Pathetic Facts

German music stars who deceased at age 74

Here are 19 famous musicians from Germany died at 74:

Hans Hellmut Kirst

Hans Hellmut Kirst (December 5, 1914 Ostróda-February 23, 1989 Werdum) was a German novelist, writer, screenwriter and film critic. His child is Beatrice Kirst.

Kirst is primarily known for his works of historical fiction set during World War II, such as "The Night of the Generals" and "The Beast of Paris". He served in the German Army during the war and was captured by the British in North Africa in 1943, spending two years as a prisoner of war. This experience greatly influenced his writing and the perspective he brought to his novels. Kirst also worked as a film critic for several German newspapers and as a screenwriter, adapting his own novels for the screen. He was awarded the Goethe Prize in 1983 for his contributions to German literature.

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Friedrich Ludwig

Friedrich Ludwig (October 25, 1895 Wieslet-January 22, 1970) was a German personality.

Friedrich Ludwig was a renowned German politician who served as the Minister-President of the state of Baden-Württemberg in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was a member of the Christian Democratic Union and played an instrumental role in shaping the post-World War II political landscape of Germany. In addition to his political career, Ludwig was also a successful lawyer and businessman. He earned a law degree from the University of Freiburg before establishing his own law firm and becoming involved in corporate governance. Ludwig's dedication to public service and his contributions to the rebuilding of Germany following the war remain an important part of his legacy to this day.

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Wilhelm Riphahn

Wilhelm Riphahn (July 25, 1889 Cologne-December 27, 1963 Cologne) was a German architect.

He studied architecture at Technical University of Munich and then in Berlin. After serving in World War I, he returned to Cologne to start his architecture practice.

Riphahn's architectural style was influenced by the New Objectivity movement in the early 20th century. He was known for his modernist and functionalist designs, which were characterized by their simplicity and efficiency.

One of his most significant commissions was the rebuilding of Cologne after World War II. Riphahn played a crucial role in the reconstruction of the city and was also involved in the planning of several buildings for the government of North Rhine-Westphalia.

In addition to his professional achievements, Riphahn was a respected member of the academic community. He taught at the Technical University of Berlin and was appointed as a professor at the Technical University of Munich in 1946.

Today, Riphahn's work is still widely admired and respected. Some of his notable projects include the Cologne Opera House, the Ludwig Museum, and the German Sport University in Cologne.

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Leo Strauss

Leo Strauss (September 20, 1899 Kirchhain-October 18, 1973 Annapolis) was a German scientist, writer, philosopher, political scientist and professor.

Strauss's work focused on studying the history of political philosophy and his ideas were influential in academic debates surrounding modernity, liberalism, and the relationship between religion and politics. After fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s, he taught political science at several American universities, including the University of Chicago and the New School for Social Research. Strauss's most famous students include political philosopher Allan Bloom and the former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, who would later become central figures in the George W. Bush administration. Despite his reputation as a conservative thinker, Strauss's work has been the subject of ongoing debate among scholars in the fields of political philosophy and theology.

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Friedrich Sigmund Merkel

Friedrich Sigmund Merkel (April 5, 1845 Nuremberg-May 28, 1919 Göttingen) was a German scientist.

He is known for his research in the field of histology and neuroanatomy, particularly for his discovery of Merkel cells in the skin, which are named after him. Merkel began his studies in medicine at the University of Würzburg in 1864, where he later worked as an assistant to the chair of anatomy, Rudolf Virchow. In 1869, he moved to the University of Göttingen as a prosector and lecturer. In addition to his work on Merkel cells, he also studied the anatomy of the inner ear and contributed to the development of the "Ramon y Cajal method" of staining nervous tissue. Meredith Kercher, victim of the Perugia murder in 2007 was Merkel direct descendant.

Katherine Sophie Dreier

Katherine Sophie Dreier (September 10, 1877 Brooklyn-March 29, 1952 Brooklyn) also known as Katherine S Dreier was a German artist and visual artist.

She was a prominent figure in the development of modern art in both Europe and the United States, known for her contributions to the avant-garde movement. In 1915, she founded the Cooperative Mural Workshop in New York City, which aimed to create collaborative works of art in a non-competitive environment. Dreier was also a founding member of the Société Anonyme, an organization dedicated to promoting new and innovative forms of art, and co-authored the group's manifesto with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray. She was deeply committed to promoting the work of female artists and was an advocate for art education, co-founding the American Abstract Artists group in 1936. Despite facing significant obstacles as a woman in the art world, Dreier left a lasting legacy as a pioneer of modern art and a trailblazer for women artists.

Wolfgang Menzel

Wolfgang Menzel (June 26, 1798 Wałbrzych-April 23, 1873 Stuttgart) was a German personality.

