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Swiss musicians died at 66

Here are 17 famous musicians from Switzerland died at 66:

Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann

Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann (December 8, 1728 Brugg-October 7, 1795 Hanover) was a Swiss writer.

He is best known for his work "Solitude Considered with Respect to Its Influence upon the Mind and the Heart", which became a best-seller and led to him being appointed as personal physician to King George III of England. Zimmermann's writing covered a wide range of topics, including philosophy, medicine, and travel, and he was a prolific letter writer who corresponded with many famous intellectuals of his time, including Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In addition to his writing, Zimmermann also practiced medicine, and he was especially known for his work in the treatment of mental illness. He spent much of his later life in Hanover, where he served as the city's chief physician and a professor at the university.

Zimmermann grew up in Switzerland and received his education at a Jesuit college in Solothurn. After completing his studies, he worked as a tutor for several years before pursuing a career in medicine. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Tuebingen in Germany, where he studied under the famous physician and botanist Johann Friedrich Struensee.

Throughout his career, Zimmermann was known for his humanitarian approach to medicine, and he was a strong advocate for the rights of patients. He believed that mental illness was often the result of social and environmental factors, rather than purely biological causes, and he developed innovative treatments that integrated both physical and psychological methods.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Zimmermann was also a noted philanthropist and social reformer. He was involved in numerous charitable organizations and was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of religious tolerance.

Zimmermann's legacy continues to be felt today, particularly in the field of mental health. His writing and medical innovations helped to shift the focus of mental health treatment away from punitive methods and towards a more compassionate and understanding approach.

Jean Tinguely

Jean Tinguely (May 22, 1925 Fribourg-August 30, 1991 Bern) also known as Jean-Paul Tinguely was a Swiss artist, painter, sculptor and visual artist. He had one child, Jean-Sébastien Tinguely.

Tinguely initially trained as a decorator before pursuing a career in art. He became associated with the kinetic art movement in the 1950s and is best known for his complex, often whimsical, machines known as "metamechanics," which are intricate sculptures that incorporate a range of mechanical and electronic components. Tinguely's work often addressed themes such as consumerism, technology, and the role of machines in modern society.

One of his most famous works is the "Homage to New York" (1960), a sculpture that was designed to self-destruct in front of an audience. Other notable works include the "Study for an End of the World No. 2" (1962) and the "Baluba XV" (1964). Tinguely's work can be seen in museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum Tinguely in Basel, Switzerland, which was established in his honor in 1996.

Tinguely was also known for his collaborations with other artists, including his wife Niki de Saint Phalle. Together, they created a number of large-scale public sculptures, including the famous Stravinsky Fountain in Paris. In addition to his sculptures, Tinguely also created a number of drawings, prints and paintings throughout his career. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the prize for fine arts at the Venice Biennale in 1991. Tinguely's influence on the art world can still be seen today, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and innovative Swiss artists of the 20th century.

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Paul Hermann Müller

Paul Hermann Müller (January 12, 1899 Olten-October 12, 1965 Basel) also known as Paul Hermann Muller was a Swiss chemist.

He is best known for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT, which earned him the 1948 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. After completing his studies in Switzerland, Müller joined a chemical company where he conducted research on plant protection products. His discovery of DDT's insecticidal properties revolutionized agricultural pest control and helped save millions of lives by stemming the spread of diseases like malaria and typhus. In addition to his groundbreaking work with DDT, Müller also made significant contributions to the development of other insecticides and fungicides.

After winning the Nobel Prize, Müller's reputation grew and he became an influential figure in the chemical industry. He served as the director of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology's Department of Pesticide Chemistry and worked with various organizations to promote the responsible use of pesticides. However, as the harmful effects of DDT on the environment and human health became more widely known, Müller publicly acknowledged the need for caution in its use. He even advised against its indiscriminate use in agriculture and emphasized the importance of finding safer alternatives. Despite this, Müller's contribution to science and public health cannot be denied, and his work laid the foundation for the modern pesticide industry.

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (June 28, 1712 Geneva-July 2, 1778 Ermenonville) also known as JeanJacques Rousseau, Jean Rousseau, Rousseau, Jean-Jacques or Jean Jacques Rousseau was a Swiss philosopher, novelist, librettist, composer and writer.

Rousseau is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment era. His works, including "The Social Contract," "Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men," and "Emile," had a profound impact on political and social thought, particularly in his ideas of natural rights and the social contract.

