Bull, Ole Bornemann

Ole Bornemann (1810-1880), a celebrated Norwegian violinist. A native of Bergen. His father wanted him to study for the ministry and would not permit a musical instrument in the house. At Christiania, 1828, he played in a concert with such skill that he was made music director of the city. After study in Germany and at Paris, Bull traveled, giving concerts. He had an ambition to out-do Paganini in violin tricks; but, though accomplished, could not excel him. Bull was received with tremendous enthusiasm. In 1844-50, 1853, and 1869 he made tours of the United States. Bull made a fortune out of his concerts, but spent a large part of his earnings in an unsuccessful attempt to colonize his countrymen in Pennsylvania, where he bought up 125,000 acres of rough land. See Violin