He was a writer, critic, and historian known for his controversial opinions and outspoken nature. Menzel is often remembered for his contributions to German literature, particularly his critical work on the Romantic period. He was also known for his conservative political views and his role in the Revolutions of 1848. Despite his controversial beliefs, Menzel was a prolific writer and maintained a prominent position in German intellectual circles throughout his lifetime. His legacy continues to be debated today, with some viewing him as a pioneer in German literary criticism and others criticizing him for his ties to far-right political movements.

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Erna Sack

Erna Sack (February 6, 1898 Spandau-March 2, 1972 Mainz) a.k.a. The German Nightingale was a German actor.

Correction: Erna Sack was not an actor. She was a German operatic coloratura soprano, known for her clear and agile voice. She was particularly known for her interpretations of Mozart and other composers of the 18th century. Sack rose to fame in the 1930s and performed extensively in Germany and abroad, including in the United States. She recorded extensively and her recordings are still highly regarded by classical music enthusiasts. Sack was forced to retire from performing due to health issues in the 1950s, but continued to support and mentor other singers until her death in 1972.

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Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland

Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland (August 12, 1762 Bad Langensalza-August 25, 1836 Berlin) was a German physician.

Hufeland was a prominent advocate of natural medicine and preventive healthcare. He was influenced by the Enlightenment and sought to bring scientific and rational thinking to the field of medicine. He wrote over 800 publications and was considered one of the most well-known and respected medical writers of his time. Hufeland also served as physician to several important German figures, including Goethe and Schiller. In addition, he was a pioneer in public health, founding the first public health journal in Germany and advocating for hygiene and sanitation measures to prevent disease spread. His contributions to medicine and healthcare have had a lasting impact on the field and continue to be studied and implemented today.

Lothar Bucher

Lothar Bucher (October 25, 1817 Szczecinek-October 12, 1892 Glion) was a German personality.

He was known for being a scholar, politician, and writer who had a significant impact on his country during his time. Bucher received his education from the University of Berlin, where he studied law and economics. He later became a professor of economics at the University of Tübingen and played an influential role in shaping the economic policies of the German Empire.

Apart from his academic and political pursuits, Bucher was also an accomplished writer. He authored several books, including "Die moderne Lehre von den Völkerwanderungen" (The Modern Doctrine of Migrations) and "Arbeit und Rhythmus" (Work and Rhythm). His works were well-received and helped establish him as an important figure in 19th-century German intellectual circles.

Despite his many accomplishments, Bucher faced political opposition due to his progressive views on social welfare and labor laws. Nevertheless, he remained committed to his ideals and continued to fight for the betterment of society until his death in 1892.

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Johann Gottlieb Nörremberg

Johann Gottlieb Nörremberg (August 11, 1787-July 20, 1862 Stuttgart) a.k.a. Johann Gottlieb Norremberg was a German physicist.

He was born in Leipzig and studied at the University of Leipzig, where he later became an assistant professor. In 1817, he became a professor of physics at the University of Erlangen, and in 1828, he was appointed as a professor of physics and director of the physics institute at the University of Stuttgart.

Norremberg was known for his work on electromagnetism and optics. He discovered the principle of electrical induction independently of Michael Faraday, although Faraday is usually credited with the discovery. Norremberg's work on optics included research on the polarization of light and the development of a polariscope, which is still used in modern times for stress analysis.

In addition to his scientific work, Norremberg was also interested in musical acoustics and published several works on the topic. He was a member of the Royal Society of Sciences in Göttingen, the Bavarian Academy of Sciences, and the Württemberg Academy of Sciences. Norremberg died in Stuttgart in 1862.

Eugen Fischer

Eugen Fischer (March 3, 1899 Berchtesgaden-March 19, 1973 Berchtesgaden) was a German personality.

He was a physician and geneticist who conducted research in the field of eugenics. Fischer was a key figure in the Nazi Party and his work focused on the supposed superiority of the Aryan race, which led to the implementation of forced sterilization policies and other forms of racial hygiene. He was appointed to the chair of anthropology and human heredity at the University of Berlin in 1933, after the Nazis came to power. Fischer’s research was used as a scientific basis for the Holocaust, and he personally conducted experiments on concentration camp prisoners. After World War II, he was tried and convicted of crimes against humanity but was released early due to his advanced age. His work and legacy remain controversial to this day, and are widely criticized for their racist and discriminatory nature.

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Philip Schaff

Philip Schaff (January 1, 1819 Chur-October 20, 1893 New York City) was a German personality.