He had a turbulent personal life, filled with scandal and controversy. Rousseau was famously expelled from Switzerland, his birthplace, and spent much of his life traveling throughout Europe. He also had a tumultuous relationship with his lovers and children, and his personal woes often overshadowed his intellectual achievements. Despite this, his legacy as a philosopher and political theorist has endured through the centuries.

Rousseau's life experiences greatly influenced his writings. He was born into a lower-class family and had a difficult childhood, which led him to be fiercely critical of social inequality and political corruption. He struggled with mental health issues throughout his life and frequently wrote about his struggles with depression and paranoia. Rousseau was also a passionate advocate for education, arguing that children should be encouraged to learn through their own experiences rather than being forced to memorize facts. His novel "Emile" is a classic work on education and remains widely read today. Rousseau's political ideas, particularly his emphasis on individual rights and popular sovereignty, were hugely influential in the struggle for democracy and human rights in the centuries that followed. Despite his flaws, Rousseau is recognized as one of the great thinkers of his era and his ideas continue to spark debate and discussion among scholars and activists around the world.

He died caused by bleeding.

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Armin Schibler

Armin Schibler (February 20, 1920 Kreuzlingen-September 7, 1986) was a Swiss composer.

Genres: 20th-century classical music and Opera.

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Théodore Flournoy

Théodore Flournoy (August 15, 1854 Geneva-November 5, 1920 Geneva) also known as Theodore Flournoy was a Swiss personality.

He was a professor of psychology at the University of Geneva and is famous for his works in the field of parapsychology. Flournoy was a pioneer in the study of hypnosis and is best known for his work with the medium Hélène Smith, whom he studied extensively. His book "From India to the Planet Mars" which details the case of Hélène Smith and her supposed past lives on Mars, was a controversial bestseller in its time. Flournoy was also a notable linguist, fluent in several languages including Sanskrit, and was a member of the Swiss Federal Council for nearly two decades.

Flournoy grew up in a prominent family in Switzerland, with his father being a well-known physician. He received his education at the University of Geneva, where he studied medicine and later switched to philosophy. After obtaining his doctorate in philosophy, Flournoy began his career as a professor of psychology at the University of Geneva, where he worked for over 30 years.

In addition to his work in parapsychology, Flournoy made significant contributions to the field of linguistics. He was fluent in several languages including Sanskrit, and wrote papers on comparative grammar and linguistics. He was also a member of the Swiss Federal Council for nearly two decades, serving as an important advisor to the Swiss government on matters related to education, science, and culture.

In his personal life, Flournoy was known for his deep compassion and commitment to social justice. He was involved in several philanthropic organizations, and worked to provide assistance to those in need. His contributions to the fields of psychology, parapsychology, linguistics, and public service continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.

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Emil Georg Bührle

Emil Georg Bührle (August 31, 1890 Pforzheim-November 26, 1956 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.

He was a German-born industrialist who became one of the richest men in Switzerland. Bührle was also an art collector who amassed an impressive collection of over 600 masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. During World War II, his arms factory supplied weapons to both the Axis and Allied forces, leading to controversy and accusations of profiteering. After the war, Bührle was investigated but cleared of any wrongdoing. In his later years, he focused on philanthropy, including funding the creation of the Bührle Collection art museum in Zurich, which opened in 1960, four years after his death.

Bührle was born in Pforzheim, Germany, where his family owned a jewelry business. He received his education in Switzerland and later studied engineering in Germany. In 1924, Bührle founded his own company, Oerlikon Contraves, which initially produced anti-aircraft guns for the Swiss military. The company later expanded into other industries, including textiles and real estate, making Bührle a wealthy man.

Bührle's passion for art began in the 1920s when he purchased his first painting. He went on to acquire works by some of the most celebrated artists in history, including Picasso, Cézanne, and Monet. His collection was considered one of the finest in the world, and many of the pieces are now housed in museums across Europe and the United States.

Despite the controversy surrounding his arms factory, Bührle was highly respected by his peers and was known for his generosity. He supported numerous charitable organizations and donated significant sums to cultural institutions. In addition to creating the Bührle Collection museum, he also donated money to the Zurich Opera House and the Swiss National Museum.

Bührle died in 1956 from a heart attack. His legacy continues today through the Bührle Collection museum, which houses over 150 paintings and sculptures from his extensive art collection. His life is a testament to the pursuit of passion and philanthropy, and his contributions to the arts and society at large will always be remembered.

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Gustav Wiederkehr

Gustav Wiederkehr (October 2, 1905 Zürich-July 7, 1972 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.

