The 13 strangest composer deaths in classical music

By Melissa Lesnie on Apr 12, 2012 filed under Classical Music | Comments

On Friday the 13th we remember composers who met unusual ends, whether by conducting, pimple or foul play.

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Jean-Baptiste Lully

(1632–1687)

This French Baroque master, the favourite opera of King Louis XIV, died from a self-inflicted wound to his foot, which he stabbed with his own pointed staff (used for keeping time) while conducting his Te Deum. Gangrene kicked in, spreading to his leg and finally killing him on March 22, 1687, three months after he had dealt the blow.

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