Here are 14 famous musicians from Switzerland died at 57:
Wilhelm Rüstow (May 25, 1821-August 14, 1878) also known as Friedrich Wilhelm Rustow was a Swiss writer.
He studied philosophy and history in Berlin, Germany and became a professor of history in Zurich, Switzerland. Rüstow was a prolific writer and published numerous works on historical and social topics, including a manual for Swiss history and a study on the history of the Reformation. He was also involved in politics and supported liberal movements in Switzerland, advocating for a more democratic government. Rüstow's work had a lasting impact on Swiss intellectual and political life and is still studied and discussed today.
In addition to his contributions to history and politics, Wilhelm Rüstow was also a key figure in the development of economics as a distinct academic field. He was a member of the so-called "historical school" of economics, which emphasized the importance of historical context and economic institutions in shaping economic outcomes. Rüstow's most famous work in economics is his "Grundriss zu Vorlesungen über die Nationalökonomie" (Outline of Lectures on National Economy), which he wrote in collaboration with fellow economist Gustav von Schmoller. This work helped to establish economics as a serious academic discipline in Germany and beyond, and its emphasis on the importance of historical context remains influential in the field today.
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Émil Goeldi (August 28, 1859 St. Gallen-July 5, 1917 Bern) also known as Emil Goeldi was a Swiss scientist.
He was a naturalist, zoologist, and pioneer in the field of Brazilian parasitology. Goeldi was the son of a naturalist and grew up among the mountains of Switzerland, which fostered his love for nature from a young age. In 1883, he took up a position at the National Museum of Brazil, where he conducted extensive research and exploration of various areas in Brazil, discovering and describing numerous new species of mammals, birds, and fish. He also studied parasitology and published several works on the subject. In addition to his scientific work, Goeldi was a passionate advocate for nature conservation and played a key role in the establishment of national parks and protected areas in Brazil. His contributions to science and nature conservation continue to be celebrated today.
Throughout his career, Goeldi made many discoveries, including some that were named after him, such as the Goeldi's marmoset and Goeldi's antbird. His extensive work in Brazilian parasitology led to the discovery of new species of ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects. Goeldi also advocated strongly for the commercial use of rubber to be balanced with conservation measures, recognizing the threat that unbridled commercial exploitation could pose to Brazil's natural resources.
Goeldi's legacy lives on today, as his contributions to Brazilian natural history, conservation, and parasitology are studied and celebrated by scientists and conservationists around the world. In honor of his contributions, the Emil Goeldi Museum of Zoology in Brazil was established in 1866, a museum that continues to house collections and conduct research on Brazilian flora and fauna.
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Marcel Junod (May 14, 1904 Neuchâtel-June 16, 1961 Geneva) also known as Dr. Marcel Junod was a Swiss physician.
During World War II, he became a delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In 1945 he was the first Western doctor to enter the city of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. He played a key role in mobilizing aid for the victims of the bomb, treating the wounded and coordinating medical resources. He later wrote a seminal book about his experiences called "The Hiroshima Disaster". After World War II, Junod continued to work for the ICRC, participating in aid missions in various countries. He was awarded the Red Cross's highest honor, the Florence Nightingale Medal, for his humanitarian work.
Junod had a distinguished career as a physician, specializing in tropical medicine and surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Geneva in 1928 and went on to work in various hospitals and clinics in Switzerland, Algeria, and Indochina. In 1933, he joined the ICRC and was soon dispatched to Ethiopia to provide medical assistance during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. He also served as a delegate of the ICRC during the Spanish Civil War and the Russo-Finnish War.
During his career, Junod became known for his compassionate approach to medicine and his commitment to alleviating the suffering of war victims. He believed that all people, regardless of their nationality or political affiliation, deserved access to medical care and basic human rights. His work with the ICRC brought him to some of the most challenging and dangerous places in the world, including war zones and conflict areas.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Junod was also an accomplished writer and photographer. He documented his experiences in numerous articles and books, including "War Without Arms: The Story of the Red Cross", which was published in 1939. He also contributed to a number of medical journals and was a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars.
Junod's legacy as a physician and humanitarian continues to inspire people around the world. His work with the ICRC helped to establish international standards for the treatment of war victims and paved the way for future efforts to promote peace and human rights. His writings and photographs provide a vivid record of the many challenges and triumphs of his remarkable career.
