Pathetic Facts

German music stars who deceased at age 61

Here are 15 famous musicians from Germany died at 61:

Johann Wilhelm Hertel

Johann Wilhelm Hertel (October 9, 1727 Eisenach-June 14, 1789 Schwerin) also known as Hertel was a German personality.

Discography: Trumpet Concertos and .

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Karl Christian Planck

Karl Christian Planck (January 17, 1819 Stuttgart-June 7, 1880 Winnenden) was a German philosopher.

Planck was a prominent figure in the field of German Idealism, which emphasized the importance of individual freedom and reason in society. He was a professor of philosophy at the University of Tubingen and wrote several influential works on the subject, including "Der Begriff des Bewusstseins" (The Concept of Consciousness) and "Das Wesen der Seele" (The Essence of the Soul). Planck's philosophical ideas had a significant impact on the development of German philosophical thought in the late 19th century. He was also the brother of physicist Max Planck, who is known for his work on quantum mechanics.

Karl Christian Planck was born into a family of scholars - his father was a law professor and his grandfather was a theologian. He studied theology, philosophy and philology at the University of Tubingen and later went on to earn his doctorate in philosophy. Planck was deeply influenced by the work of Immanuel Kant and brought his ideas into the German Idealist tradition. He believed that society could only function properly if individuals were free to act and think for themselves, and that reason was the key to moral progress. Planck's work on the nature of consciousness and the soul was particularly innovative, as he sought to reconcile the scientific and philosophical understanding of these concepts. Despite his contributions to the field of philosophy, Planck's ideas were somewhat overshadowed by his brother's achievements in physics. However, his work continued to be studied and admired by later generations of philosophers, and his legacy remains an important part of the German philosophical tradition.

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Ludwig Rellstab

Ludwig Rellstab (April 13, 1799 Berlin-November 27, 1860 Berlin) a.k.a. Heinrich Friedrich Ludwig Rellstab or Rellstab, Ludwig was a German music critic, poet and librettist.

Rellstab is known for his influential music criticism, particularly his reviews of the works of Franz Schubert. He was one of the first critics to recognize Schubert's genius and to champion his compositions. Rellstab's poetry was also highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was a popular contributor to literary and musical publications of the time. In addition to his work as a critic and poet, Rellstab also wrote librettos for operas and other musical works, collaborating with composers such as Franz Lachner and Giacomo Meyerbeer. Despite his contributions to the world of music and literature, Rellstab struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life and was unable to achieve the financial success he deserved.

Rellstab was born in Berlin in 1799 and grew up in a musically inclined family. His father was a cellist and his mother was a singer, which may have influenced his later career as a music critic and librettist. As a young man, Rellstab learned several musical instruments and even attempted a career as a composer before turning to literary pursuits.

Throughout his career, Rellstab's reviews were known for their incisive analysis and colorful language. He was not afraid to criticize composers or performers he felt were lacking in talent, but he also recognized the greatness of many musicians, including not only Schubert but also Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Rellstab's reviews were closely followed by musicians and music lovers alike, and he was considered one of the most influential critics of his time.

In addition to his work as a critic, Rellstab was also a respected poet. He published several volumes of verse during his lifetime, and his poetry was celebrated for its lyrical quality and emotional depth. Rellstab's poetry often dealt with themes of love and nature, and he was known for his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his words.

Despite his many accomplishments, Rellstab struggled financially throughout his life. He was forced to take on a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet, including working as a tutor and a copy editor. Rellstab's financial difficulties may have contributed to his early death in 1860, at the age of 61. Nevertheless, his legacy as a critic, poet, and librettist continues to be celebrated today, and his contributions to the world of music and literature are still recognized and appreciated by scholars and enthusiasts alike.

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Chris von der Ahe

Chris von der Ahe (October 7, 1851 Hille, Germany-June 5, 1913 St. Louis) was a German businessperson and entrepreneur.

Chris von der Ahe is best known for owning the St. Louis Brown Stockings, a Major League Baseball team that eventually became known as the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a successful saloon owner in St. Louis and decided to invest in a local baseball team in 1881. He quickly became involved in the operations of the team and was known for his innovative ideas, like adding a beer garden to the stadium and selling concessions at games.