He was a renowned painter, graphic designer and illustrator, best known for his contributions to modern Swiss graphic design. Wiederkehr studied at the School of Applied Arts in Zurich and worked for various advertising agencies before starting his own graphic design studio in 1929. His work is characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes, and he was a pioneer in the use of photomontage in commercial design. Wiederkehr's designs can be seen in a variety of products, from Swiss chocolate packaging to movie posters. He was also an accomplished painter, and his work includes landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. His work has been exhibited in Switzerland and internationally, and he was awarded several prizes for his contributions to the world of art and design.

In addition to his accomplishments as a painter and graphic designer, Gustav Wiederkehr was also a published author. In 1963, he wrote a book titled "A Theory of Design," which explored the principles of design and their applications in various fields, including advertising and architecture. Wiederkehr was a prominent figure in the Swiss design community, and he played a key role in promoting the international reputation of Swiss graphic design. He was a member of the Swiss Werkbund and was one of the founding members of the Alliance Graphique Internationale, a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting excellence in graphic design. Wiederkehr's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of designers, and his works can be found in numerous collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum für Gestaltung in Zurich.

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Jean-Xavier Lefèvre

Jean-Xavier Lefèvre (March 6, 1763 Lausanne-November 9, 1829 Paris) a.k.a. Xavier Lefèvre was a Swiss personality.

He was a composer, music teacher, flutist, and a member of the French Legion of Honour. Lefèvre began his career in the music industry as a bassoonist before transitioning to playing the flute. He subsequently became one of the most notable flutists and composers of his time, and his compositions are still widely recognized and performed today. Lefèvre also taught at various important schools and conservatories, including the Paris Conservatory, where he was a professor of flute. In addition to his teaching and musical career, Lefèvre wrote a number of treatises on playing and composition. His most famous students include Talleyrand, Charles Nicholson, and Johann Nepomuk Hummel.

Lefèvre also had connections with some of the most important composers of the day. For example, he was friends with Beethoven and Haydn, and he played in concerts alongside several other musical greats, such as Mozart's son Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart. Lefèvre was also known for his skill in playing both the flute and the bassoon and was often praised for his musical abilities in reviews and critiques. Despite his success and fame during his lifetime, Lefèvre's contributions to music are often overlooked today. Nevertheless, his legacy as a composer, performer, and teacher remains an important part of the history of music in Europe.

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Johann Jakob Biedermann

Johann Jakob Biedermann (August 7, 1763 Winterthur-April 10, 1830 Zürich) was a Swiss personality.

He was a physician, philanthropist, and one of the founders of the Swiss Bible Society. Biedermann completed his medical studies at the University of Göttingen and practiced medicine in St. Petersburg for several years before returning to Switzerland. He also served as a pastor and was involved in various social and educational reforms. Biedermann was a prolific writer, and his publications included works on medicine, natural science, theology, and history. Additionally, he was an avid collector of art and owned a significant collection of paintings and sculptures, which he donated to the Museum zu Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen. Biedermann's contributions to Swiss society are still celebrated today, and his legacy continues to inspire philanthropic efforts in Switzerland and beyond.

In addition to his medical practice, pastoral work, and philanthropic endeavors, Biedermann was also involved in politics. He served as a member of the Great Council and as an advisor to the government of the Canton of Zurich. He was a strong advocate for democracy, and his efforts helped to establish a more representative government in Switzerland.

Biedermann's interest in science and natural history was reflected in his collections of specimens and his support for scientific research. He was a founding member of the Swiss Entomological Society and was instrumental in the establishment of the Zurich Zoological Garden.

Despite his many accomplishments, Biedermann faced personal tragedies throughout his life. He lost two wives and several children, and he battled health problems for much of his adult life. However, he remained committed to his work and his community until his death in 1830. His contributions to Swiss society and his dedication to philanthropy and social justice continue to inspire people around the world.

Johann Rudolph Schellenberg

Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (January 4, 1740 Basel-August 6, 1806 Töss) was a Swiss personality.

He was a prominent clockmaker who became famous for his precision work and innovative designs. Schellenberg was also a mathematician, and he experimented with different methods of calculating time and measuring distance. He invented the "Schellenberg pendulum," a type of clock that was known for its accuracy and reliability. In addition to his work as a clockmaker, Schellenberg was a respected public figure in his community. He served as a member of the city council in Basel, and he was known for his charitable work and his support of education. Despite his many accomplishments, Schellenberg remained a humble and modest man, and he was widely admired for his kindness and generosity. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Swiss horology.