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Egon von Fürstenberg (June 29, 1946 Lausanne-June 11, 2004 Rome) also known as Egon von Furstenberg, Prince Egon of Fürstenberg or Eduard Egon Peter Paul Giovanni Prinz zu Fürstenberg was a Swiss fashion designer, author and businessperson. He had two children, Tatiana von Fürstenberg and Alexander von Fürstenberg.
Egon von Fürstenberg was born to an aristocratic family in Switzerland and was the second son of Prince Tassilo von Fürstenberg and his first wife, the fashion designer, Clara Agnelli. He started his career working in the fashion industry in 1968 and soon became a known name in the industry as a designer. He founded his own fashion label in 1974 called Egon von Fürstenberg and his designs soon became popular with the elite crowd.
In addition to designing clothes, Fürstenberg was also an author and published several books including "The Power Look" which focused on fashion and "Body & Beauty Book" focusing on fitness and health. He was also a skilled businessman having launched several successful ventures including a chain of luxury hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Fürstenberg was married twice, first to fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg in 1969, but the couple divorced in 1974. He then married Italian fashion model, Lynn Wesnofske in 1987, and they had two children together, Tatiana von Fürstenberg and Alexander von Fürstenberg.
Tragically, Fürstenberg passed away in 2004 due to complications caused by HIV/AIDS, making him one of the earliest high-profile victims of the disease. Despite his untimely death, Egon von Fürstenberg left behind a legacy that continues to inspire the fashion industry.
During his career, Egon von Fürstenberg designed clothes for several high-profile personalities including former First Lady of the United States, Nancy Reagan, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis among others. He was known for his elegant designs that were often minimalist in nature and had clean lines. Fürstenberg's designs were a reflection of his personal style which was refined and classic. He was considered to be one of the leading lights of the fashion industry in the 1970s and 1980s and was widely regarded as a trendsetter.He was also active in philanthropy throughout his life and supported several causes related to health, education, and the environment. In recognition of his contributions to fashion and philanthropy, Egon von Fürstenberg was awarded several honors including the prestigious Fashion Group International's "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 1984.
He died caused by hiv/aids.
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Flavio Maspoli (January 29, 1950 Sorengo-June 12, 2007 Lugano) was a Swiss politician.
He was a member of the Liberal Radical Party and served as a member of the National Council from 1991 to 2003, representing the canton of Ticino. During his time in office, he was known for his advocacy of free market policies and his support for the integration of Switzerland into the European Union. Maspoli also had a successful career in business, serving as CEO of several companies in the banking and insurance industries. He passed away in 2007 after a battle with cancer.
Maspoli was born in Sorengo, Switzerland to a family deeply involved in Ticinese business and politics. He studied economics at University of Lausanne, after which he began his career working at several financial institutions before eventually becoming CEO of a small insurance company. As an entrepreneur, Maspoli was known for his sharp business acumen and shrewd decision-making. His success in the private sector led to his gradual rise within the Liberal Radical Party, and he eventually became a prominent figure in Swiss politics.
In addition to his legislative work, Maspoli was actively involved in several prominent civic organizations. He served on the board of directors for a local healthcare foundation and was a member of the Swiss chapter of the World Wildlife Fund. Maspoli was also an accomplished fencer and represented Switzerland in several international competitions.
Maspoli's death in 2007 was mourned by politicians across the political spectrum, who praised him for his hard work, dedication, and commitment to advancing Switzerland's interests on the world stage. Today he is remembered as both a successful businessman and a devoted public servant, who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and fellow Swiss citizens.
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Jeremias Gotthelf (October 4, 1797 Murten-October 22, 1854 Lützelflüh) also known as Albert Bitzius was a Swiss novelist. He had three children, Henrietta Bitzius, Cecile Bitzius and Albert Bitzius.
Gotthelf was born in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, and was the son of a pastor. He studied theology at the University of Bern and later served as a pastor himself. However, he is best known for his work as a writer. Gotthelf wrote about the plight of the Swiss peasantry and was a prominent advocate for their rights. His novel "Uli the Farmhand" is a beloved classic in Switzerland and has been translated into many languages. Despite his literary success, he remained a humble and devout pastor throughout his life.
