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Swiss musicians died at 60

Here are 13 famous musicians from Switzerland died at 60:

Leo Jud

Leo Jud (April 5, 1482 Guémar-June 19, 1542 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.

He was a Protestant reformer and theologian who played a significant role in the Swiss Reformation. Jud studied under Huldrych Zwingli at the University of Basel and later became his colleague in Zurich. He was known for his skills as a linguist and was instrumental in translating the Bible into German. Jud also served as a pastor in Zurich and was a close friend and advisor to Zwingli. He was known for his moderate stance in theological debates and for his efforts to promote unity among the various Protestant factions. Leo Jud was a pivotal figure in the early years of the Swiss Reformation and his contributions helped to shape the course of Protestantism in Switzerland and beyond.

Despite his numerous achievements, Leo Jud faced many challenges during his lifetime. He was forced to flee Zurich in 1526 after the city council ordered the expulsion of all Anabaptists and he was falsely accused of being one of them. He eventually returned to Zurich in 1530 and played a vital role in drafting the First Helvetic Confession, which became one of the foundational documents of the Reformed Church in Switzerland. Jud was also a prolific writer and his works include numerous treatises, sermons, and translations of theological works. In addition to his theological contributions, Jud was also known for his philanthropic work and his efforts to help the poor and needy. He died in Zurich in 1542 at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence theologians and scholars to this day.

Fritz Müller

Fritz Müller (May 8, 1834-March 10, 1895) also known as Fritz Muller or Dr. Fritz Müller was a Swiss physician.

However, he is primarily remembered for his pioneering work in the fields of evolutionary biology, botany, and zoology. Müller spent much of his life in Brazil, where he studied the natural history of the country and made many important discoveries. He is credited with contributing significantly to our understanding of mimicry in animals and the role it plays in evolution. He was also a keen observer of plant-pollinator interactions, and his work helped establish the importance of these interactions in the maintenance of biodiversity. Later in his life, Müller became involved in politics and was elected to the Brazilian National Assembly, where he fought for the rights of naturalized citizens. He was widely recognized for his contributions to science and was awarded numerous honors and awards, including the Darwin-Wallace Medal, which he received in 1908.

Müller was born in a small village called Wollerau, near Lake Zurich in Switzerland. As a child, he was fascinated by nature and spent much of his time exploring the forests and fields around his home. After completing his medical studies in Germany, he traveled to Brazil in 1852, where he worked as a physician in a German colony. In his free time, Müller explored the natural history of the region, collecting specimens and making observations.

One of Müller's most significant contributions to evolutionary biology was his work on mimicry in butterflies. He discovered that some species of butterflies evolved to resemble toxic or unpalatable species, allowing them to avoid being eaten by predators. This type of mimicry, known as Batesian mimicry, became an important area of study in evolutionary biology.

Müller also studied the pollination of flowers by insects and birds, and he discovered many new plant species in Brazil. In addition, he was an advocate for conservation and was concerned about the impact of deforestation and development on the natural world.

Müller was a prolific writer, and his scientific publications were widely read and respected. He also published several books on Brazil and its natural history. Today, he is considered one of the most important naturalists of the 19th century, and his work continues to inspire scientists and conservationists around the world.

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Loris Kessel

Loris Kessel (April 1, 1950 Lugano-May 15, 2010 Montagnola) was a Swiss race car driver.

Kessel began his career in motorsports in the early 1970s and competed in various categories such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and the World Sportscar Championship. He also participated in several editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Kessel later founded his own racing team, Loris Kessel Racing, which achieved success in various championships including the FIA GT Championship and the Ferrari Challenge. His team also provided support to young drivers and was known for its passion and dedication to the sport. Kessel's legacy continues through his racing team and his contributions to motorsports in Switzerland.

