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Dutch music stars who deceased at age 33

Here are 5 famous musicians from Netherlands died at 33:

Joan Leonardsz Blasius

Joan Leonardsz Blasius (April 13, 1639-December 6, 1672) was a Dutch lawyer and writer.

Born in Rotterdam, Blasius studied law at the University of Leiden and became a prominent lawyer in his home city. He also had a passion for writing and authored several literary works during his short life. Blasius wrote in both Dutch and Latin and his works often dealt with legal topics, as well as history and philosophy. Some of his notable works include "Inleiding tot de Hollandsche Rechts-geleertheyd" (Introduction to Dutch Jurisprudence) and "Stichtelijcke Mengelstoffen" (Pious Mixtures), a collection of religious poems. Blasius was highly respected in his time for his contributions to the legal profession and his skill as a writer. He passed away at the young age of 33 due to an illness.

Blasius was also known as a defender of the rights of the city of Rotterdam during a political conflict with the province of Holland. He was a member of the city council and worked tirelessly to protect the interests of his hometown. In addition to his legal and literary pursuits, Blasius was also an accomplished linguist, fluent in several languages including French, German, and Spanish. His writings were highly influential and were widely read throughout the Dutch Republic during his lifetime. Despite his short life, Joan Leonardsz Blasius left a lasting legacy as a brilliant legal mind, a skilled writer, and a dedicated public servant.

Blasius was married to Cornelia Schellinger and had four children, three of whom survived to adulthood. He was also known for being a lover of nature and a collector of specimens, particularly birds and insects. Blasius was a member of the Royal Society of London and corresponded with many prominent scientists of his day. In addition to his legal and literary achievements, he is also remembered as a pioneer in the field of entomology, having described several new species of insects. Today, there is a street in Rotterdam named after Blasius in honor of his contributions to the city's history and culture.

Blasius was born into a family of lawyers and was groomed from a young age to follow in his father's footsteps. However, his love for literature and writing soon took precedence and he began to spend more time pursuing these passions. In 1665, at the age of 26, he published his first work, "Emblemata Amatoria," a collection of love poems. The book was well-received and helped establish his reputation as a talented writer.

Blasius' legal career was equally impressive. He was known for his sharp mind and his ability to argue complex legal cases with ease. He served as a judge and was a member of the Rotterdam city council. During his tenure on the council, he worked tirelessly to improve the city's infrastructure and to advocate for the rights of its citizens.

Blasius is also remembered for his commitment to religious and moral values. His collection of religious poetry, "Stichtelijcke Mengelstoffen," is still studied and appreciated today for its insights into 17th-century Dutch culture and religion. In addition, he was a strong advocate for social justice and worked to ensure that the poor and marginalized were not forgotten by those in power.

Overall, Joan Leonardsz Blasius was a remarkable figure whose contributions to law, literature, and science continue to be felt today. His legacy is a testament to the power of dedication and passion in pursuing one's dreams and making a meaningful impact on the world.

Blasius was also known for his love of philosophy and was heavily influenced by the works of the famous philosopher René Descartes. He was a proponent of Cartesianism, the philosophical system developed by Descartes, which emphasizes the use of reason and deduction in understanding reality. Blasius wrote several works on philosophy, including "Brabantsche Tafereelen," which dealt with the nature of knowledge and reality.Blasius was a man of many talents and was highly respected by his peers for his knowledge and abilities. He was known for his quick wit and his ability to engage in lively debates on a variety of topics. Despite his many achievements, Blasius remained humble and dedicated to his family and his community. He was a devoted husband and father, and his love for his family was evident in both his personal and professional life.Today, Blasius is remembered as one of the most influential legal scholars and writers of his time. His works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and enthusiasts alike, and his legacy as a pioneer in the fields of law, literature, and science lives on. Despite his untimely death, Blasius left an indelible mark on the world and his contributions continue to inspire new generations of thinkers and innovators.

Kees van Baaren

Kees van Baaren (October 22, 1906 Enschede-September 2, 1940 Oegstgeest) a.k.a. Baaren, Cornelis Leendert van was a Dutch personality.