Schellenberg was born into a family of clockmakers and received his early education from his father. He later went on to study mathematics and physics in Basel, where he developed a reputation for his skill in these subjects. Schellenberg's interest in clocks began at a young age, and he spent many hours in his father's workshop, learning how to repair and construct clocks.

As he grew older, Schellenberg began to innovate in his designs and methods of construction. He was one of the first clockmakers to use frictionless bearings in his clocks, which greatly increased their accuracy. He also experimented with different types of escapements and pendulums, eventually developing the Schellenberg pendulum, which became a standard in the industry.

Schellenberg's reputation as a clockmaker soon spread beyond Switzerland, and he was commissioned to create clocks for wealthy patrons all over Europe. His clocks were not just accurate timekeepers, but also works of art, featuring intricate designs and decorations.

Despite his success, Schellenberg remained grounded and committed to his community. He was a major benefactor of local charities and schools, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him. Even after his death in 1806, his influence continued to be felt in the world of horology, as his designs and techniques were passed down and built upon by future generations of clockmakers.

Julius Maggi

Julius Maggi (October 9, 1846 Frauenfeld-October 19, 1912 Küsnacht) was a Swiss personality.

He was the founder of the food company Maggi, which is known for its instant soups, bouillon cubes, and other products. Despite his success as an entrepreneur, Maggi began his career as a miller's apprentice and eventually became a manufacturer of condiments and seasonings. He invented a process for concentrating and preserving meat extracts that helped revolutionize the food industry. Maggi's legacy lives on through his eponymous company, which is now a subsidiary of Nestle.

In addition to being a successful businessman, Julius Maggi was also a philanthropist. He used his wealth to support social causes, including workers' welfare and education. He established the Julius Maggi Foundation to promote scientific research and education in Switzerland. Maggi also built and donated a hospital to the town of Kreuzlingen. Today, his contributions are still felt in Switzerland and beyond, as the Maggi brand continues to be a household name and his foundation continues to support education and research.

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Louis Agassiz

Louis Agassiz (May 28, 1807 Montier-December 14, 1873 Cambridge) was a Swiss geologist, paleontologist, scientist and mountaineer. His child is Alexander Emanuel Agassiz.

Louis Agassiz is best known for his work on the study of glaciers and ice ages. He taught at Harvard University and founded the Museum of Comparative Zoology there. Agassiz was a staunch advocate of polygenism, the now-discredited belief that different human races had separate origins. Despite this controversial belief, his contributions to the field of natural science have made him one of the most influential scientists of his time. Agassiz worked on many different projects throughout his life, including documenting the flora and fauna of Brazil and the United States, and studying the development of fish embryos. He was also responsible for organizing several major scientific expeditions. Although he faced criticism from other scientists during his lifetime, Agassiz's work laid the foundation for many modern scientific fields, including climatology, glaciology, and oceanography.

Agassiz was born in Switzerland and studied at universities in Germany and Switzerland before emigrating to the United States. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in the American scientific community and was instrumental in the development of many scientific societies and organizations. He was also a prolific writer and published numerous books and articles on a wide range of scientific topics. Agassiz was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to inspire others to pursue scientific research. Despite his controversial beliefs about race, he was respected and admired by many of his colleagues and students. Agassiz's legacy continues to be felt today, as his work continues to influence scientists and researchers across a wide range of disciplines.

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Melchior Wyrsch

Melchior Wyrsch (August 21, 1732 Buochs-September 9, 1798 Buochs) was a Swiss personality.

Melchior Wyrsch was a notable painter and musician who lived during the Swiss Enlightenment. He primarily worked as an itinerant painter, traveling across Switzerland and creating portraits of the country's wealthy elite. His paintings were known for their lifelike quality and attention to detail. In addition to his painting career, Wyrsch was also a talented musician who played several instruments, including the trumpet and organ. He composed a number of pieces for both instruments as well. Wyrsch remained a well-known figure in Swiss artistic circles until his death in 1798.

Wyrsch's legacy is celebrated today, and his artwork is still highly sought after by collectors. His influence can be seen in many of Switzerland's museums and galleries. In addition to his painting and musical careers, Wyrsch was also a prominent member of his community. He served on the local council of Buochs for many years and was well-respected by his peers. Despite his success, Wyrsch remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. Today he is remembered as a true renaissance man whose talent and passion continue to inspire artists and musicians around the world.

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Paul Degen

Paul Degen (March 24, 1941 Basel-May 30, 2007 Basel) was a Swiss personality.

