Here are 8 famous musicians from Switzerland died at 61:
Johann Jakob Wettstein (March 5, 1693 Basel-March 23, 1754 Amsterdam) also known as Johann J. Wettstein was a Swiss personality.
He was a biblical scholar, theologian, and critic who is best known for his work on the New Testament. Wettstein began his career as a professor of theology at the University of Basel and later became the professor of Greek and oriental languages. He was highly regarded for his research on the text of the New Testament as well as his commentary on the book of Revelation. Wettstein’s most notable contribution to textual criticism was his examination of early Greek manuscripts, which allowed for a better understanding of the history of the New Testament text. His work was highly influential among scholars and theologians and remains an important aspect of biblical scholarship today.
Wettstein was born into a family of theologians and grew up in a deeply religious household. He studied at the University of Basel and began his teaching career there in 1716. Wettstein was a prolific writer, producing numerous works on theological and biblical topics over the course of his life. He was also known for his expertise in the classical languages of Greek and Latin.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Wettstein was involved in various social and political causes. He was a strong advocate for religious tolerance and worked to improve the rights and living conditions of French Huguenot refugees in Switzerland. Wettstein also had a strong interest in natural science and was a member of several scientific societies.
In 1742, Wettstein left Basel and moved to Amsterdam, where he continued his work as a scholar and critic until his death in 1754. He is remembered as one of the most influential biblical scholars of his time, with his research on the New Testament text paving the way for later generations of scholars to better understand the origins and development of the Christian scriptures.
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Matthias Zurbriggen (May 15, 1856 Saas-Fee-June 21, 1917 Geneva) was a Swiss mountaineer.
Zurbriggen is best known for his achievements in the Andes, where he made the first ascent of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, in 1897. He also climbed a number of other peaks in the area, including Tupungato and Mercedario. Zurbriggen was a member of the Duke of the Abruzzi's expedition to the Ruwenzori Range in 1906, where he made several first ascents. He also climbed in the Himalayas, making an attempt on Kangchenjunga in 1905. In addition to his mountaineering accomplishments, Zurbriggen was a skilled mountain guide and played an important role in the development of tourism in his hometown of Saas-Fee.
Zurbriggen began to climb at a young age, and eventually became a mountain guide. He was known for his exceptional physical strength and endurance, which allowed him to accomplish many difficult ascents. In addition to his climbs in South America and Africa, Zurbriggen also made numerous first ascents in the Alps, including the Mittellegi ridge of the Eiger.
Despite his many accomplishments, Zurbriggen remained a humble and unassuming person. He was known for his kindness and generosity toward other climbers, and was highly respected by his peers. In later years, Zurbriggen taught mountaineering to young climbers, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest mountaineers of his time, and a pioneer of modern mountaineering.
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August Socin (February 21, 1837-January 22, 1899 Basel) also known as Dr. August Socin was a Swiss physician and surgeon.
He was also a noted philologist and scholar of the Aramaic language. Socin was born in Basel and studied medicine in Zurich and Berlin before practicing in Basel. Later, he became a professor of Semitic languages at the University of Leipzig. His expertise in Aramaic language led to him being appointed as a member of the committee that translated the Old Testament into German. Socin's extensive knowledge of the Middle East also made him a sought-after consultant on political and cultural matters in the region. He authored several books on Aramaic studies and was honored with various awards for his contributions to philology and medicine.
Socin's work on Aramaic language took him on expeditions to the Middle East, where he studied ancient Aramaic inscriptions and manuscripts. He was instrumental in the discovery and translation of the Zadokite Fragments, a group of documents discovered in the Cairo Genizah that shed light on the beliefs and practices of a Jewish sect that existed in the Middle Ages. Socin's expertise in these areas also made him a valuable resource for the Swiss government and he served as a consultant on matters related to the Middle East.
In addition to his work in Aramaic studies, Socin was also a skilled surgeon and physician. He served as a surgeon during the Franco-Prussian War and later practiced medicine in Basel. He was an advocate for the advancement of medical education and was involved in the founding of the Swiss Medical Association.
Socin's contributions to the fields of medicine and philology were recognized in his lifetime. He was awarded the Schiller Prize for his work in philology and the Gottfried Keller Prize for his contributions to Swiss culture. Socin died in Basel in 1899, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated by scholars in both medicine and philology.
