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Russian musicians died at 39

Here are 10 famous musicians from Russian Empire died at 39:

Max Erwin von Scheubner-Richter

Max Erwin von Scheubner-Richter (January 21, 1884 Riga-November 9, 1923 Munich) was a Russian politician and diplomat.

He is best known for his association with Adolf Hitler during the early years of the Nazi Party. In 1919, Scheubner-Richter met Hitler in a beer hall in Munich and was immediately drawn to his ideas of uniting Germany and regaining its former glory. Scheubner-Richter quickly became one of Hitler's most trusted and loyal supporters, serving as his personal advisor and diplomat.

During the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, Scheubner-Richter accompanied Hitler on his march through Munich and was shot and killed by police alongside him. Despite his relatively unknown status, Scheubner-Richter was later venerated by the Nazi Party as a martyr and hero.

Prior to his involvement with the Nazi Party, Max Erwin von Scheubner-Richter had a successful career as a diplomat. He had graduated from Oxford University and worked as a German consul in various countries, including Persia and Turkey. It was during his time in Turkey that he witnessed the Armenian Genocide, which deeply affected him and led him to become a fervent nationalist.

In addition to his diplomatic work, Scheubner-Richter was a prolific writer and journalist, publishing articles on various political and economic topics. He was also a member of several right-wing organizations in Germany and other countries, including the Thule Society, which was known for its occult beliefs and was later co-opted by the Nazi Party.

Scheubner-Richter played a key role in shaping the Nazi Party's foreign policy, particularly with regards to Russia. He believed that Germany and Russia had a natural affinity and should work together to counter the influence of France and Britain. He also believed in the idea of a "living space" for the German people, which would require expansion into Eastern Europe and Russia.

Despite his early and enthusiastic support for Hitler and the Nazi Party, Scheubner-Richter did have disagreements with some of their policies. For example, he was critical of their anti-Semitic rhetoric and believed that Germany should focus on building alliances with other European powers rather than pursuing a policy of isolationism.

Despite his short life and relatively minor role in history, Max Erwin von Scheubner-Richter's association with Hitler and the Nazi Party has made him a controversial figure. Some regard him as a courageous martyr who died for his beliefs, while others see him as a dangerous ideologue who helped lay the groundwork for the atrocities of the Third Reich.

Andrei Hodorogea

Andrei Hodorogea (April 5, 1878 Biești-August 20, 1917 Chișinău) was a Russian engineer.

He is known for his invention of the Hodorogea dynamo, a type of electrical generator used in early automobile engines. Hodorogea was born in Biești, a village in present-day Romania, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He studied at the St. Petersburg Institute of Technology and later worked as an engineer in several Russian cities. In 1912, he invented the Hodorogea dynamo, which was lighter and more efficient than previous generators. It was used in several automobile models, including the famous Model T. Hodorogea died at the age of 39 in Chișinău, now the capital of Moldova.

Despite his premature death, Hodorogea made a significant contribution to the field of electrical engineering. He was widely recognized for his expertise in generator design and his groundbreaking work in the field. The Hodorogea dynamo was particularly noteworthy for its compact size, high power output, and low weight. It was an important development in the early days of the automobile industry, allowing cars to be powered by electricity instead of gasoline or steam. Hodorogea also conducted research in other areas of electrical engineering, including the design of transformers and motors. His legacy lives on in the continued use of his pioneering technology in modern electrical generators.

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Nikoloz Shengelaia

Nikoloz Shengelaia (August 19, 1903 Georgia-January 4, 1943 Tbilisi) also known as Nikolai Shengelaia or Nikoloz Shengelaya was a Russian film director and screenwriter. He had two children, Eldar Shengelaia and Giorgi Shengelaia.

Nikoloz Shengelaia was born in the city of Ozurgeti, Georgia, which was at the time part of the Russian Empire. He began his career in the film industry in 1926 as a screenwriter and worked his way up to become a renowned director. His most famous films include "The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. West in the Land of the Bolsheviks", "Twenty-Six Commissars", and "Blue Mountains, or Unbelievable Story".

Shengelaia was known for his distinctive style, which combined elements of comedy, drama, and satire. He was a prominent figure in the Soviet film industry and was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to cinema.

Tragically, Nikoloz Shengelaia passed away at the young age of 39 due to illness in Tbilisi, Georgia. Despite his short career, he made a lasting impact on Soviet cinema and his influence can still be seen in modern Georgian and Russian films.

