Ole Bull

Ole Borneman Bull (February 5, 1810 – August 17, 1880) was a Norwegian violinist.

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Born in Bergen, Norway, his father wished him to be a minister, but he preferred a musical life. When four or five years old, he could play all the songs he heard his mother sing on the violin, and when nine, he played first violin in the Bergen Theatre orchestra, and was soloist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

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At 18, he was sent to the University of Christiania, but he failed his examinations.

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After living for a while in Germany where he pretended to study law, he went to Paris and fared badly for a year or two. He was eventually successful in giving concerts, became famous, and made a fortune.

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He visited the United States several times and played with great success. In 1852, he bought a large tract of land in Pennsylvania and founded a colony, which was called Oleana in his honor. This venture was soon given up, and Bull went back to giving concerts.

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Robert Schumann once wrote that Bull was among "the greatest of all," and that he was on a level with Niccolo Paganini for the speed and clarity of his playing. Bull was also a friend of Franz Liszt and played with him on several occasions.

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February 5: February 5 is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 329 days remaining (330 in leap years)....

1810: 1810 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar)....

August 17: August 17 is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 136 days remaining....

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