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Jakob Zeugheer (July 20, 1803 Zürich-April 5, 1865 Liverpool) was a Swiss conductor.
He started his music career as a violinist, but soon he became interested in conducting. Zeugheer served as conductor of the St. Gallen Music Society for several years before being appointed conductor of the opéra de Lausanne. He also conducted performances in Geneva, Bern, and Basel, and played a key role in the development of the Swiss music scene during the 19th century. In 1845, Zeugheer moved to London, where he conducted the orchestra at Her Majesty's Theatre for several years. He later became conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society, a position he held until his death in 1865. Zeugheer was known for his dedication to the music of Beethoven, and his performances of the composer's symphonies were particularly acclaimed.
During his time in Liverpool, Zeugheer helped develop the city's music scene and establish the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as one of the leading orchestras in Europe. He conducted numerous premieres of works by British composers, including William Sterndale Bennett and Charles Hallé. Zeugheer was highly respected by his colleagues and musicians for his professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to inspire the orchestra. He was also instrumental in bringing several renowned soloists to Liverpool, such as the pianist Clara Schumann, and in organizing concerts that showcased the talents of local musicians. Zeugheer left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music, and his contributions to the development of music in Switzerland and England have been widely recognized.
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Salih Neftçi (July 14, 1947 Istanbul-April 15, 2009) also known as Salih N. Neftci was a Swiss personality.
He was a renowned economist and author, widely recognized as a leading expert in the field of financial economics. Neftci received his education at the University of Lausanne, where he earned a degree in economics and statistics, and later completed a PhD in finance at the University of California, Berkeley. He subsequently taught at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago, and later served as a professor of finance at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Geneva.
Neftci was widely published, and his books and articles on topics such as macroeconomics, financial markets, and risk management were widely cited and influential. He was particularly well known for his work on the pricing of financial derivatives, which are financial instruments whose value is derived from an underlying asset. Neftci's contributions to the development of quantitative models for pricing derivatives played a key role in the growth of the derivatives market in the 1980s and 1990s.
In addition to his academic work, Neftci was also actively involved in consulting and advising on financial matters. He advised a number of central banks and other financial institutions around the world, and was widely respected for his expertise and insights. Neftci passed away in 2009 at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and influential scholarship.
Neftci's research was not limited to academia, as he believed that economic research must form the basis for sound policymaking. He was particularly interested in developing countries, and his work on macroeconomic policies in developing countries was widely influential. Neftci also served as an executive director of the International Monetary Fund from 1984 to 1986, where he played a key role in shaping the Fund's policies on economic development and financial stability. He was also a member of the Economic Advisory Panel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Throughout his career, Neftci was widely recognized for his contributions to the field of financial economics, and received numerous awards and honors, including the Swiss Finance Institute Outstanding Paper Award in 2007. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential economists of his generation, and his work continues to shape our understanding of financial markets and economic development.
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Hieronymus Froben (August 6, 1501 Basel-March 13, 1563 Basel) was a Swiss personality.
He was a renowned printer and publisher, who had a great impact on the cultural life of Basel in the 16th century. He inherited his father's printing business and worked hard to expand it, publishing several important works throughout his career.
Along with his business partner, Nikolaus Episcopius, Froben published works by notable scholars such as Erasmus and Paracelsus, as well as religious texts and classical literature. It is said that Erasmus considered Froben to be the best printer in Europe at the time.
Froben was also involved in politics, serving as a member of the city council and as a delegate to the Swiss Confederation. He was known for his honesty and integrity, and was highly respected in his community.
Today, Froben is remembered for his contributions to the field of printing, and for his important role in the cultural and political life of Basel during the Renaissance.
Froben's printing business was not only highly successful but also highly regarded for its accuracy and attention to detail. He was known for his dedication to producing high-quality publications, and worked closely with his authors and editors to ensure that their works were properly edited and printed to the highest standards. He also pioneered the use of italic fonts and introduced new technologies such as printing in color.
In addition to his work as a printer, Froben was also a scholar and collector of books. He amassed a large collection of valuable manuscripts and printed books, which he donated to the University of Basel upon his death. Many of these rare books and manuscripts remain in the university's library to this day.