Van Baaren was a composer, musicologist, and influential teacher at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. He studied composition with Willem Pijper and musicology with Albert Smijers at the University of Amsterdam. Van Baaren was a pioneer of modern music in the Netherlands, and his music often had dissonant and complex harmonies. Despite his short life, Van Baaren left a notable mark on Dutch 20th-century music. He was a founding member of the Who's-Who group, which aimed to modernize Dutch music, and his students included composers such as Louis Andriessen and Peter Schat. Van Baaren died at the age of 33 due to illness, and a foundation in his name was established to continue his mission of promoting modern music in the Netherlands.

Furthermore, Kees van Baaren was also interested in electronic music and was one of the first Dutch composers to experiment with it. He incorporated electronic sounds and techniques into his compositions, such as in his piece "Capriccio for Violin and Tape" (1964). Van Baaren was also a prolific writer, with articles and reviews on contemporary music appearing in various music magazines in the Netherlands. In addition to his work as a composer and teacher, he was a member of the Dutch resistance during World War II and participated in activities such as distributing pamphlets and hiding Jews. Van Baaren was posthumously awarded the Resistance Memorial Cross by the Dutch government. His legacy continues through the Kees van Baaren Stichting, which promotes young composers and their contemporary compositions in the Netherlands.

Van Baaren was known for his innovative and experimental approach to music, as he constantly explored new ways to push the boundaries of traditional music. He was particularly drawn to the works of influential composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg, whose ideas greatly influenced his own compositions. He often integrated complex polyphonic textures and elaborate rhythmic patterns into his music, creating a unique and sophisticated sound that was ahead of its time.

As a teacher, Van Baaren was highly regarded by his students for his passion and dedication to the craft. He saw teaching as an opportunity to inspire and cultivate the next generation of composers, and he encouraged his students to embrace their own unique voices and experiment with new sounds and techniques.

Despite his many accomplishments, Van Baaren remained modest and humble throughout his life. He was known for his kind and gentle demeanor and his unwavering commitment to his work. His untimely death was a great loss to the Dutch music community, but his legacy lives on through the many composers he inspired and the foundation that bears his name.

In addition to his contributions to the world of music, Kees van Baaren was also a talented painter. He studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Amsterdam and even had some of his paintings exhibited in galleries. His interest in visual art also influenced his music, as he often incorporated visual and symbolic elements into his compositions. In fact, some of his works, such as his "Serenade for Small Orchestra" (1931) and "Three Russian Folk-Songs" (1937), were inspired by paintings by Vincent van Gogh and Kazimir Malevich, respectively.

Van Baaren's dedication to modernism and innovation extended beyond his own compositions and teaching. He was involved in numerous organizations that aimed to promote contemporary music in the Netherlands and abroad, including the International Society for Contemporary Music and the Society for Modern Music in Amsterdam. Through these organizations, he forged connections with other musicians and composers who shared his passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional music.

Despite his relatively short life, Kees van Baaren left an indelible mark on the world of music and helped pave the way for future generations of modern composers. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, innovation, and dedication in shaping the cultural landscape.

In recognition of his contribution to music, the Kees van Baaren Composition Prize was established in 1987. The prize is awarded every three years to Dutch composers under the age of 30, who demonstrate an innovative and unique approach to composition. Many of the winners of this prestigious prize have gone on to become successful composers in their own right, further cementing Van Baaren's lasting impact on contemporary Dutch music.

Beyond his musical and artistic achievements, Van Baaren was also a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. He was an active member of the Dutch peace movement and was strongly opposed to fascism and the Nazi regime. Along with his involvement in the resistance, he also worked with organizations such as the Dutch Committee for Intellectual Cooperation to promote international understanding and cooperation.

Overall, Kees van Baaren was a multifaceted individual who made significant contributions to various fields. His innovative approach to music and dedication to teaching and promoting contemporary compositions continue to inspire new generations of musicians and composers. His life and work serve as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, passion, and social conscience.

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Alexandrine Tinné

Alexandrine Tinné (October 17, 1835 The Hague-August 1, 1869 Libya) also known as Alexandrine Tinne, Alexandrine Petronella Francina Tinne or Alexine was a Dutch explorer.