Under von der Ahe's ownership, the team won four National League championships and two World Series titles. He also helped to shape the future of baseball by advocating for the formation of a players' union, long before the Major League Baseball Players Association was established.

Von der Ahe's life wasn't without controversy, however. He was known to make questionable business deals and was accused of being involved in game-fixing scandals. Despite this, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, recognizing his contributions to the game of baseball as an early entrepreneur and team owner.

Chris von der Ahe was born as Christian Friedrich Wilhelm von der Ahe in Germany and was the youngest of five siblings. He immigrated to the United States when he was 20 years old and settled in St. Louis, where he started working as a clerk in a grocery store. He eventually acquired his own saloon, "Chris von der Ahe's saloon," which became a popular spot in the city.

Apart from baseball, von der Ahe was also interested in horse racing and owned a stable of racehorses. He was also involved in politics, serving as a member of the Missouri State Legislature in 1897-1898.

In addition to his business ventures, von der Ahe was known for his philanthropy. He donated generously to various charities, including the St. Louis Ladies' Sewing Society and the St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Despite his controversies, von der Ahe's impact on baseball was significant. He was a visionary entrepreneur who recognized the potential of the sport and helped to transform it into the entertainment industry it is today.

He died as a result of cirrhosis.

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August Ludwig Follen

August Ludwig Follen (January 21, 1794 Giessen-December 26, 1855 Bern) was a German personality.

He was a lawyer, poet, and patriot who was heavily involved in promoting democracy and national unification in Germany during the 19th century. As a young man, Follen was a member of the student fraternity movement (Burschenschaften) which advocated for liberal reforms and German unity. He also fought in the Napoleonic Wars as a member of the Hessian Army. In 1825, Follen emigrated to the United States due to his liberal political beliefs, settling in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he worked as a teacher and lawyer. Follen continued to advocate for democratic reforms and abolitionism in the United States, and he served as a pastor for a German-speaking Unitarian church in East Lexington. He died tragically in a train accident while on a trip to Bern, Switzerland.

During his time in the United States, August Ludwig Follen was an active member of the anti-slavery movement and an advocate for the education of women. He was a founder of the Lexington Lyceum, an organization devoted to public education and the dissemination of knowledge, and he helped establish a school for girls in Lexington. Follen's activism and liberal beliefs often brought him into conflict with more conservative members of his community, but he remained dedicated to his causes. After his death, his friends and colleagues established the Follen Church in Lexington in his memory, which continues to be an active Unitarian Universalist congregation today. Follen's legacy as a champion of democracy, unity, and human rights continues to inspire people around the world.

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Bruno Schweizer

Bruno Schweizer (May 3, 1897-November 11, 1958) was a German personality.

He is best known for his work as a film producer during the German film industry's heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. Schweizer produced over 90 films during his career and was greatly respected in the industry. However, with the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, Schweizer's career began to suffer due to his Jewish heritage. In 1938, he was forced to flee Germany and immigrated to the United States.

In the United States, Schweizer continued to work in the film industry, eventually founding his own production company. He also became involved in politics, working with the American Jewish Congress and advocating for the rights of Jewish immigrants. Schweizer died in 1958 at the age of 61. He is remembered for his contributions to the film industry and for his unwavering commitment to social justice causes.

In addition to his work in film production and social justice causes, Bruno Schweizer was also a talented musician. He played the piano and was particularly skilled in composing music for silent films. Schweizer also wrote articles and essays on the film industry, which were published in various journals and newspapers in Europe and the United States. He was a passionate advocate for the advancement of German cinema and strongly believed in the power of film to evoke strong emotions and convey important messages. Despite the challenges he faced due to his background, Schweizer remained optimistic and committed to his craft. His legacy lives on as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his art and his values.

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Hans von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst

Hans von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst (April 14, 1845-November 22, 1906) also known as Hans von Zwiedineck-Sudenhorst was a German personality.