He was a renowned graphic artist, painter, illustrator and designer, known for his colourful and playful style that captivated audiences worldwide. After obtaining a degree from the Basel School of Design in 1964, Degen began his career working at a number of design studios before setting up his own in 1970. He went on to work for various publications including newspapers, magazines and books, creating memorable covers and illustrations. In addition to his commercial work, Degen was also known for his fine paintings and drawings, which were exhibited in galleries across Europe and the US. He was widely respected and beloved in the Swiss art and design community, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Throughout his career, Paul Degen received numerous awards and accolades, including the Swiss Grand Prix Design Award in 1995, which is the highest recognition for design in Switzerland. He was also elected to the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI), a prestigious organization of graphic designers from around the world.

Degen's style was characterized by bold and vibrant colors, playful compositions, and a sense of humor that was often lighthearted and whimsical. He was particularly known for his designs for children's books, which were widely popular and helped to establish his reputation as a master of illustration.

In addition to his work as a graphic artist and painter, Degen was also an avid traveler and photographer. He visited countries all around the world and used his experiences to inform his art and design work, often incorporating elements of other cultures into his work.

Despite his success and international acclaim, Degen remained deeply committed to his home city of Basel, where he lived and worked for most of his life. He was known for his generosity and dedication to the local community, and was involved in many cultural and charitable organizations throughout his career.

When Paul Degen passed away in 2007, he left behind a rich legacy of art and design that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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Paul Wernle

Paul Wernle (May 1, 1872 Hottingen-April 11, 1939 Basel) was a Swiss personality.

He was a physician, known for his groundbreaking research in the field of immunology. Wernle studied medicine at the University of Zurich, where he obtained his doctorate in 1896. After completing his studies, he worked as a physician in various hospitals in Switzerland and Germany.

Wernle's research focused on the immune system, particularly on the role of antibodies in fighting infections. He discovered that antibodies are produced by the body in response to the presence of foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses. His work laid the foundation for the development of vaccines, which have since saved countless lives.

In addition to his scientific work, Wernle was also active in politics. He was a member of the Swiss Social Democratic Party and served as a member of the National Council from 1919 to 1935. He was a strong advocate for social justice and equality, and fought for better living conditions for the working class.

Wernle received numerous awards and honors for his scientific and political achievements, including the Pasteur Medal and the Swiss Red Cross Medal. He died in Basel in 1939, leaving behind a legacy of important scientific discoveries and a commitment to social justice.

Wernle's work on immunology was groundbreaking in that it helped to further the understanding of how the body's immune system fights off infections, and how vaccines can be used to prevent illnesses. His research on the production of antibodies by the body was particularly impactful, and he became widely recognized as one of the leading experts in the field.

As a politician, Wernle was a staunch advocate for workers' rights and social justice. He was involved in numerous social reform movements and worked tirelessly to improve the living and working conditions of the working class. His contributions to Swiss politics earned him widespread respect and admiration, and he was widely regarded as one of the most important political figures of his time.

Throughout his career, Wernle maintained a deep commitment to his community and to the betterment of society as a whole. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to work towards a better, more equitable world for all.

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Pierre Cérésole

Pierre Cérésole (August 17, 1879 Lausanne-October 23, 1945 Lausanne) otherwise known as Pierre Cerésole or Pierre Ceresole was a Swiss peace activist.

He was a devoted pacifist who believed in non-violent protest and promoting peace through humanitarian efforts. In 1920, Cérésole founded the Service Civil International (SCI), an organization that aimed to bring people from different countries and cultures together to engage in voluntary work and promote peaceful coexistence.

Cérésole actively participated in various relief efforts during World War I and World War II, providing aid to refugees and prisoners of war. He also served as a liaison officer between the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Tracing Service.

Despite facing opposition during World War II, Cérésole continued his peace activism and helped establish the International Voluntary Service for Peace (IVSP) in 1940, an organization that still exists today.

Cérésole's dedication to peace and humanitarianism is remembered today through the Pierre Cérésole Foundation, which continues to support and promote the values he stood for.

Cérésole was born into a wealthy Swiss family, but he chose to live a simple and humble life dedicated to serving others. He traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was deeply influenced by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. In addition to his work with the SCI and IVSP, Cérésole was also a prolific writer and published several books and articles about his experiences and beliefs. He was a strong advocate for social justice and made significant contributions towards promoting international understanding and cooperation. Cérésole's legacy as one of the most influential pacifists of the twentieth century continues to inspire and guide people towards the path of peace and non-violence.

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