In addition to his work in film, Nikoloz Shengelaia was also a prominent member of the Georgian artistic community. He was a co-founder of the Georgian State Film Actors' Theatre and was actively involved in promoting Georgian culture. He wrote several books on Georgian art, literature, and culture, and was also a translator, having translated the works of notable Russian authors into Georgian.

Shengelaia's son, Eldar, followed in his father's footsteps and became a successful film director himself, directing such notable films as "April", "An Unusual Exhibition", and "Blue Mountains". The father-son duo is considered to be one of the most influential in Georgian cinema history.

Despite his untimely death, Nikoloz Shengelaia's legacy continues to inspire young filmmakers today. He is remembered as a pioneer in Soviet cinema and a passionate promoter of Georgian culture.

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Maria Cebotari

Maria Cebotari (February 10, 1910 Chișinău-June 9, 1949 Vienna) also known as Maria Cebotaru was a Russian singer, actor and opera singer.

Maria Cebotari was known for her operatic performances in renowned European opera houses such as the Vienna State Opera and the Berlin State Opera. She was also a respected recitalist and appeared in several films. She was considered a rising star in the world of opera and was admired for her beautiful voice and captivating stage presence. Despite her success, her life was cut short at the age of 39 due to complications related to cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire many aspiring opera singers and her recordings are still appreciated by audiences today.

Maria Cebotari began her musical education at a young age, studying violin and piano at the Music Conservatory in Chișinău. Her exceptional singing voice was discovered by her vocal instructor, who urged her to pursue a career in opera. She made her professional debut at the age of 22 at the Bucharest Opera in Romania, where she quickly gained recognition for her powerful soprano voice.

In 1936, Maria Cebotari was invited to perform at the Zurich Opera in Switzerland, where she became a resident artist. Her performances in Zurich helped establish her reputation as one of the most talented and versatile opera singers of her time. In addition to her operatic performances, she also appeared in several films throughout the 1940s, including the German film "Friedemann Bach" in 1941.

During World War II, Maria Cebotari used her public platform to speak out against Nazi tyranny and oppression. She was a vocal supporter of the resistance movement and used her talents as an artist to provide comfort and hope to those affected by the war.

Despite her relatively short career, Maria Cebotari's influence on the world of opera has been enduring. Her passionate performances and incomparable vocal abilities continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike, making her a true icon of the art form.

She died caused by cancer.

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Ilya Ilf

Ilya Ilf (October 15, 1897 Odessa-April 13, 1937 Moscow) also known as Ilya Arnoldovich Faynzilberg, Ilʹi͡a Ilʹf, Ієхієл-Лейб Арно́льдович Файнзільберг, Ilya Arnoldovich Fajnzilberg, Илья Арнольдович Файнзильберг, Ilf or Iehiel-Leyb Arnoldovich Faynzilberg was a Russian writer. He had one child, Alexandra Ilf.

Ilya Ilf was best known for his collaboration with Yevgeny Petrov on the satirical novel "The Twelve Chairs" (1928) which became an instant classic and was adapted into several films and a musical. The duo also wrote the sequel, "The Golden Calf" (1931), which continued the adventures of the anti-hero Ostap Bender.

Ilf was a prolific journalist and humorist and worked for several newspapers, including "Krasnaya Gazeta" and "Ogoniok". He was also a keen photographer and published a book of his photographs, "Odessa: A Guidebook".

Ilf's writing was notable for its humor, satire, and sharp social commentary. He used his writing to highlight the absurdities and contradictions of Soviet life and poke fun at the authorities. Ilf's work remains popular in Russia today and he is regarded as one of the greatest humorists in Russian literature.

Ilf was born into a Jewish family in Odessa and studied at the University of Kharkiv. He began his writing career as a journalist and worked as a war correspondent during World War I. In the 1920s, he moved to Moscow and began collaborating with Petrov. Together, they wrote several books, including travelogues and satire, and became some of the most popular writers of their time.

In addition to his literary career, Ilf was involved in politics and was a member of the Communist Party. He supported the Soviet regime and was enthusiastic about the Soviet experiment, but also criticized the shortcomings of the system. His writing often highlighted the contradictions and confusion of Soviet reality.

Ilf's work influenced generations of Russian writers and humorists, from Vladimir Voinovich to Sergei Dovlatov. Today, he is regarded as a classic figure of Soviet literature and his books are widely read and loved in Russia and beyond. Ilf's life and art remain an important part of the cultural heritage of Russia.

He died as a result of tuberculosis.