He was a renowned professor of geology, paleontology and mineralogy at the University of Vienna, where he spent the majority of his academic career. Born in Valtice, Moravia, he spent his childhood in Trieste, where his father served as an Austrian officer. Von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst’s contributions to the field of geology were chiefly in the areas of stratigraphy, tectonics and mineralogy. He is best known for his work on Austrian Alps, Carpathians and Balkans, where he conducted extensive fieldwork and provided new insights into the structure and formation of the regions. His wide-ranging geological knowledge served him as an expert in mining and engineering issues. In addition to his academic pursuits, von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst was also an avid collector of minerals, fossils and books.

One of von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst's notable achievements during his career was the publication of his book, "Geologie von Österreich," which became a standard reference work for Austrian geology. He also served as the director of the Geological-Paleontological Department in Vienna and was a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences. Von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst's impact on the field of geology was recognized by his contemporaries, who named a type of Permian ammonite after him, known as "Zwiedineckia." Even after his death in 1906, his legacy continued, with the Natural History Museum in Vienna acquiring his extensive mineral collection. Today, von Zwiedineck-Südenhorst is remembered as a leading figure in Austrian geology and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the study of the Alpine region.

Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus

Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus (February 4, 1776 Bremen-February 16, 1837 Bremen) was a German scientist.

He is best known for his contributions in the fields of biology and botany. Treviranus studied medicine in Gottingen and Paris, and later became a professor of medicine at the University of Bonn. He also served as the director of the Botanical Garden in Bremen. Treviranus was a pioneer in the field of plant physiology and conducted groundbreaking research on plant respiration and photosynthesis. He published several influential works including "Physiologie der Gewächse" (Physiology of Plants) and "Biologie, oder die Philosophie der lebenden Natur" (Biology, or the Philosophy of Living Nature). In addition to his scientific pursuits, Treviranus was also active in social and political causes, promoting literacy and the abolition of slavery.

In 1816, Treviranus co-founded the Naturforschende Gesellschaft and served as its president for many years. He was also a member of several other scientific societies such as the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Royal Society of Sciences in Goettingen, and the Linnean Society of London. Treviranus was a prolific writer and his works were widely influential, shaping the understanding of biology for generations to come. He is remembered as one of the foremost biologists of his time and his contributions to the scientific world are still celebrated today.

Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria

Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria (December 23, 1417 Burghausen-January 18, 1479 Landshut) was a German personality. He had two children, Margaret of Bavaria, Electress Palatine and George, Duke of Bavaria.

Louis IX, also known as Louis the Rich or Ludwig der Reiche in German, was a member of the Wittelsbach dynasty and ruled as the Duke of Bavaria-Landshut from 1450 until his death. He is famous for founding the University of Ingolstadt in 1472 and for his patronage of the arts, especially music. In addition, Louis IX played a significant role in the political and religious issues of his time, including supporting the Council of Basel-Ferrara-Florence and participating in a crusade against the Ottoman Empire. He also engaged in political conflicts with other German nobles, including his own brothers, which ultimately weakened the power of the Wittelsbach dynasty in Bavaria. Despite this, Louis IX was remembered as a fair ruler who worked to improve the lives of his subjects by supporting trade and industry, modernizing the legal system, and founding charitable institutions.

Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria, was born in Burghausen, Bavaria, and was the eldest son of Duke Louis VIII. He received a humanistic education, which instilled in him a love for learning and the arts. After his father's death in 1447, Louis IX became the Duke of Bavaria-Landshut and pursued a policy of territorial expansion.

During his reign, Louis IX was considered one of the most cultured princes of his time, known for his love of music and dance. He was a patron of famous artists, including the composer Ludwig Senfl and the painter Hans Wertinger. His court was a center of artistic and intellectual activity, attracting scholars and artists from all over Europe.

Louis IX also played a significant role in the political and religious affairs of his time. He supported the Council of Basel-Ferrara-Florence, which sought to heal the Great Schism in the church, and he participated in a crusade against the Ottoman Empire. He also faced political conflicts with his own brothers and other German nobles, which weakened the power of the Wittelsbach dynasty in Bavaria.

Despite the challenges he faced, Louis IX was remembered as a fair and just ruler who worked to improve the lives of his subjects. He implemented economic policies that supported trade and industry, modernized the legal system, and helped to found charitable institutions. His most significant legacy, however, was the University of Ingolstadt, which he founded in 1472. The university became one of the most important centers of learning in Europe and attracted some of the finest scholars of the time. Louis IX died in 1479 in Landshut, Bavaria.