Throughout her life, Alexandrine Tinné was known for her daring spirit and her love of travel. She was born into a wealthy family and grew up in a privileged environment in the Netherlands. Tinné was homeschooled by her parents and later attended a finishing school in France.

Her travels began in Europe where she explored various countries along with her mother and aunt. After her mother's death, she inherited a fortune that allowed her to pursue her passion for exploration on a larger scale. Tinné set her sights on Africa, which was considered a dangerous and mysterious continent at the time.

She embarked on several expeditions in Africa with the aim of discovering new lands and cultures. In 1859, she explored the Nile River with her mother and a team of explorers. They traveled as far south as the border between Sudan and South Sudan, making her one of the first European women to have traveled this far into Africa.

In 1861, Tinné embarked on another expedition, this time to search for the source of the Nile River. She traveled with a team of guides and porters, crossing deserts and mountains in search of the river's source. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Tinné never lost her courage and determination.

Sadly, Tinné's final expedition ended in tragedy. In 1869, she set out on a journey to the Libyan desert with her mother and a servant. They were ambushed by a group of Tuareg tribesmen who robbed them and killed them. Despite her untimely death, Alexandrine Tinné's legacy lives on as one of the most notable female explorers of the 19th century.

Tinné's expeditions in Africa were not only focused on exploration but also on scientific study. She was known to have an interest in botany, ethnography, and photography. During her travels, she collected plant specimens and took photographs of the people and landscapes she encountered. Her documentation of these cultures and environments provided valuable insights into the life and customs of the people of North and East Africa.

Tinné was not only known for her intrepid spirit but also for her feminist ideals. She was a firm believer in women's rights and autonomy, and often flouted traditional gender roles. Her travels to remote and dangerous parts of Africa as a single woman were especially groundbreaking for the time.

In addition to her exploration and photography, Tinné was also a philanthropist. She used her wealth to support various charitable causes, including the education of young women. Her legacy has continued to inspire generations, and she is remembered in the Netherlands as a trailblazer for women's rights and adventure.

After Alexandrine Tinné's death, her story received widespread attention and was even the subject of a play and a movie. Her exploration of Libya was particularly significant, as it was a relatively unexplored region at the time. Tinné's death also sparked wider interest in the Tuareg people and their culture, which had not been well studied prior to her encounter with them.Tinné's legacy also inspired other female explorers, such as Mary Kingsley and Gertrude Bell, who followed in her footsteps and explored parts of Africa and the Middle East. Today, Tinné's diaries and photographs are housed in museums and archives around the world, where they continue to provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Africa in the 19th century.

It is worth noting that Alexandrine Tinné was not only an explorer but also a polyglot and a pianist. She spoke several languages fluently, including Dutch, French, English, Arabic, and Swahili. Tinné's musical talents were also exceptional. She was said to have been one of the most gifted pianists of her time and often played for her family and friends.

Tinné's adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. When she was just 18 months old, she climbed out of her crib and walked to her parents' bedroom to join them. Her family was supportive of her love of adventure, and they encouraged her to explore the world around her.

Despite her tragic end, Tinné's journey through Africa and her contributions have been celebrated. In 2020, a new book was published about her life and expeditions, titled "The Water-Finding Girl: The Remarkable Life of Alexandrine Tinné". Tinné's life continues to inspire generations of women who strive to break societal barriers and explore the world around them.

In addition to her accomplishments in exploration, philanthropy, and the arts, Alexandrine Tinné was also a fashion icon of her time. She was known for her elegant clothing and accessories, which she often wore on her expeditions. Tinné was particularly fond of wearing turban-like headscarves and was known to have a vast collection of them. Her style was influenced by her travels to North Africa and the Middle East, where she developed an appreciation for local fashions and textiles. Tinné's fashion sense has been celebrated in recent years, with exhibitions and articles exploring her unique style and its significance.

She died caused by murder.

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Anthon van Rappard

Anthon van Rappard (May 14, 1858 Zeist-March 21, 1892) was a Dutch personality.