In addition to his novels, Jeremias Gotthelf also wrote many essays and speeches, championing the causes of the poor and oppressed. He believed that literature had the power to change society and often used his stories to highlight social injustices. Gotthelf's writing was deeply influenced by his Christian faith, and he saw his work as a form of service to others. Many of his stories explore themes of morality, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil.
Gotthelf's writing was not always well-received by his contemporaries. His depictions of rural life and the struggles of the peasantry were seen as crude and unrefined by some critics. However, his work has since been recognized as an important contribution to Swiss literature and culture. Today, Gotthelf is remembered as a pioneer of Swiss realism, and his work continues to inspire readers around the world.
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Johannes von Müller (January 3, 1752 Schaffhausen-May 29, 1809 Kassel) also known as Johannes von Muller was a Swiss personality.
He was a historian, statesman, and publicist who is best known for his work as a historian. Von Muller studied theology and philosophy in Germany before working as a private tutor for several wealthy families. He gained recognition for his historical works on the Ottoman Empire and the history of Switzerland, which were lauded for their accuracy and depth of research. Von Muller was also politically active and served as a diplomat for the Republic of Switzerland. Later in life, he became a professor of history at the University of Kassel in Germany. He is considered one of the most influential historians of his time and his works continue to be studied and admired today.
In addition to his historical and diplomatic pursuits, Johannes von Muller was also a prolific writer and journalist. He was the editor of various Swiss newspapers, including the “Swiss Messenger”, which he used as a platform to advance his political and social views. Von Muller was a strong advocate for Swiss independence and unity, and his writings often reflected these beliefs.
One of his most significant works was the “History of the Swiss Confederation”, which was published in multiple volumes and provided a detailed account of Switzerland's political development from the Middle Ages to the present day. The work was highly acclaimed and became a standard reference for historians and scholars.
In addition to his academic and political work, von Muller was also an accomplished linguist and was fluent in several languages, including French, German, Italian, and Latin. He used this talent to translate many historical texts into German, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Despite suffering from ill health for much of his life, Johannes von Muller continued to write and publish until his death in 1809. His legacy as a pioneering historian and influential public figure continues to be celebrated in Switzerland and beyond.
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Josy Gyr-Steiner (October 10, 1949 Wädenswil-April 18, 2007 Einsiedeln) was a Swiss politician.
She was a member of the Swiss People's Party and served as a Member of the National Council from 1991 to 2003. During her tenure, she was particularly active in legislative work related to agriculture, environmental protection, and social security. In addition to her political career, Gyr-Steiner was also a successful businesswoman, owning and managing a hotel in Einsiedeln. She was known for her dedication to her constituents, her passion for politics, and her strong persona. After her passing, a memorial fund was established in her honor to support education and cultural projects in the canton of Schwyz.
Gyr-Steiner lived in Einsiedeln throughout her life and was involved in local politics from a young age. She served as a member of the municipal council in Einsiedeln from 1974 to 1990, including a term as president from 1982 to 1986. In 1991, she was elected to the National Council, representing the canton of Schwyz. During her time in office, she was a member of various committees, including the Committee for Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy and the Committee for Health and Social Security.
In addition to her political and business pursuits, Gyr-Steiner was also involved in numerous civic organizations. She served on the executive board of the Swiss Hotel Association and was a member of the board of trustees for the University of Applied Sciences of Central Switzerland. She was also active in a number of charitable organizations focused on education and social welfare.
Gyr-Steiner was widely respected for her expertise in politics and her commitment to her constituents. She was known for her unwavering dedication to her work and her keen understanding of the issues facing her community. Her passing was widely mourned by her colleagues and constituents, who remembered her as a tireless advocate for the people of Schwyz.
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Karl Scheurer (September 27, 1872 Erlach-November 14, 1929 Bern) was a Swiss personality.
He was a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist who played a significant role in the development of Swiss art in the early 20th century. Scheurer studied at the School of Applied Arts in Bern and later in Munich, where he was influenced by the Jugendstil movement. He returned to Switzerland in 1896 and quickly became involved in the Swiss Art Nouveau movement, known as "Jugendstil," which was characterized by its decorative and organic forms.
Scheurer was best known for his striking posters, which often featured bold typography and stylized graphics. He was also a prolific illustrator, creating designs for books, magazines, and advertisements. In addition to his commercial work, he produced several large-scale murals for public buildings and private homes.