Karl Rudolphi

Karl Rudolphi (July 14, 1771 Stockholm-November 29, 1832 Berlin) was a German personality.

Although Karl Rudolphi was born in Sweden, he spent most of his life in Germany and became a prominent figure in the field of medicine. He was a physician and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In 1803, he became a professor at the University of Berlin, where he founded the Institute for Comparative Anatomy and Physiology. Rudolphi's work on the classification of animal parasites was particularly noteworthy and he was the first to use the term "nematode" to describe a group of parasites. He was also one of the first scientists to use microscopy to study animal tissues. Rudolphi's legacy lives on as he is remembered today as one of the most accomplished physicians and naturalists of his time.

Rudolphi was also known for his extensive research on the nervous system and his studies on the brain. He published a book in 1808, "Vergleichende Anatomie des Gehirns" (Comparative Anatomy of the Brain), which was considered a groundbreaking work in the field. Rudolphi was a member of several scientific societies, including the Academy of Sciences in Berlin and the Royal Society in London. In addition to his work in anatomy and physiology, Rudolphi was also interested in geology and mineralogy. He was known to collect and study minerals, and his extensive mineral collection was later acquired by the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Rudolphi was married twice and had several children, including a son who also became a prominent physician. His contributions to science have had a lasting impact and continue to be studied and celebrated today.

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Hermann, Freiherr von Soden

Hermann, Freiherr von Soden (August 16, 1852 Cincinnati-January 15, 1914 Berlin) was a German personality.

Hermann von Soden was a prominent German theologian, New Testament scholar and church historian. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, then part of the United States, but spent most of his life in Germany. He studied at the Universities of Erlangen, Göttingen, and Berlin, and became professor of New Testament at the University of Breslau in 1883. In 1902 he moved to the University of Berlin where he held the same position.

Von Soden is best known for his edition of the Greek New Testament, published in 1913-1914, which became the basis for the majority of modern translations. He was also a pioneer in the study of text criticism and the history of the text of the New Testament. His work had a major impact on the field of biblical studies and continues to influence scholars today.

In addition to his academic work, von Soden was a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences and a prominent figure in the German Evangelical Church. He was an advocate of ecumenical dialogue and worked to promote understanding between different Christian denominations.

Von Soden was also known for his opposition to German nationalism and antisemitism, and he spoke out against the treatment of Jews in Germany. He was a strong supporter of democracy and was politically active, serving as a member of the Reichstag from 1907 to 1912. Von Soden wrote extensively on a wide range of topics related to biblical studies and theology, and his books and articles are still widely read today. His legacy in the field of New Testament scholarship is significant, and his work continues to shape the way that scholars approach the study of the Bible. Von Soden died in Berlin in 1914, at the age of 61, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of biblical scholarship and beyond.

Werner Heyde

Werner Heyde (April 25, 1902 Forst-February 13, 1964 Butzbach) also known as Dr. Werner Heyde was a German physician.

He is most infamous for his involvement in the Nazi euthanasia program, where he oversaw the killing of thousands of mentally ill and disabled people. Heyde's actions during this program earned him the nickname "The Doctor of Death." After the war, Heyde went into hiding, but was eventually captured and put on trial for his crimes. He was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1959, but committed suicide in his prison cell in 1964 before the sentence could be carried out.

Heyde was born in Forst, Germany, in 1902. He specialized in psychiatry and was a professor at the University of Würzburg before joining the Nazi Party in 1933. Soon after, he was appointed as the head of the Reich Committee for the Scientific Registering of Serious Hereditary and Congenital Illnesses, which was responsible for identifying and sterilizing people deemed “unworthy of life.”

In 1939, Heyde was put in charge of the Nazi euthanasia program, known as Aktion T4, which aimed to systematically exterminate people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Heyde oversaw the killing of tens of thousands of people in gas chambers and through lethal injections.