Throughout his career, Loris Kessel was known for his exceptional driving skills and his love for the sport. He was a two-time winner of the European 2-Litre Sports Car Championship, and also won multiple races in the Ferrari Challenge. In addition to his racing accomplishments, Kessel was also a successful businessman, with interests in the fashion and advertising industries.

Kessel's passion for motorsports extended beyond his own racing career as he was actively involved in promoting the sport in Switzerland. He was instrumental in establishing the Swiss Automobile Club's racing school, which helped aspiring young drivers develop their skills and compete at a high level.

Even after his death, Kessel's legacy lives on through his team, Loris Kessel Racing. The team continues to compete in various racing series and is known for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing drivers. The team has won numerous championships since its inception and is regarded as one of the top racing teams in Switzerland.

He died as a result of leukemia.

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Alfred Métraux

Alfred Métraux (November 5, 1902 Lausanne-April 11, 1963 Vallée de Chevreuse) a.k.a. Alfred Métraux or Alfred Metraux was a Swiss ethnographer.

He was particularly interested in conducting research and studying the indigenous peoples of South America, mainly the Tupi-Guarani, Cuna, and Andean cultures. His passion for anthropology began early in his life when he studied under famous Swiss ethnographer Paul Rivet. Métraux later travelled extensively in South America, where he lived with and studied several indigenous communities firsthand.

Métraux's major contributions to the field of anthropology include his work on Haitian Voodoo, his research on the Tupi-Guarani culture and his comprehensive study of the Cuna people of Panama. In addition to his anthropological works, he also published a book on the history of Haiti. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he taught anthropology at several notable institutions, including Columbia University and the École des Hautes Études.

Métraux's works on indigenous cultures were not only influential in the field of anthropology but also helped to increase awareness and understanding of these cultures in the wider world. His legacy lives on through his numerous publications and contributions to the academic community of anthropology.

Métraux’s interest in anthropology did not end with just studying different indigenous cultures. He also devoted his life to preserving indigenous cultures and their practices. In fact, he was an advocate for the preservation of cultural traditions and was opposed to the destruction of cultures caused by industrialized societies. His research was not limited to South America alone, as he also conducted extensive fieldwork in North America, where he studied the customs and beliefs of the Mohawk and other indigenous communities. Furthermore, he contributed to the foundations of modern Haitian anthropology, studying Voodoo, a distinctive and important belief system in Haitian culture.

Métraux received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to anthropology, including the National Prize for Humanities and Social Sciences in Haiti, the Gold Medal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Order of the Southern Cross, which was awarded to him by the Government of Brazil. His dedication to the field of anthropology and his desire to increase understanding of indigenous cultures continue to inspire and influence anthropologists to this day.

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Joachim Raff

Joachim Raff (May 27, 1822 Lachen-June 24, 1882 Frankfurt) otherwise known as Raff, Joachim or Joseph Joachim Raff was a Swiss composer, pianist and music pedagogue.

Discography: Klavierkonzert / Ode (Radio-Sinfonieorchester Basel feat. conductor: Matthias Bamert, piano: Peter Aronsky), Symphony No. 4 in G minor / Symphony No. 3 in F major (Milton Keynes City Orchestra feat. conductor: Hilary Davan Wetton), , and Symphony no. 2 / Four Shakespeare Preludes. Genres he performed: Romantic music, Classical music, Opera and Chamber music.

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Ernst Kurth

Ernst Kurth (June 1, 1886 Vienna-August 2, 1946 Bern) was a Swiss personality.

Ernst Kurth was a renowned Swiss musicologist, composer and music theorist. Born in Vienna, Austria, he later moved to Switzerland where he spent most of his life studying, teaching and writing about music. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential musicologists of the 20th century.

Kurth's work focused on the analysis of music, exploring its structures, forms and meanings. He was interested in the relationship between music and language, and believed that music could be studied and interpreted in much the same way as poetry. His theories and methods continue to have a significant impact on musicology today.