Despite his success as an artist, Scheurer struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. He was hospitalized several times for severe depression and ultimately took his own life in 1929. Despite his tragic end, his legacy lives on as one of the pioneers of Swiss graphic design.
Scheurer also co-founded the art association Der Bund, which aimed to promote modern art and culture in Switzerland. He was a member of the Schweizerischer Werkbund, a group of artists and designers who worked to elevate the standards of design and craftsmanship in Switzerland. Scheurer's style evolved over time, moving away from the organic forms of Jugendstil to simpler, more geometric shapes. He was also influential in the development of the Swiss Style of graphic design, which emphasized clarity, simplicity, and objectivity. Scheurer's work has been featured in exhibitions around the world and is held in several prominent collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
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Marc Monnier (December 7, 1827 Florence-April 18, 1885 Geneva) was a Swiss writer.
He was the son of a Swiss diplomat and grew up in various European cities before settling in Geneva where he began his career as a journalist. Monnier wrote in French, and throughout his life, he contributed to a number of literary and political publications, including "Revue des Deux Mondes" and "Le Siècle."
Monnier's literary work was greatly admired by his peers, and he was considered as one of the most prominent writers of his time. His most notable works include "Le Nouveau Voyage en Suisse," "Les Mauvaises Richesses," and "Les Oiseaux de Passage," which won widespread acclaim for their eloquence and wit.
Apart from his literary accomplishments, Monnier was also known for his involvement in politics, particularly his advocacy for a united Switzerland. He served as a member of the Swiss National Council, representing Geneva from 1872 to 1874.
Monnier's legacy in Swiss literature continues to inspire generations of writers, and his contributions to Swiss politics and society are still acknowledged to this day.
In addition to his literary and political work, Marc Monnier was also an accomplished historian and art critic. He wrote extensively about the history and culture of Switzerland, and was regarded as an authority on the subject. His interest in art led him to become a founding member of the Société des Arts de Genève, an organization dedicated to the promotion of art and culture in the city.Aside from his professional pursuits, Monnier was also known for his eclectic interests and hobbies. He was an avid collector of books, manuscripts, and rare objects, which he kept in his personal library. He also had a passion for music, and was known to be a talented pianist.Marc Monnier passed away in 1885 at the age of 57, leaving behind a rich legacy in Swiss literature, politics, and culture.
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Matthäus Schiner (April 5, 1465 Switzerland-October 1, 1522 Rome) was a Swiss personality.
He was a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and played a prominent role in the papal conclave of 1513, which elected Pope Leo X. Schiner was also a major figure in the politics of Switzerland, serving as the bishop of Sion and as a member of the Swiss Confederation's governing council. He was known for his diplomatic skills and played a key role in negotiating treaties and alliances between Switzerland and its neighboring countries. Schiner was also a patron of the arts and supported numerous artists, including the famous Swiss painter Hans Holbein the Younger. Despite his many accomplishments, Schiner's legacy is somewhat controversial due to his involvement in the Swiss Wars of 1499, in which Switzerland fought against the Holy Roman Empire.
During his time as bishop of Sion, Matthäus Schiner was widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential figures in Switzerland. He was a skilled politician and diplomat, and his efforts were instrumental in securing the ongoing independence of the Swiss Confederation. Schiner played a key role in negotiating a series of alliances with neighboring states, including France and Milan, that helped to establish Switzerland as a major political player in Europe.
In addition to his political activities, Schiner was also a keen supporter of the arts. He was a patron of the famous Swiss painter Hans Holbein the Younger, and he also commissioned several important works of architecture during his time as bishop of Sion. Schiner's legacy as a supporter of the arts has continued to influence Swiss culture to this day.
Despite his many achievements, however, Schiner's involvement in the Swiss Wars of 1499 has overshadowed much of his legacy. The conflict was marked by brutal violence, and Schiner is known to have played a role in the burning of the town of Willisau. While Schiner's actions during the war were undoubtedly controversial, historians continue to debate the extent of his involvement and the true nature of his motivations.
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Melchior Goldast (January 6, 1578 Bischofszell-August 11, 1635 Giessen) was a Swiss personality.
