Pathetic Facts

German music stars who deceased at age 42

Here are 6 famous musicians from Germany died at 42:

Christian Morgenstern

Christian Morgenstern (May 6, 1871 Munich-March 31, 1914 Merano) also known as Morgenstern, Christian was a German personality.

He is best known for his works as a poet and writer during the German Romantic period. Morgenstern primarily wrote lyrical poetry and often incorporated playful and comedic elements into his works. He also wrote satirical pieces and was known for his witty and clever wordplay. In addition to his writing, Morgenstern was also a talented musician and studied at the Munich Academy of Music. Despite his success during his lifetime, Morgenstern's career was cut short due to his untimely death at the age of 42 from tuberculosis. Despite his short life, Morgenstern's legacy lives on as his works continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by readers today.

Morgenstern was born into a prominent family, as his father was a painter and his grandfather was a famous philosopher. He began his literary career as a journalist and later went on to publish his first poetry collection, "Galleria", in 1898. Morgenstern's poems often explored the mystical and metaphysical aspects of life, and his unique style earned him critical acclaim. He later expanded his repertoire to include plays and short stories, and his works were highly influential in the development of German literature.

Morgenstern's writing style was characterized by a love of language, and he often played with words in a way that was both amusing and thought-provoking. His most famous poem, "The Galloping Confessor," is a prime example of his skill in creating witty and memorable wordplay. In addition to his contributions to literature, Morgenstern was an early advocate for environmental conservation and was passionate about the protection of forests and wildlife.

Today, Morgenstern is remembered as one of the most influential poets of his time, and his work continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers. His poetry has been translated into several languages, and he is widely regarded as a master of the German language. Despite his premature death, Morgenstern's contributions to literature and culture continue to be celebrated and revered.

Morgenstern's popularity extended beyond Germany, and his works have been translated into many languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Japanese. His unique voice and innovative approach to language led to the creation of a literary movement known as "Galgenlieder," which translates as "gallows songs." These were poems characterized by their satirical and irreverent tone and often dealt with themes of death and the afterlife.

Morgenstern's impact on German literature is difficult to overstate. He was one of the most beloved and respected writers of his time, and his influence extended to future generations of poets and writers. His legacy has also been honored through the creation of the Christian Morgenstern Prize, which is awarded every two years to a German-language writer who exemplifies his spirit of innovation and creativity.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Morgenstern was also a lover of nature and a committed environmentalist. He was deeply concerned about the destructive impact of human activity on the natural world and actively campaigned for the preservation of forests and wildlife. His love of nature is evident in many of his poems, and he saw the natural world as a source of infinite wonder and inspiration.

Despite his tragically short life, Christian Morgenstern left an indelible mark on German literature and culture. His works remain beloved by readers around the world, and his influence can still be felt in contemporary poetry and writing.

Read more about Christian Morgenstern on Wikipedia »

Eduard Gans

Eduard Gans (March 22, 1797 Berlin-May 5, 1839 Berlin) was a German personality.

He was a philosopher, jurist and historian who played a significant role in shaping the Hegelian philosophy in Germany. Gans studied law and philosophy in Berlin and later became a renowned lecturer in the University of Berlin. He was an important intellectual figure in the Young Hegelians, a group of philosophers who were influenced by the works of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Gans' major contributions to the field of jurisprudence include his theories on the state and the law, which were highly influential in Germany. He was also a prolific writer, penning numerous articles and books in his relatively short life. Despite his significant contributions to the intellectual world, Gans was often overlooked during his lifetime and his true impact on philosophy and legal studies was not fully recognized until much later.

In addition to his influential contributions to philosophy and jurisprudence, Eduard Gans was also deeply involved in politics. He was a prominent member of the early socialist movement in Germany and was close friends with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. He worked as a journalist, writing for various socialist and progressive publications, and was very active in the political scene in Berlin.

Gans was also a strong advocate for Jewish rights and was the first Jewish professor appointed at the University of Berlin. He pushed for Jewish emancipation in Germany and was a leading voice in the Jewish Reform movement. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice because of his Jewish background, Gans remained committed to his beliefs and continued to fight for social justice throughout his life.

Tragically, Eduard Gans' life was cut short at the young age of 42, when he died from a heart attack. However, his legacy lived on through his contributions to philosophy, law, politics, and Jewish reform, and he remained an important figure in German intellectual history.

Gans' philosophical ideas were highly influential in shaping Hegelian philosophy and played a significant role in the development of historical materialism. He believed in the importance of individual freedom and was critical of authoritarianism and the concentration of power in the state. Gans' ideas also had an impact on legal theory, where he argued that the law should be based on reason and morality rather than tradition and authority.

Despite facing discrimination both for his Jewish background and his socialist beliefs, Gans remained committed to his ideals of social justice and equality. He actively promoted the idea of a democratic, socialist society and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the working class.