He was a painter and a friend of the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, with whom he exchanged many letters. Rappard was part of the Dutch realist movement, and his works often depicted rural life and landscapes. He received a formal art education in Brussels and Paris and exhibited his works in various exhibitions throughout his career. Despite struggling with mental health, he remained active in the art world until his untimely death at the age of 33.

Rappard's friendship with Vincent van Gogh was an important part of his life and career. The two met in The Hague in 1876 and quickly became close friends, sharing a passion for art and literature. They exchanged hundreds of letters over the years, discussing their work, their personal lives, and their shared interests. Van Gogh was particularly supportive of Rappard's career and encouraged him to keep painting even when he was struggling with mental illness.

In addition to his paintings, Rappard was also involved in writing and illustration. He contributed drawings to several magazines and illustrated a book on Dutch rural life. He also wrote articles and essays on topics ranging from art and literature to politics and social issues.

Despite his relatively short career, Rappard had a significant influence on the Dutch art world of his time. His work was praised by his contemporaries and he was regarded as one of the leading realist painters of his generation. Today, his paintings are held in museums and private collections around the world, and his letters to Vincent van Gogh continue to provide insight into the lives and work of two of the most important artists of the 19th century.

Rappard was born into a wealthy family and had the opportunity to pursue his artistic interests without financial constraints. He began studying art at a young age and eventually enrolled in the Royal Academy of Art in Brussels, where he was exposed to the traditions of the Flemish Old Masters. He later studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he was influenced by the Impressionist movement.

Despite his wealth, Rappard was deeply committed to social justice and often depicted themes of poverty, labor, and inequality in his paintings. He was also politically engaged in his personal life and was a member of the Social Democratic League, a socialist political party in the Netherlands.

Rappard's mental health struggles have been the subject of much speculation over the years, with some scholars suggesting that he may have suffered from bipolar disorder. Regardless of the cause of his mental illness, Rappard's struggles were a source of deep pain for him and affected his relationships with those around him. Despite this, he continued to produce art until the end of his life.

Today, Rappard is recognized as an important figure in Dutch art history and his work continues to be studied and celebrated. His friendship with Vincent van Gogh is also of great interest to scholars and art enthusiasts, providing important insights into the lives and work of two of the most important artists of the 19th century.

Rappard's paintings were characterized by their attention to detail and their focus on capturing the everyday experiences of working-class people. He often used warm, earthy colors and carefully rendered textures to create a sense of depth and tactile realism in his work. Despite his clear affinity for the rural landscape and the people who inhabited it, Rappard was also interested in less picturesque aspects of Dutch life, such as the rapidly expanding industrialization and urbanization of the country.

In addition to his friendship with Vincent van Gogh, Rappard was also close with other artists and writers of his time, including the writer Piet Paaltjens and the painter Lawrence Alma-Tadema. He was a member of several artistic and literary societies and was well-respected among his peers for his talents and intellect.

Despite his relative success during his lifetime, Rappard's legacy was somewhat overshadowed by the rise of new art movements in the early 20th century, such as Impressionism and Expressionism. It was not until the mid-20th century that his work began to receive renewed critical attention, with scholars and curators recognizing his contributions to the Dutch realist movement and his important role in the development of 19th-century Dutch art.

Rappard's artistic legacy was also commemorated in the Rappard Memorial Fund, which was established after his death by his family and friends to support struggling artists. The fund provided financial assistance to young artists as well as medical and psychiatric care to those struggling with mental illness. The fund was eventually absorbed into a larger organization, the Dutch Association for Mental Health, which still operates today and provides support for those dealing with mental health issues.Rappard's life and career were marked by his commitment to social justice and his passion for art and literature. He used his talents to shed light on issues of poverty, labor, and inequality, while also capturing the beauty of the everyday world around him. His friendship with Vincent van Gogh was a highlight of his life, and their correspondence remains one of the most important records of their time and place. Today, Rappard is remembered as a talented artist and an important figure in Dutch art history.

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Gerbrand Bredero

Gerbrand Bredero (March 16, 1585 Amsterdam-August 23, 1618 Amsterdam) also known as G. A. Bredero was a Dutch playwright.