Froben was a lifelong supporter of the Reformation, and his publishing business played an important role in spreading Protestant literature throughout Europe. He published works by Martin Luther and other influential Protestant thinkers, helping to shape the course of religious thought and practice in the 16th century.
Overall, Hieronymus Froben was a remarkable figure in the history of publishing, politics, and culture in Switzerland. His contributions to the printing industry and his role in shaping the intellectual and political landscape of Basel during the Renaissance continue to be celebrated and remembered today.
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Johann Caspar von Orelli (February 13, 1787 Zürich-January 6, 1849 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.
He was a renowned theologian, Hebrew scholar and professor. He studied at the University of Zurich and received a doctorate in theology. In 1814, he was appointed professor of theology at the University of Basel and served there for nine years before returning to the University of Zurich to take over the position of Professor of Old Testament theology in 1823.
Orelli was a prolific author and made significant contributions to the study of the Old Testament. His most famous work was his critical translation and commentary of the Hebrew Bible, which was published in multiple volumes and became widely respected as a major resource for scholars.
In addition to his academic work, Orelli was also an active member of the Swiss military and was appointed commander of the Zurich battalion in 1814. He was later promoted to major general in 1844, and in this role, he played an important role in overseeing the country's defense against external threats.
Orelli remained a highly respected member of the academic and military communities in Switzerland until his death in 1849, and his contributions to the field of Old Testament scholarship continue to be recognized and studied to this day.
Orelli's legacy also includes his significant role in shaping the curriculum at the University of Zurich. As a professor, he advocated for a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to education, which helped to establish the university as one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Europe.
Beyond his academic and military pursuits, Orelli was also known for his philanthropic work. He was a devout Christian who believed in the importance of giving back to society, and he was actively involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his life.
Despite his many achievements, Orelli remained humble and deeply committed to his faith and his family. He was known for his kind and gentle nature, and his dedication to his students and colleagues earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
Today, Orelli is remembered as one of the most important theologians and scholars of his era, and his contributions to the study of the Old Testament continue to inspire and inform scholars and students around the world.
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Johannes Oporinus (January 25, 1507 Basel-July 6, 1568 Basel) was a Swiss personality.
He was a scholar, printer, and bookseller who played a significant role in the development of humanistic studies during the Renaissance. Oporinus published many important works, including the first comprehensive edition of Galen's writings in the original Greek. He also printed a famous map of Europe and a treatise on the art of fencing. Oporinus was highly respected by his colleagues, including the famous Swiss scholar, Erasmus. Despite his success, Oporinus faced financial difficulties throughout his life and was forced to sell his printing business more than once. He is remembered as a key figure in the history of the book and the printing industry, as well as a significant contributor to scholarship in his time.
Oporinus was born Johann Herbst in Basel, Switzerland, but later adopted the name Oporinus, meaning "son of the vegetable seller," as his family was involved in the vegetable trade. He studied at the University of Basel, where he became fluent in Latin and Greek and developed an interest in classical scholarship. In 1528, he began working as a printer's apprentice under Johann Froben, one of the leading printers in Basel at the time. With Froben's encouragement, Oporinus began to publish his own works, including a Greek grammar and a Latin edition of Aesop's fables.
In 1536, Oporinus founded his own printing business and quickly established himself as a leading publisher of scholarly works. He printed many important works in the fields of medicine, theology, and classical literature, including the works of Galen, Hippocrates, and Aristotle. He also published the first Greek edition of the New Testament to be printed in Switzerland. Oporinus was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to producing high-quality books.
In addition to his work as a printer, Oporinus was also a respected scholar and teacher. He taught Greek at the University of Basel and counted Erasmus among his close friends and colleagues. Oporinus was admired for his vast knowledge of classical literature and his ability to translate complex texts into readable and accessible language.
Despite his many successes, Oporinus faced financial difficulties throughout his life. He was forced to sell his business in 1548 and again in 1561. He died in poverty in 1568, but his contributions to the world of printing and scholarship continued to be celebrated long after his death. Today, Oporinus is remembered as one of the most important printers and scholars of the Renaissance period.
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