Gans' contributions to the political and intellectual landscape of Germany were significant and far-reaching. His ideas on law, philosophy, and politics continue to inspire scholars and activists around the world today.

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Philip II, Landgrave of Hesse-Rheinfels

Philip II, Landgrave of Hesse-Rheinfels (April 22, 1541 Marburg-November 30, 1583 Rheinfels Castle) was a German personality.

He was a member of the House of Hesse and ruled the landgraviate of Hesse-Rheinfels from 1567 until his death. As a Protestant ruler, he played an important role in the religious and political conflicts of his time, particularly during the Reformation. He actively supported the Protestant cause and was known for his close association with William the Silent, the leader of the Dutch revolt against Spain. In addition to his political activities, Philip II was also a patron of the arts and sciences and played a key role in the cultural life of his region. He founded a number of schools and supported scholars and artists, including the famous astronomer Johannes Kepler.

Philip II also played a major role in the development of the University of Marburg, which had been founded by his ancestors. He reorganized the university and expanded its curriculum, making it one of the leading centers for Protestant theological education in Germany. He also supported the publication of theological and philosophical works, including Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German.

Philip II was married three times, and had a total of 23 children. His second wife, Anna of Saxony, was a granddaughter of Martin Luther and a strong advocate for the Protestant cause, like her husband. After his death, the landgraviate of Hesse-Rheinfels was inherited by his son Maurice, who continued to support the Protestant cause and remained involved in the political and religious conflicts of the time.

During his reign, Philip II also faced challenges from the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire. He participated in several military campaigns, including the Schmalkaldic War, where he fought against the imperial forces of Charles V. He later allied with other Protestant rulers to form the Protestant Union, a military alliance aimed at defending Protestant interests against the Catholic League.

In addition to his political and cultural contributions, Philip II was also known for his personal interests, which included hunting, music, and alchemy. He was a skilled musician and composed several songs and melodies. He was also interested in alchemy and reportedly maintained a laboratory at his castle in Rheinfels.

Today, Philip II is remembered as an important figure in the history of the Protestant Reformation in Germany. His role in supporting the Protestant cause and promoting education and culture made him a respected and admired leader during his time.

Gregor Strasser

Gregor Strasser (May 31, 1892 Geisenfeld-June 30, 1934 Berlin) was a German politician.

He was an early member of the Nazi Party and a prominent member of its left-wing faction. Strasser played a key role in building the Nazi Party in northern Germany, and he was instrumental in Hitler's rise to power in 1933. However, he became disillusioned with Hitler's leadership and opposed the party's shift toward the right. In 1934, he was arrested and executed during the Night of the Long Knives, a purge of the Nazi Party's left-wing members. Strasser's death marked the end of the party's left-wing faction and solidified Hitler's power within the Nazi Party. Despite his controversial past, Strasser is remembered for his contributions to the development of the Nazi Party and his early opposition to Hitler's leadership.

Before joining the Nazi Party, Strasser was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, but he left due to his opposition to World War I. He worked as a pharmacist before becoming a political activist. Strasser was a charismatic and effective public speaker, and he helped attract many working-class voters to the Nazi Party. He also advocated for socialism and anti-capitalism, which made him popular among leftist members of the party.

As a leader of the Nazi Party's left-wing faction, Strasser pushed for the party to adopt more socialist policies and to appeal to a broader range of voters. He also expressed concern about the influence of big business in the party and criticized Hitler's close ties to wealthy industrialists. These views brought him into conflict with the more conservative members of the party.

After Hitler became Chancellor in 1933, Strasser was appointed Minister of Propaganda in the new government. However, he soon clashed with Joseph Goebbels over control of the media and propaganda apparatus. He also opposed the regime's increasingly authoritarian and anti-Semitic policies.

Strasser's arrest and execution were part of a broader purge of the party's left-wing members, who were seen as a threat to Hitler's leadership. In the years following his death, Strasser's views were suppressed by the Nazi regime, and he was largely forgotten. However, after World War II, some historians and political theorists began to re-examine his ideas and his role in the Nazi Party.

Many have hailed Strasser as a voice of reason and a potential alternative leader for the party if things had gone differently. He was considered by some to be less extremist than Hitler and more open to negotiation and compromise. Strasser was also known for promoting workers' rights and advocating for a better quality of life for the working class.

Despite his involvement with the Nazi Party, Strasser's actions and beliefs have been widely criticized by many due to the horrific atrocities committed by the regime, including the Holocaust. Some argue that he played a role in legitimizing and normalizing the Nazi Party in its early days, contributing to the rise of a dangerous and oppressive regime.

Today, Strasser remains a controversial figure, with some seeing him as an important historical figure worthy of discussion and debate, while others see him as a symbol of the dangers of extremist ideologies and the consequences of giving into authoritarianism.

