As you know, the  Norway did not rich in  cultural attractions. While here, in fact, there is much to look at)))

About Ole Bull, to my shame, we knew nothing.

Ole Bull – a virtuoso performer-19 century, Norwegian musician, whose name usually appears in one row with Pagannini and Grieg.

Ole Bull was born in Bergen  in 1810. His father was known in the town  as pharmacist, mother  from aristocratic family. Since childhood, Ole was involved in all sorts of home concerts, often substituting for adults. By the 12-year  he has reputation of a virtuoso performer.

Father really wanted to give him some decent education. Ole successfully failed the exam in theology, was serious insic, and then went to conquer Paris. Rebellious scion denied financial support and the young talent had himself to lead the way in the world of music. Unfortunately, at the audition at the Grand Opera, Ole had the audacity to score with a simple find out how to perform it – right to left or left to right? The question was not understood and Ole with a bang was expelled from the Opera. Then began the financial troubles, poverty, which quietly and brought the young man to attempt suicide. Ironically, the water in the Seine at this point was not much. Ole fell, hit his head and lost consciousness. After that, everything happened in the classic scenario of a love affair. A certain widow, pitied the poor young man and took him into the house. Of course, the widow has 14-year old daughter. Young people fell in love at first sight (of course after Ole providing first aid). Ole honestly waited favorite became 17. Only after that they got married. Love between them was long and passionate. They had many children. But, alas, the young wife did not like to travel. And it finally separated the couple.

But it will be later, and now Ole went to  conquest  Italy. Nothing worked. Money is desperately lacking. Rescued miracle – Madame Rossini fiasco occurred – expected to visit the famous singer, but she refused to speak because of a small fee. In order to save the evening, Madame Rossini summoned Ole, put him next to a young singer, and opened a dinner. Guests complained. Ole began to imitate the violin sounds of the hall, shouting, laughing. Hall verse. The next morning, Ole Bull woke up famous.

Ole Bull  traveling with concerts all his life. He was also fanatical musician and tourists. Each performance brought him untold fees.

That somewhere in this stage, he left his wife and children and went to conquer America. Make a lot of money, Ole decided to create his utopia, ideal country Ulianu. He bought vast amounts of land and invited the Norwegians to settle in it. Again, alas … In Norway, the land is scarce and poor, though surprising, fantastically beautiful. Ole bought the same land in America. Accidents Norwegians came, again saw the stones and rocks. Grow there was no possibility of nothing. The company ran out after 5 years.

Ole Bull was a handsome man. He knew about it. Women crowds were pouring on his concerts and clusters fell into the windings of admiration. Ole always carried with him a beautiful crystal bottle of smelling-salts. Particularly charming patients Ole liked to bring to life personally. To be fair, that the first lady had fallen Buhl generously paid for in advance. What can you do, like a man theatrical effects!

His house on a small island at Bergen Ole almost designed itself. He wanted the house reminded him of his travels throughout life. Lamps in the main hall are made in Bohemian, Venetian glass, wood carving – solar symbols of India, Star of David, in this case have no relation to the stories of David and Solomon, columns made from sketches of the Ole, trefoils on the walls of the fantasy-the local masters. On the wall is a framed paper with music, recorded  by Mozarts  own hand. The wall piano – a work of Ole Bull. Royal has never played, but Ole turned it into a secretary with the secrets and gave him a new life. Outside the house is crowned by a dome bulb, especially for this purpose was brought from Russia.

By the way, Ole Bull was known in Russia. He twice came with performances. Once he even performed together with Liszt, firmly  pleased musical beaumonde of St. Petersburg

Ole Bull loved change violins. He studied  to make violins at  the famous masters of his time  and even made a couple of  them. But the preference he always give to  the famous Guarneri violins. Loved  violins of  Ole now give to  the concert performers – if not to play the violin, she will die …

Bull was a brilliant performer and the simulator. In any country in a couple of hours, he knew the local tunes at the concert he always began with a masterly improvisations on local tunes. The audience around the world believed Ole completely   «local».

Ole Bull was familiar with Grieg. Rumor ascribes to him «opening»» of Grieg. Perhaps this was so. It is known that listening to Grieg, Ole frankly bored. Then advised the composer to compose something more colorful. It seems to be after this and appeared Grieg, whom we know.

Ole Bull died at his home on his island near Bergen. Pet came to escort 30000. The population of Bergen at that time slightly exceeded 70000chelovek