In addition to his scholarly work, Kurth was also an accomplished composer, with a particular interest in vocal music. He wrote a number of works in a variety of genres, and his music is notable for its expressive power and lyricism.

Despite his accomplishments, Kurth's life was cut short by illness. He died in 1946 at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and creative work that continues to be celebrated by musicians and scholars alike.

Kurth began his academic career studying philosophy and musicology at the University of Vienna, where he earned his PhD in 1913. He later became a professor of musicology at the University of Zurich, where he taught for over two decades. Kurth's most famous work, "Grundlagen des linearen Kontrapunkts" (Principles of Linear Counterpoint), was published in 1921 and is still considered a seminal work in the field of music theory. It provided a new way of thinking about the function of individual voices in a musical composition, and greatly influenced subsequent generations of music theorists.

Kurth was also an important figure in the Swiss musical establishment, serving as director of the Zurich Conservatory from 1929 until his death. During his tenure, he oversaw a significant expansion of the school's programs and facilities. In addition, he was a member of various musicological societies and served as the president of the International Society for Contemporary Music from 1937 to 1940.

Despite his academic and administrative responsibilities, Kurth remained dedicated to composition throughout his life. He wrote a variety of works in a range of styles, including songs, chamber music, and orchestral pieces. His most famous composition is "Cantata for the 80th Birthday of Alfred Escher," a work for choir and orchestra that celebrates the life of the Swiss industrialist and politician.

Kurth's work continues to be studied and debated by musicologists today. His ideas about the relationship between music and language, and his use of analytical techniques derived from linguistics, have been both praised and criticized. However, there is no doubt that his work has had a profound impact on the field of music theory, and that his legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars and musicians.

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Eva Evdokimova

Eva Evdokimova (December 1, 1948 Geneva-April 3, 2009 New York City) was a Swiss ballet dancer.

Eva Evdokimova was born in Geneva, Switzerland to a Russian mother and Bulgarian father. She began her ballet training at a young age in England and went on to study at the Royal Ballet School in London. In 1965, at the age of 16, she joined the Royal Ballet and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a principal dancer in 1972.

Evdokimova was known for her technical ability and dramatic range, performing in a wide range of classical and contemporary ballets. She also danced with other major ballet companies, including American Ballet Theatre and the Paris Opera Ballet.

In addition to her career as a performer, Evdokimova was also a respected teacher and helped to train a new generation of dancers at the Royal Ballet School, the National Ballet School of Canada, and other institutions.

Throughout her life and career, Eva Evdokimova was widely admired for her artistic talent, grace, and dedication to her craft. Her legacy continues to inspire dancers around the world.

In addition to her work as a performer and teacher, Eva Evdokimova was also an accomplished writer and scholar. She published several books about dance and culture, including "The Dancer's Heritage" and "The Ballerina's Handbook." She was also a regular contributor to dance publications such as Dance Magazine and Ballet Review.

Evdokimova was known for her collaborations with some of the greatest dancers and choreographers of her time, including Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and George Balanchine. She was particularly renowned for her partnership with Danish dancer and choreographer Peter Schaufuss, with whom she performed in many productions and toured extensively.

Despite facing challenges such as injuries and personal tragedies throughout her career, Eva Evdokimova continued to inspire audiences and fellow dancers with her artistry and resilience. Her contributions to the world of ballet will always be remembered and celebrated.

She died caused by cancer.

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Friedrich Freiherr von Hotze

Friedrich Freiherr von Hotze (April 20, 1739 Richterswil-September 25, 1799 Schänis) was a Swiss personality.

He was a general in the Austrian army and a prominent figure in the coalition forces during the French Revolutionary Wars. He served in various campaigns in Europe, including the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland. During the Swiss campaign, he commanded the Austrian and Russian forces against the French army, earning a reputation as a skilled military strategist.

Von Hotze was also a key figure in the conservative movement in Switzerland, advocating for the restoration of the old aristocratic order and the overthrow of the new republic. He was a member of the Helvetic Society, a secret organization that sought to undermine the republic and establish a new system of government.