He was a historian, linguist, and philologist. Goldast was well known for his scholarly works in the field of German history and law. He studied at the University of Basel and later became a professor of law at the University of Heidelberg. Goldast's most significant contribution was his meticulous research and exhaustive publications on the legal history of the Holy Roman Empire. He was also a prominent supporter of the Counter-Reformation in Switzerland and was a staunch defender of the Catholic Church. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Goldast was also a prolific writer of poetry and prose. His vast collection of writings and publications has been a valuable resource for historians and scholars for centuries.
Goldast's legacy in the field of legal history and linguistics is remarkable. He published numerous works on Germanic law and language, including the "Monarchia S. Romani Imperii," which remained the definitive text on the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. He also wrote extensively on Swiss history and politics, contributing to the country's national identity.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Goldast was an important figure in the politics of his time. He played a key role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Zurich in 1597, which brought an end to the Swiss wars of religion. He was also a member of the Swiss Confederation's Grand Council, where he advocated for Catholic interests.
Goldast's views on religion and politics put him at odds with some of his contemporaries, and he faced criticism and persecution for his beliefs. Nevertheless, his writings and scholarship continue to influence our understanding of European history and culture to this day.
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Salomon Gessner (April 1, 1730 Zürich-March 2, 1788 Zürich) also known as Salomon Gessner or Solomon Gessner was a Swiss personality.
He was a painter, poet, and writer whose work was popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Gessner was particularly renowned for his idyllic landscape paintings, which were influenced by the works of French Rococo painters such as Jean-Antoine Watteau. He also wrote pastoral and lyrical poetry, and was known for his adaptations of Greek and Roman myths. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he was involved in politics and served as a member of the Grand Council of Zürich. Gessner's work has been widely influential in the arts and continues to be studied today.
Gessner was born into a family of Swiss craftsmen, but he showed an early talent and interest in art and literature. He studied under Johann Jakob Haid, a well-known painter and engraver, and eventually became a successful artist himself, with his paintings being featured in exhibitions across Europe.
In addition to his visual art, Gessner was also a prolific writer. His most famous work is the pastoral epic poem "Idylls", which was published in five volumes between 1756 and 1772. The poems were wildly popular among the middle class and helped to establish Gessner as a leading literary figure of his time.
Gessner was also an active participant in the political and cultural life of Switzerland. He was a member of the Helvetic Society, an organization that aimed to promote the study of Swiss history and culture, and he also served as a member of the Grand Council of Zürich, where he dedicated himself to promoting educational and cultural initiatives.
Today, Gessner is considered one of the most influential figures of the Swiss Enlightenment. His work helped to popularize the ideals of the movement, including an emphasis on natural beauty and simplicity, and his legacy can be seen in the work of later Swiss artists and writers.
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Sebastian Hofmeister (April 5, 1476 Schaffhausen-June 26, 1533 Zofingen) was a Swiss personality.
He is best known for his career as a Reformed pastor and theologian during the Protestant Reformation. Hofmeister served as the pastor of the Grossmünster Church in Zurich, where he became a close associate of Ulrich Zwingli. He was a prolific writer and published numerous theological works, including commentaries on the Bible and sermons. Hofmeister was also involved in political and social reform, advocating for the abolition of monasteries and the establishment of a more democratic government. He was exiled from Zurich in 1525 due to his controversial views on infant baptism, but he continued to preach and write throughout Switzerland until his death. Hofmeister's theological ideas and advocacy for reform played a significant role in the spread of the Reformation throughout Switzerland and Europe.
He was born in Schaffhausen to a wealthy family and was well-educated, earning a degree in theology from the University of Basel. After serving as a pastor in various cities in Switzerland, Hofmeister was called to be the pastor of the Grossmünster Church in Zurich. There, he worked closely with Ulrich Zwingli and was an important figure in the development of Reformed theology.
In addition to his theological work, Hofmeister was involved in political and social reform. He advocated for the establishment of a more democratic government and for the abolition of monasteries, which he viewed as corrupt institutions. His views on these issues were controversial, and he was exiled from Zurich in 1525. He continued to preach and write, however, and his influence remained strong throughout Switzerland.
Hofmeister's theological ideas were influential beyond Switzerland as well. His works on the Bible and his commentaries helped to spread Reformed theology throughout Europe, and his advocacy for reform inspired other religious and political leaders. Hofmeister's legacy as a thinker and activist during the Reformation continues to be felt today.
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