Duke of Anhalt dead at 61

April 22, 1918

Duke Friedrich II of Anhalt died today at Schloss Ballenstedt. He was 61 years old, according to the New York Times. His duchy "embraced an area a little larger than 900 square miles." At Dessau, the country's capital, "he maintained a court theatre which became celebrated throughout Europe for "operatic performances." The Duke of Anhalt played an active role in the management of the opera, including experimenting with "new lighting effects until he became an expert producer or impresario."
He was devoted to music, and was rarely ever seen in military uniform.