In 1798, he led a failed uprising against the French occupation of Switzerland and was forced to flee to Austria. He returned to Switzerland the following year with the Russian army, but was killed in a skirmish with the French near Schänis. Despite his controversial political views, von Hotze was widely respected for his military prowess and was regarded as a national hero in Switzerland.

Von Hotze was born into a noble family and received a Jesuit education before joining the Austrian army at the age of 16. He quickly rose through the ranks and by the age of 30, he had already earned the title of Freiherr (Baron). He fought in several battles during the Seven Years' War and was later appointed as a military advisor to the Habsburg archduke, Charles of Austria.

In 1792, von Hotze was sent to the Netherlands to lead Austrian forces against the French revolutionary army. He won several victories against the French, earning him a promotion to major general. He was then transferred to Italy, where he served as the second-in-command of the Austrian army under Field Marshal Dagobert von Wurmser. He played a crucial role in the successful defense of Mantua against French forces and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa.

Von Hotze's most significant contribution to the war effort came during the Swiss campaign. In 1799, he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Austrian and Russian forces in Switzerland. He quickly reorganized the army and launched a surprise attack against the French, forcing them to retreat. He then besieged the strategic city of Zurich, where he was killed in a battle against General André Masséna's French forces.

Despite his early death, von Hotze's military legacy lived on in Switzerland. The Helvetic Society, which he co-founded, continued to pursue his vision of a monarchist government until it was disbanded in 1802. Today, von Hotze is still remembered as one of Switzerland's greatest military commanders and a symbol of Swiss patriotism.

Félix Vallotton

Félix Vallotton (December 28, 1865 Lausanne-December 29, 1925 Paris) also known as Felix Vallotton or Félix Edouard Vallotton was a Swiss personality.

He was a painter and printmaker who played a crucial role in the development of modern art in the early 20th century. Vallotton was part of the Les Nabis group in France, which included artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, and Maurice Denis. He is known for his bold use of color, sharp outlines, and simplified forms in his paintings and woodcuts. Vallotton was also a member of the Académie Ranson, where he taught a new generation of artists. Despite his impact on modern art, Vallotton's work was not recognized until after his death. Today, his paintings and woodcuts are in major museum collections around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

During his lifetime, Félix Vallotton was not only known for his artistic talent but also his love for literature. He was an accomplished writer and art critic, and his book "La Vie artistique" was a collection of his writings published in 1894. In addition to his paintings and prints, Vallotton also designed sets and costumes for theater productions. He was a friend of many prominent artists of his time, including Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse. Vallotton was also married to Gabrielle Rodrigues-Henriques, who was the subject of many of his paintings. Despite being Swiss and spending most of his childhood and early adult years in Switzerland, Vallotton identified strongly with France and became a French citizen in 1900.

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Hugo von Tschudi

Hugo von Tschudi (February 7, 1851 Edlitz-November 23, 1911 Stuttgart) was a Swiss personality.

He was a major art collector and museum director known for his contributions to the arts. von Tschudi served as the director of the National Museum in Berlin and later as the director of the Neue Pinakothek in Munich. He was passionate about modern art and was a supporter of the Secession movement, which aimed to break away from traditional academic art. During his tenure at the Neue Pinakothek, he acquired many works by famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin, which helped to establish the museum's reputation as a leading institution of modern art. von Tschudi is also known for his controversial decision to acquire Gustav Klimt's masterpiece, "The Kiss," for the museum's collection in 1908.

His decision was met with public outcry, as many believed the painting was too erotic and scandalous to be displayed in a public museum. However, von Tschudi saw the value in Klimt's work and believed that it was important to showcase the changing artistic landscape of the time. In addition to his work as a museum director and art collector, von Tschudi was also a noted scholar and author. He wrote extensively about art and culture and was a respected member of the intellectual community in Europe. His legacy continues to be felt in the world of art, as his contributions to the field helped to shape modern art museums and the way people approach contemporary art.

