Estonian musicians died at 74
Here are 1 famous musicians from Estonia died at 74:
Alfred Schmidt
Alfred Schmidt (May 1, 1898 Riisipere-November 5, 1972 Tallinn) was an Estonian personality.
He was a writer, translator, and literary critic who played a crucial role in shaping Estonian literature during the 20th century. Schmidt was known for his unique writing style, which was influenced by his experiences during World War I and the Estonian War of Independence. He was also a translator of German literature into Estonian and is credited with introducing the works of Franz Kafka and Bertolt Brecht to the Estonian audience. In addition to his literary accomplishments, Schmidt was a public figure who spoke out against Soviet occupation and was an advocate for Estonian independence. He was also a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences and received numerous awards for his contributions to Estonian culture.
Schmidt was born in Riisipere, Estonia, and studied at the University of Tartu before serving in the Estonian War of Independence. After the war, he worked as a journalist and editor for various publications, including the literary magazine Looming. During World War II, he was imprisoned by the Soviet Union for his political activities, and after his release, he worked as a senior editor for the State Publishing House until his retirement in 1965.
Schmidt's literary works include novels, short stories, and essays, and many of his stories were inspired by his experiences during the wars. His most notable works include the novel "The Beggar's Miracle" and the collection of essays "Contemporary Literature and Philosophy."
Despite facing censorship and persecution during the Soviet occupation of Estonia, Schmidt remained committed to promoting Estonian culture and maintaining the country's cultural identity. He was highly respected in Estonian literary circles and is considered one of the most influential figures in Estonian literature of the 20th century.
Schmidt was also known for his involvement in various cultural and intellectual circles. He was a member of the Estonian Writers' Union and played an active role in organizing literary events and promoting Estonian literature both within Estonia and internationally. In addition to his literary and cultural contributions, Schmidt was also an advocate for social justice and equality, and his activism often found expression in his literary works.
After his death, Schmidt was recognized with numerous honors and awards for his contributions to Estonian culture. The Alfred Schmidt Memorial Prize, established in 1973, is awarded annually to writers and translators in recognition of their outstanding achievements in Estonian literature. His legacy continues to inspire writers and intellectuals in Estonia and beyond, and his works remain an enduring testament to his artistic and intellectual prowess.
In addition to his literary and cultural achievements, Alfred Schmidt had an impressive linguistic ability, speaking several European languages fluently, including German, French, and Russian. His language proficiency allowed him to translate numerous literary works from German into Estonian, contributing to Estonia's literary and cultural landscape. Moreover, Schmidt's passion for language led him to collect and document Estonian dialects, and in 1969, he received the State Award for his contributions to the Estonian language.
Schmidt's impact on Estonian literature and culture was recognized during his lifetime, and he received numerous honors, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and the Order of the White Star. Despite facing censorship and persecution during the Soviet occupation, Schmidt remained committed to preserving and promoting Estonian culture, contributing significantly to Estonia's cultural identity.
Alfred Schmidt's life and work serve as a reminder of the importance of artistic and cultural expression in the face of adversity. His contributions to Estonian literature, language, and culture ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Read more about Alfred Schmidt on Wikipedia »