Ole Bull

Full biography Ole Bull

Ole Bull was a Norwegian virtuoso violinist and composer born on February 5 , 1810, in Bergen, Norway. He is known for his unique performance style and for starting a short-lived utopian community in Pennsylvania called "New Norway." Although he was initially trained as a Classical musician, he soon became interested in traditional Norwegian folk music and began incorporating these elements into his compositions.

Bull's talents as a performer were widely recognized, and he became known as one of the greatest violinists of his time. His performances were known for their passionate and dramatic style, and he was admired by many of his contemporaries, including Robert Schumann.

In addition to his performing career, Bull was also a prolific composer. He is best known for his many pieces of traditional Norwegian music, which often incorporated elements of the country's folk songs and dances. He also wrote several works for violin, including concertos, sonatas, and caprices.

Despite his success as a performer and composer, Bull was not without controversy. His investments in various business ventures, including the New Norway community, left him deeply in debt. He also had a tempestuous personal life, with several failed marriages and numerous affairs.

Despite these difficulties, Bull remains an important figure in Norwegian music history. His influence can be heard in the work of many later Norwegian composers, including Edvard Grieg. Bull died in Lysøen, Norway, on August 17, 1880, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest violinists and composers of his time.