Read more about Gregor Strasser on Wikipedia »

Albert, Prince Consort

Albert, Prince Consort (August 26, 1819 Coburg-December 14, 1861 Berkshire) also known as Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel or Albert was a German personality. His children are called Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, Princess Helena of the United Kingdom, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, Princess Alice of the United Kingdom, Victoria, Princess Royal, Edward VII and Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll.

Prince Albert was the husband and first cousin of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. He served as her closest advisor and had a profound impact on the cultural, intellectual and social life of the country. He was also instrumental in organizing The Great Exhibition of 1851, which showcased the achievements of the Industrial Revolution and marked a turning point in the development of Victorian Britain. He was known for his passionate interest in science, art, industry, and education. He founded the Royal Society of Arts and was the patron of various charitable organizations. His lasting legacy is apparent in the numerous monuments and cultural institutions named after him both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

In addition to his numerous cultural and social contributions, Prince Albert was heavily involved in political affairs during his time as consort. He worked closely with Queen Victoria to modernize and reform the monarchy, and helped to establish the Privy Council Office and the Office of Works. He was a strong advocate for social justice and believed in the importance of education for all. He also helped establish the University of London and served as its first chancellor. As a result of his passion for science, he was a fellow of the Royal Society and helped establish the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which aimed to promote education in science and engineering. After his death, Queen Victoria went into deep mourning and wore black for the rest of her life, which led to the popularization of mourning attire in the Victorian era. Today, Prince Albert's legacy lives on through various institutions and monuments dedicated to him, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was named in honor of the royal couple.

Prince Albert was born in Coburg, Germany as the second son of Ernest III, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. He received a rigorous education, studying at various schools and universities in Germany and traveling throughout Europe to broaden his knowledge of art, science, and technology. In 1839, he married his first cousin, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of a powerful and enduring partnership.

As royal consort, Prince Albert played an active role in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of 19th-century England. He championed the advancement of science and technology, supporting the development of new technologies such as photography and the telegraph. He also promoted the arts, supporting the work of painters, sculptors, and musicians, and helping to establish institutions such as the Royal College of Music.

In addition to his cultural and intellectual contributions, Prince Albert was also deeply committed to social reform. He advocated for the abolition of slavery and spoke out against child labor and factory conditions. He also championed education, working to improve access to education for all and overseeing the development of new schools and universities.

Prince Albert's premature death at the age of 42 was a devastating blow to Queen Victoria and to the nation as a whole. His legacy, however, continues to inspire and influence generations to come.

He died caused by typhoid fever.

Edgar André

Edgar André (January 17, 1894 Aachen-November 4, 1936 Hamburg) a.k.a. Edgar Andre was a German politician.

Edgar André was a leading member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and served as the party's treasurer from 1928 until his death. Before becoming involved in politics, he worked as a lawyer and served in World War I.

During his time in politics, André was a vocal opponent of the rise of Nazism and worked to unite the SPD with other left-wing parties in an effort to oppose the fascist movement. In 1933, after the Nazis came to power, he was arrested and held in various concentration camps until he was ultimately executed in 1936.

André's gruesome execution by decapitation was carried out as part of the Nazis' effort to suppress opposition to their regime. Despite his tragic end, André's legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against fascism and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought against it.

Edgar André was born into a middle-class family in Aachen, Germany. He attended school in Aachen and then went on to study law at the University of Berlin. After completing his studies, André worked as a lawyer for several years before becoming involved in politics. He joined the Social Democratic Party in 1919 and quickly rose through the party's ranks.

During his time as treasurer of the SPD, André played a key role in the party's fundraising efforts and helped to establish a network of party branches and newspapers throughout Germany. He also served as a member of the Reichstag, the German parliament, from 1928 until his arrest by the Nazis in 1933.

Following his arrest, André was held in various concentration camps, including Sachsenhausen and Dachau. Despite being subjected to torture and other forms of mistreatment, he refused to renounce his beliefs or betray his comrades. In November of 1936, he was executed by decapitation at the Fuhlsbüttel concentration camp in Hamburg.

After his death, André became a symbol of resistance against the Nazi regime and is still remembered today as a hero of the German working class movement. In 1949, a school in Berlin was named in his honor and a memorial was erected at the site of his execution in Hamburg.

Throughout his career, Edgar André was a fervent advocate for workers' rights and social justice. He advocated for better working conditions, higher wages, and expanded social services for the working poor, including healthcare and education. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, André warned of the dangers of the rising Nazi party and called for a united front among socialist, communist, and labor parties to oppose the fascist movement.

In addition to his political work, André was also a gifted writer and orator. He published several books on political theory and contributed numerous articles to left-wing newspapers and magazines. His speeches and public appearances were marked by his passionate commitment to social justice and his unwavering belief in the power of collective action to effect meaningful change.

Despite the horrific circumstances of his death, Edgar André's legacy endures as a symbol of courage and resistance against tyranny. His life and work continue to inspire activists and advocates around the world who seek to build a more just and equitable society.

He died caused by decapitation.

Read more about Edgar André on Wikipedia »