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Johann Jakob Scheuchzer

Johann Jakob Scheuchzer (August 2, 1672 Zürich-June 23, 1733 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.

He was a physician, geologist, classical scholar, and natural historian. Scheuchzer was particularly interested in fossils and was one of the first to recognize them as the remains of prehistoric animals. He published his findings in multiple works, including "Herbarium Diluvianum," which documented the discovery of fossilized animals in the Swiss Alps. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Scheuchzer was also a prolific writer and translator, particularly of Latin and Greek texts. He translated works by Pliny the Elder, Ovid, and Virgil into German, and his own writings spanned a variety of topics including theology, history, and geography. Scheuchzer was a member of the Royal Society in London, as well as several other scientific societies across Europe.

Later in his life, Johann Jakob Scheuchzer became more involved in politics and served as a councilor in his hometown of Zürich. He also contributed to the fields of medicine and botany, and his work on meteorology was the first systematic study of the topic in Switzerland. Scheuchzer was known for his curiosity and dedication to learning, and his achievements in multiple fields were recognized during his lifetime. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in the history of geology and natural history, and his extensive collection of fossils and other specimens is still admired by scientists and historians.

Carl Culmann

Carl Culmann (July 10, 1821 Bad Bergzabern-December 9, 1881 Zürich) was a Swiss civil engineer, engineer and structural engineer.

He made significant contributions to the field of structural engineering, specifically in the areas of bridges and roof structures. He studied at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and later became a professor at the Polytechnic School in Zürich. Culmann is best known for his graphic statics method, which allowed engineers to create efficient designs for bridges and other structures using graphical diagrams. He also developed a method for determining the bending moments in roof structures. In addition to his teaching and research, he worked on several important engineering projects, including the construction of the Thur Bridge in Switzerland. Culmann's legacy can still be seen today, as his methods and principles continue to be used in the design of modern structures.

In addition to his work as an engineer, Carl Culmann was also a prolific author. He wrote several influential books on structural engineering, including "Die Graphische Statik" (Graphic Statics) and "Die Graphische Behandlung der Mechanik" (Graphical Treatment of Mechanics), which became standard textbooks in the field. Culmann's impact on structural engineering was recognized during his lifetime, and he received numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious Rumford Medal from the Royal Society of London in 1878. Today, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern structural engineering, and his contributions continue to influence the field more than a century after his death.

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Robert Tobler

Robert Tobler (December 23, 1901 Zürich-June 17, 1962 Zürich) was a Swiss lawyer and politician.

After completing his law studies at the University of Zürich, Tobler worked as a lawyer specializing in civil and criminal law. He also became involved in politics, serving as a member of the Zürich City Council from 1935 to 1947 and as a member of the Swiss National Council from 1947 to 1962.

Tobler was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland and was known for his advocacy for workers' rights, social justice, and international cooperation. He was a strong opponent of fascism and played a key role in establishing Switzerland's neutrality during World War II.

In addition to his political and legal work, Tobler was also a writer and journalist. He contributed to various literary and political publications and wrote several books on legal topics.

Tobler's contributions to Swiss politics and society made him a respected figure in his country, and his legacy continues to be remembered today.

In addition to his political and legal career, Tobler was also involved in various civil society organizations. He was a member of the Executive Board of the Swiss Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property, as well as the President of the Swiss Association for Alcoholism and Other Drug Issues. Tobler was also a member of the Swiss Commission for Development and Cooperation, where he advocated for responsible international policies and for addressing global inequalities.

Tobler was a charismatic speaker and was known for his ability to unite diverse political groups. He was a strong advocate for democratic values and for the protection of individual freedoms. Tobler's dedication to social justice and worker's rights earned him the respect of many, and his legacy continues to inspire Swiss politicians and activists today.

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