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Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia

Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia (December 4, 1878 Nevsky Prospect-June 13, 1918 Perm) also known as Mikhail Alexandrovich Romanov, Flopsy, Misha or Михаи́л Александрович Рома́нов was a Russian personality. His child is called George Mikhailovich, Count Brasov.

Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich was the youngest son of Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia. He was a member of the Romanov dynasty, the ruling family of the Russian Empire. Despite being the younger brother of Emperor Nicholas II, Michael declined the throne after his brother's abdication in March 1917.

During World War I, Michael served in the Russian Army and was known for his courage and dedication. He was briefly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army in May 1917 but was removed from the position by the Provisional Government.

Following the Bolshevik Revolution, Michael was arrested by the Soviet authorities and imprisoned in the city of Perm. In June 1918, he was executed by a firing squad on the orders of the Bolshevik government. Michael was later canonized as a martyr by the Russian Orthodox Church.

During his youth, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich was described as a happy and carefree child. He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was educated privately and spoke several languages fluently, including English, French, and German. Michael was also interested in art and music, and he took piano lessons from the renowned composer Sergei Taneyev.

In 1912, Michael married Natalia Sergeyevna Wulfert, a commoner who was widely admired for her beauty and intelligence. However, because she was not of royal blood, the marriage was considered morganatic, and their children did not have any dynastic rights. Their son George Mikhailovich pursued a career in the military and served in the British Army during World War II.

After his brother's abdication, Michael was the subject of much speculation about whether or not he would accept the throne. He was considered by some to be a more popular choice than his brother, but he ultimately declined the position, feeling that it was not his right to rule without the support of the people and the Duma.

Michael's death was a tragic loss for the Romanov family and the Russian people. In 1991, his remains were exhumed and reburied in St. Petersburg along with those of other Romanov family members who had been executed by the Bolsheviks. Today, Michael is remembered as a brave and honorable man who remained true to his convictions until the very end.

He died caused by firearm.

Mykola Khvylovy

Mykola Khvylovy (December 1, 1893 Trostianets-May 13, 1933 Kharkiv) a.k.a. Mykola Khvylʹovyĭ, Mykola Fitilyov, Mykola Fitilov, Khvylovy or Mykola Khvyliovyi was a Russian writer and poet.

He was one of the leading figures of the Ukrainian literary avant-garde in the 1920s and 1930s. Khvylovy was best known for his novel, "Vpered" (Forward), which portrayed the life of Ukrainian peasants during the Soviet collectivization period. He was also a prolific essayist and a prominent member of the Proletkult, a movement that sought to create art that would serve the political and social interests of the working class. Khvylovy was a staunch supporter of the Bolsheviks and was an active participant in the Communist Party. However, he became disillusioned with the Soviet system in the early 1930s and criticized the regime in his writings. He committed suicide in 1933, at the age of 39, which is believed to be a result of his disappointment with the direction that the Soviet Union was taking under Stalin's leadership.

Khvylovy was born in Trostianets, a small town in the Chernigov Governorate of the Russian Empire, which is now in Ukraine. He studied law in Kyiv, but his real passion was literature, and he soon became involved in the local artistic circles. In 1919, he joined the Bolshevik Party and took part in the Ukrainian-Soviet War. After the war, he worked as a journalist and editor, contributing to various newspapers and magazines.

Khvylovy's literary career began in the early 1920s, when he published his first poems and short stories. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative style, which combined avant-garde techniques with traditional Ukrainian folk themes. His works were praised for their energy, originality, and lyrical quality.

Besides his literary activities, Khvylovy was also involved in the cultural and political life of Soviet Ukraine. He was a member of the Ukrainian Communist Party's Central Committee and served as the head of the Literature Department of the All-Ukrainian Central Executive Committee. He participated in numerous debates and discussions on the role of art in the building of socialism and the creation of a new Soviet culture.

However, Khvylovy's political views started to shift in the early 1930s, as he became disillusioned with the Stalinist regime and its policies. He criticized the widespread purges and arrests of his fellow writers and intellectuals, and he was also opposed to the forced collectivization of agriculture, which he saw as a violation of the peasants' rights. In his final years, he struggled with depression and alcoholism, which may have contributed to his suicide in 1933.

Khvylovy's legacy as a writer and a political activist has been recognized both in Ukraine and abroad. His works have been translated into many languages and are still read and studied today. He is remembered as an important representative of the Ukrainian literary avant-garde and a courageous voice against totalitarianism and oppression.

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Fricis Bārda

Fricis Bārda (January 25, 1880-March 13, 1919 Riga) also known as Fricis Barda or Bārda, Fricis was a Russian personality.