After the war, Heyde went into hiding under an assumed identity, but was eventually arrested in 1959. His trial, known as the "Doctors' Trial," was one of several held in Nuremberg to prosecute Nazi war criminals. Heyde was convicted and sentenced to death, but he committed suicide in his prison cell before the sentence could be executed.

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Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp

Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp (December 22, 1597 Gottorf Castle-August 10, 1659 Tönning) was a German personality. His children are Hedwig Eleonora of Holstein-Gottorp, Maria Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp, Sophie Augusta of Holstein-Gottorp, Augusta Marie of Holstein-Gottorp, Christian Albert, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp and Magdalene Sibylle of Holstein-Gottorp.

Frederick III was the son of Duke Johann Adolf of Holstein-Gottorp and his wife Augusta of Denmark. In 1616, he married Princess Marie Elisabeth of Saxony, with whom he had several children. As Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, Frederick III was a patron of the arts and sciences and played an important role in the politics of his time. He supported and funded scientific expeditions and was a member of the Royal Society in London. In his later years, he suffered from gout and other health problems, which forced him to rely on a wheelchair. Despite his limitations, he continued to rule over his duchy until his death in 1659.

Frederick III also played an important role in the Thirty Years' War, serving as a general in the Protestant army. His victory at the Battle of Wolgast in 1628 is considered one of his greatest accomplishments. In addition to his military and political endeavors, Frederick III was a devout Lutheran and worked to promote the reformed faith in his dominion. He commissioned the construction of several churches and supported the education of Lutheran ministers. Later in life, he became increasingly interested in mysticism and was said to have been visited by angels. Frederick III's descendants played prominent roles in European history, with his grandson Peter III becoming Emperor of Russia in 1762.

Joachim Peiper

Joachim Peiper (January 30, 1915 Berlin-July 13, 1976 Traves, Haute-Saône) was a German personality.

He was notably a lieutenant colonel in the Waffen-SS during World War II, serving as a personal adjutant to Heinrich Himmler. Peiper gained notoriety for his involvement in several war crimes, including the Malmedy massacre, in which American prisoners of war were killed by SS troops under his command. After the war, Peiper was tried and convicted of war crimes, but his sentence was later commuted and he was released from prison. He lived in France and Germany in the following years, where he worked as a writer and translator. However, Peiper's controversial past continued to follow him, leading to multiple incidents of vandalism and protests against him. In 1976, he was killed in his home by unknown attackers. His death remains unsolved to this day.

Peiper was born into an affluent family in Berlin and became involved in far-right politics during his youth. He joined the Nazi Party in 1933 and transferred to the Waffen-SS in 1935. Peiper quickly rose through the ranks and became a trusted advisor to Himmler, participating in the planning of numerous military campaigns.

Aside from the Malmedy massacre, Peiper was also involved in the massacre of Italian civilians in Tuscany and the execution of a group of British commandos in France. His actions during the war drew widespread condemnation and led to accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

After his release from prison, Peiper faced ongoing criticism and protests from the public, particularly in Germany. Some saw him as a hero and defender of Germany, while others saw him as a war criminal responsible for grave atrocities. His controversial legacy and mysterious death continue to fascinate historians and the public alike.

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Carl Ludvig Engel

Carl Ludvig Engel (July 3, 1778 Charlottenburg-May 14, 1840 Helsinki) was a German architect.

He studied architecture in Berlin and Dresden before moving to Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he served as an architect in the Imperial Court. In 1816, Engel was invited to Helsinki, Finland, to design new buildings for the city, which at the time was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland, a part of the Russian Empire. Engel's most renowned works include the Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, and the Finnish National Theater. His architectural style was heavily influenced by the neoclassical style, and his works often combined elements of Greek and Roman architecture. Engel's legacy lives on as one of the most influential architects of his time and as the designer of some of Finland's most iconic buildings.

Engel is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to blend classical architectural elements with modern functionality. He had a significant impact on the development of Helsinki, transforming it into a city with a unique architectural identity. Engel also designed many private residences and public buildings in Helsinki, such as the Senate Square, the Bank of Finland building, and the House of the Estates. He was highly respected among his contemporaries and was often consulted by other architects and builders. Engel's impact on Finnish architecture continued long after his death, and his innovative use of space and light continues to influence modern architecture in Finland and beyond.

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