He is considered one of the most important figures in Dutch literature, particularly during the Dutch Golden Age when Amsterdam was a major cultural center. In addition to writing plays, Bredero also wrote poems and songs. His work often portrayed everyday life in Amsterdam, including the lives of common people, which was a departure from the typical subject matter of plays at the time. Some of his most famous works include "The Spanish Brabanter" and "The Moortje". Unfortunately, Bredero's life was cut short when he died at the age of 33, likely from the plague. Despite his short career, his influence on Dutch literature cannot be overstated.

Bredero was born in Amsterdam to a wealthy family and received a good education. He had a talent for languages and was fluent in several, including Latin and French. After completing his education, he worked as a clerk for his father's business. However, he soon became disillusioned with this career path and left to pursue his passion for writing.

His plays were very popular during his lifetime and were performed frequently in Amsterdam's theaters. He had a talent for creating memorable characters and depicting everyday life in a humorous and relatable way. He also had a deep understanding of the culture and traditions of Amsterdam, which is evident in his work.

In addition to his literary talents, Bredero was also a gifted musician. He composed many songs, some of which were included in his plays, and was known to play several instruments. Music played a significant role in his work, and he often used it to enhance the emotional impact of his plays.

Bredero's legacy lives on in Dutch literature, and he is often credited with helping to establish a distinctively Dutch literary tradition. His work has been adapted for modern audiences, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Dutch writers.

Bredero's life was also marked by personal struggles. He suffered from unrequited love throughout his life and wrote several poems about it. He also struggled with financial difficulties, which were exacerbated by the death of his father when he was still young. Despite these challenges, Bredero continued to write and create until his untimely death.

Bredero's impact on Dutch literature is seen not only in his own work but also in the influence he had on later writers. His approach to depicting everyday life and his use of language to create memorable characters was groundbreaking and paved the way for a more realistic style of writing.

Today, Bredero is celebrated in Amsterdam with a statue in his honor and his plays are still performed in theaters across the Netherlands. His legacy as a pioneer in Dutch literature and an important cultural figure during the Dutch Golden Age continues to inspire writers and artists today.

Bredero's influence also extended beyond his literary works. He was known to be a member of Amsterdam's Rederijkerskamer, or Chamber of Rhetoric, which was a kind of literary and social guild that was popular in the Dutch Republic in the 16th and 17th centuries. This group introduced Bredero to other artists, writers, and intellectuals, which helped him to refine his craft and expand his creative horizons. Bredero's plays were performed at the Rederijkerskamer's annual festivals, which were important events in Amsterdam's cultural calendar.

In addition to his work as a playwright, poet, and songwriter, Bredero was also a keen observer of Amsterdam's social scene. He wrote letters to his friends and acquaintances that provide valuable insights into life in the city during the Dutch Golden Age. These letters offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the ordinary people who lived in Amsterdam during this period, and they also shed light on the city's cultural and intellectual climate.

Despite his successes, Bredero's life was not without tragedy. He suffered from poor health throughout his life, and his financial situation was often precarious. His father's death left him with significant debts, and he struggled to make ends meet. His personal life was also marked by sadness; he was in love with a woman named Magdalena Stockmans, but she did not reciprocate his feelings. Bredero wrote many poems about his unrequited love, and it is believed that this experience influenced his writing in some of his plays.

Bredero's death at the age of 33 was a great loss to Dutch literature. However, his work continues to be studied, performed, and admired today. His plays, poems, and songs provide a valuable glimpse into life in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age, and his legacy can still be felt in the work of contemporary Dutch writers and artists.

In addition to his literary and musical pursuits, Bredero was also known for his love of drinking and socializing. He was a member of several social clubs and was often seen at Amsterdam's taverns and cafes. However, his excessive drinking and partying may have contributed to his poor health and early death.

Despite his short life, Bredero left a lasting impact on Dutch literature and culture. His works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be studied and enjoyed today. His legacy as a pioneer in Dutch literature and a cultural figure during the Dutch Golden Age will long be remembered.

Read more about Gerbrand Bredero on Wikipedia »