Fricis Bārda was a Latvian actor and director, known for his contributions to the development of Latvian theater. He began acting in his teenage years and later went on to study theater and stage arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. Bārda performed in various plays and became a prominent figure in the Latvian theater scene, often directing and producing plays himself. He also worked as a theater critic and writer, contributing to several Latvian publications. Bārda was a strong advocate for Latvian independence and openly supported the 1905 Revolution. He was later arrested and exiled to Siberia, but upon his return to Latvia, continued his work in the arts until his untimely death at the age of 39 from pneumonia. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Latvian theater history.

Bārda's legacy in Latvian theater was immense, as he was not only a performer and director but also a pioneer in introducing contemporary European theater to Latvia. He was especially drawn to the works of Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg and revolutionized the way Latvian plays were being produced and performed. Bārda believed that the stage was the best way to showcase national identity and evoke emotions in people. His plays and adaptations often dealt with political and social issues, making him a controversial figure in a time when Latvia was embroiled in political turmoil.

Apart from his contributions to the arts, Bārda was also a member of the Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party and actively participated in political rallies and discussions. He used his platform as an artist to raise awareness and fight for Latvian independence. However, his involvement in politics led to his arrest and exile, forcing him to flee the country for several years.

Bārda's sudden death in 1919 was a great loss to the Latvian theater community, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations of artists to come. Today, his name adorns several theaters across Latvia and his works continue to be performed and studied by theater enthusiasts.

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Zula Pogorzelska

Zula Pogorzelska (April 5, 1896 Yevpatoria-February 10, 1936 Vilnius) a.k.a. Zofia Pogorzelska was a Russian actor, dancer and singer.

She was trained in theatre and music in St. Petersburg before moving to Warsaw in 1915 to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. In 1922, she made her debut in the Polish film industry and became a popular actress. She was known for her roles in romantic comedies and dramas. Pogorzelska's talent was not limited to acting, she was also a skilled dancer and singer. She performed in various productions that combined theatre, music, and dance. Unfortunately, her life was cut short due to illness, and she passed away at the age of 39 in Vilnius. Despite her short-lived career, Zula Pogorzelska made a significant contribution to the Polish entertainment industry and is remembered as a talented actress, dancer and singer.

Throughout her career, Zula Pogorzelska was widely regarded as a charismatic and vivacious performer, with a magnetic stage presence that captivated audiences. Her performances were known for their dramatic intensity, emotional range and refined technique, which helped elevate her to the status of one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation.

In addition to her acting career, Pogorzelska was also a noted socialite and fashion icon during the 1920s and 1930s, and was often featured in magazines and newspapers for her glamorous style and elegant demeanor. She was known for her impeccable taste in fashion and her ability to combine classic and modern styles in innovative ways.

Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, including a difficult marriage and a long battle with illness, Zula Pogorzelska remained committed to her craft and continued to inspire generations of young artists and performers with her legacy of talent and creativity.

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Vitold Polonsky

Vitold Polonsky (April 5, 1879 Russian Empire-January 5, 1919 Odessa) also known as Vitold Alfonsovich Polonsky was a Russian actor. His children are Irina Polonskaya and Veronika Polonskaya.

Vitold Polonsky was born in a noble family in Kiev, Russian Empire. He studied at the Kiev Theological Academy before switching to a career in acting. Polonsky made his stage debut in 1903 in the play "Masquerade" at the Korsh Theater in Kiev. He quickly established himself as a talented actor and joined the Moscow Art Theater in 1906.

At the Moscow Art Theater, Polonsky worked with renowned director Konstantin Stanislavski and performed in iconic plays such as "The Cherry Orchard" and "Three Sisters". He also appeared in several silent films, including "The Outrage" and "Father Sergius".

Polonsky was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. He was praised for his performances in Chekhov's plays in particular, and his portrayal of Vershinin in "Three Sisters" is considered one of his most memorable roles.

Tragically, Polonsky's life was cut short at the age of 39 when he was executed by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War. However, his legacy as an influential figure in Russian theater and cinema continues to live on.

His daughter, Irina Polonskaya, followed in her father's footsteps and became an actress, working in both theater and film. She also wrote a memoir about her father titled "The Bright Tragicomedy of My Father's Life". In addition to acting, Vitold Polonsky was also an accomplished writer and translator, and his translations of European plays such as "The Dybbuk" and "The Lower Depths" were very popular in Russia. Despite his short life, Vitold Polonsky left a lasting impact on Russian culture and theater, inspiring generations of actors and artists to come.

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