Philip Schaff was a German-American theologian, historian, and writer who made a significant contribution to the development of Protestantism in America. He was born in Chur, Switzerland, and received his education at various institutions in Europe, including the Universities of Berlin, Tübingen, and Halle. In 1844, he emigrated to the United States, where he eventually became Professor of Church History and Biblical Literature at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Schaff was known for his extensive knowledge of Christian history and his ability to write about complex theological topics in a clear and accessible manner. He was also an advocate for the unity of the Christian church and worked to foster greater cooperation between different Christian denominations. Schaff wrote numerous books and articles throughout his career, including the 8-volume "History of the Christian Church," which remains a classic work in the field. He died in New York City in 1893.

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Johann Christoph Adelung

Johann Christoph Adelung (August 8, 1732 Spantekow-September 10, 1806 Dresden) was a German personality.

He was a scholar, writer, literary critic, and lexicographer. Adelung worked as a professor of philosophy and languages at the University of Erfurt and later at the University of Leipzig. He is best known for his work on "Grammatisch-kritisches Wörterbuch der Hochdeutschen Mundart", a dictionary of the German language which was published in multiple volumes between 1774 and 1786. Adelung also wrote numerous essays and books on language and literature, and he was an influential figure in the development of German literary criticism.

Günther Beck von Mannagetta und Lerchenau

Günther Beck von Mannagetta und Lerchenau (August 25, 1856-June 23, 1931) otherwise known as Gunther von Mannagetta und Lerchenau Beck was a German botanist.

He was born in Munich, Germany and received his education at the Ludwig Maximilian University. After completing his studies, he worked as a lecturer of botany at the University of Würzburg and then at the University of Amsterdam. In 1890, he was appointed to the University of Innsbruck as the chair of the botany department where he remained until his retirement in 1927.

Gunther von Mannagetta und Lerchenau Beck became renowned for his research in the field of botanical systematics, particularly in the study of the family Orchidaceae (orchids). He discovered and named many new genera and species of orchids and he described his findings in numerous publications throughout his career. He also made contributions to the development of theories on evolution and the origins of plant species.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Gunther von Mannagetta und Lerchenau Beck was a member of various scientific societies and received several honors and awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Vienna. He died on June 23, 1931, in Innsbruck, Austria.

Georg Ernst Stahl

Georg Ernst Stahl (October 22, 1659 Ansbach-May 24, 1734 Berlin) was a German physician and chemist.

He is known for his work on phlogiston theory, which was the prevailing theory of combustion from the 17th to late 18th centuries. Stahl studied medicine at the University of Jena and later became a professor at the University of Halle. He believed that all combustible materials contained a substance called phlogiston, which was released during combustion. Stahl also made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of digestion and metabolism. He believed that the stomach and intestines played a crucial role in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Stahl's work helped lay the foundation for modern chemistry and medical science.

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Charles Martin Loeffler

Charles Martin Loeffler (January 30, 1861 Schöneberg-May 19, 1935) also known as Loeffler, Charles Martin was a German personality.

Charles Martin Loeffler was actually an American composer and violinist, born to German parents in Berlin, Germany. He moved to the United States in his early twenties and worked as a violinist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra for over 20 years. Loeffler was also a prolific composer and wrote pieces for orchestra, chamber music, and solo instruments throughout his career. He was strongly influenced by the French impressionist composers of his time and was known for his use of colorful harmonies and textures in his music. Loeffler was a respected figure in the Boston music scene and mentored several younger composers, including John Alden Carpenter and Henry Cowell.

Philipp Scheidemann

Philipp Scheidemann (July 26, 1865 Kassel-November 29, 1939 Denmark) was a German politician.

He was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and a prominent figure in the German Revolution of 1918-1919, which led to the collapse of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic. Scheidemann served as the first Chancellor of Weimar Germany for just a few months in 1919, but his legacy in promoting democracy and social justice in Germany has endured. He was later forced into exile when the Nazi Party came to power in 1933, and he died in Denmark in 1939. Scheidemann's contributions to German politics continue to be widely respected and remembered today.

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Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius

Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (April 17, 1794 Erlangen-December 13, 1868 Munich) was a German botanist.

He received his education at Erlangen and Berlin, and was later appointed professor of botany at the University of Munich in 1835. Von Martius went on several expeditions to Brazil, where he spent three years exploring and studying the country's flora, which resulted in his massive work "Flora Brasiliensis".

In addition to his scientific work, Von Martius was also involved in cultural and political activities. He was a founding member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, as well as the German Archaeological Institute. Von Martius also served in the Bavarian parliament and advocated for political reforms, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Throughout his life, Von Martius collected a vast number of plant specimens, which are now housed in the herbarium of the Munich Botanical Garden. He was honored by having several species of plants and animals named after him, including a species of palm tree (Martiusella).