an actor in a number of films throughout his career. One of his most notable roles was in the film "Jánošík" (1921), where he played the character of Krakonoš. In addition to his work in film and theater, Pražský was also a successful writer. He wrote several novels throughout his career, including "Cesta do Madridu" (Journey to Madrid) and "Lásky divoké" (Wild Loves). Pražský was a beloved figure in Czech culture, known for his humor and kindness. After his death, the Czech Republic renamed one of its most prestigious film awards the "Přemysl Pražský Award" in honor of his contributions to the industry.
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Václav Kašlík (September 28, 1917 Moravia-June 4, 1989 Prague) also known as Vaclav Kaslik was a Czech opera conductor, opera composer, film director, television director and screenwriter.
Genres he performed include 20th-century classical music, Ballet, Film score and Opera.
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Eman Fiala (April 15, 1899 Prague-June 24, 1970 Prague) was a Czech actor, film score composer, screenwriter and musician. He had one child, Milena Fialová-Uxová.
Fiala started his acting career in the 1920s and became a popular performer in his native Czechoslovakia. He appeared in approximately 60 films during his career, including the acclaimed 1941 drama "The Outlaw". Fiala also composed music for some of the films he appeared in, and wrote screenplays for several others. In addition to his work in film, Fiala was also a talented musician, playing several instruments including the accordion, piano and trumpet. He was widely respected as an artist in his home country and received a number of awards for his contributions to Czech culture. Despite facing persecution under the Nazi and communist regimes, Fiala continued to work in the arts throughout his life.
Fiala was born in Prague, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He studied music at the Prague Conservatory before beginning his career in the arts. Fiala's talent for acting and music made him a popular entertainer in both film and live performances. He was known for his strong, charismatic presence on screen and his ability to convey a range of emotions in his performances.
During World War II, Fiala's career suffered setbacks due to the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. He worked for a time in a factory, but eventually returned to performing after the war. Fiala continued to work in film and music throughout the post-war period, but faced further challenges after the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1948. Despite this, he remained committed to his craft and continued to create and perform until his death in 1970.
Fiala's legacy as an actor, musician, and writer continues to be celebrated in the Czech Republic today. His contributions to Czech culture are remembered as a testament to his talent and dedication to the arts.
In addition to his work as an actor and musician, Fiala was also known for his involvement in politics. He was a staunch supporter of the Czechoslovakian independence movement and was a member of the Czechoslovakian National Socialist Party. Fiala's political beliefs often brought him into conflict with the authorities, and he was arrested and imprisoned several times throughout his life. Despite this, Fiala never wavered in his commitment to his beliefs and remained an active participant in political and social issues until the end of his life.
Fiala's influence on Czech culture continues to be felt today, with a number of his films and musical compositions being regarded as classics of the country's national heritage. In recognition of his contributions to Czech culture, Fiala was awarded the Czech Republic's highest honor, the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, posthumously in 1999. Today, Fiala is remembered as one of the greatest Czech actors and musicians of the 20th century, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and performers.
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Míla Myslíková (February 14, 1933 Třebíč-February 11, 2005 Prague) also known as M. Myslíková, Bohumila Myslíková, Bohumila "Míla" Myslíková or Míla was a Czech actor.
Míla Myslíková started her acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various theater productions and eventually transitioning to film and television. She appeared in over 60 films, including the classic Czech film "The Cremator" (1969) and the internationally acclaimed "Kolya" (1996), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Aside from her acting work, Myslíková was also involved in politics and activism. She was a member of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, and after the fall of communism in 1989, she continued to support left-wing causes and humanitarian efforts.
Myslíková passed away in 2005 at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as one of Czechoslovakia's most beloved and respected actors.
Some of Míla Myslíková's other notable film roles include "The Ear" (1970), "Cutting It Short" (1980) and "The Elementary School" (1991). Throughout her career, she was awarded several prestigious honors for her acting, including the Alfréd Radok Award and the Thalia Award. Myslíková was also known for her work as a voice actress, lending her voice to Czech dubbed versions of foreign films and animated series. Outside of her career, she was known for her humanitarian efforts and support of various charities, including ones focused on child welfare and assisting the elderly. Myslíková's contributions to Czech culture and society have ensured her status as a cultural icon in the country.
Myslíková's commitment to activism and politics was evident throughout her life. During the Prague Spring in 1968, Myslíková participated in anti-government protests, which resulted in her being banned from performing in any productions for three years. Despite this setback, Myslíková continued to speak out against government oppression and was committed to social justice throughout her career.
In addition to her acting and activism work, Myslíková was also a respected teacher and mentor to many young actors in the Czech Republic. She served as an instructor at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and was known for her commitment to promoting the arts and nurturing young talent.
Myslíková's legacy continues to be celebrated in the Czech Republic today, with numerous theaters and cultural institutions honoring her memory. In 2016, a play about her life and career, entitled "Myslíková," premiered at the National Theatre in Prague. Myslíková's contributions to the Czech film industry and her dedication to social justice have ensured that she remains an enduring figure in the country's cultural history.
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Iva Hercíková (November 2, 1935 Pardubice-January 27, 2007 Prague) also known as Iva Vodnanská or Iva Vodňanská was a Czech writer, actor and screenwriter.
Iva Hercíková was born in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) in 1935. She began her career as an actress and later became a writer and screenwriter. Her work often focused on topics such as love, loss and the human experience.
One of her most famous works is the screenplay for the 1971 Czech film "The Ear" (Ucho), directed by Karel Kachyňa. The film was banned by the Communist government for several years due to its political themes and was eventually released after the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
Hercíková also wrote several books, including "Love's Encounters" (Setkání lásky), which was based on her own experiences with love and relationships. In addition to her writing and acting, she was also known for her beauty and was often featured in magazines and on television.
Sadly, Iva Hercíková died in 2007 in Prague by suicide. She was 71 years old at the time of her passing. Despite her tragic end, her contributions to Czech cinema and literature continue to be remembered and celebrated.
After her successful stint in the entertainment industry, Iva Hercíková became actively involved in the fight for democracy and human rights in her home country. She was a vocal critic of the Communist regime and took part in several anti-government protests. In 1989, she was appointed to the Federal Assembly of Czechoslovakia and later became a member of the Czech Parliament after the country's separation into two independent states. She also served as the vice-chairperson of the Civic Democrats, a political party in the Czech Republic. In recognition of her contributions to Czech culture and society, she was awarded several honors and awards, including the prestigious Karel Čapek Prize in 1996.
Iva Hercíková's legacy is still present in modern-day Czech Republic. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and her political activism inspired many people all over the country and beyond. The city of Pardubice, where she was born, has named a street after her to honor her memory. Many of her works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be sold and read even in other parts of the world.
In addition to her acting, writing and activism, Iva Hercíková was also an accomplished singer. She released several albums in the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing her beautiful voice and love for music. As a singer, she was known for her soulful performances and ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
Despite facing many challenges and hardships throughout her life, Iva Hercíková was known for her resilience and determination. She overcame personal struggles and continued to pursue her passions and beliefs with unwavering courage. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us that even in difficult times, it is possible to make a positive impact and leave a lasting impression on the world.
She died in suicide.
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