 As we reported earlier, a special edition circulation 10-krone coin was issued by Norges Bank last Friday, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Norwegian composer and violinist Ole Bull. Never heard of him?
Ole Bornemann Bull was born the 5th of February, 1810 and died on the 17th of August, 1880, at his home, Lysøen. A world-renown virtuoso violinist and composer, his impassioned dedication to his country’s folk music played a key role in the development of Norwegian culture following Norway’s separation from Denmark. In the course of his lengthy career, Ole Bull travelled and performed throughout the world. He was a musician, networker, promoter, inspiration and Norway’s first superstar. We quote from – The Republican Banner and Nashville Whig: "He and his violin are one; one and inseparable. Perhaps his powers, on last night, were most completely manifested in his performance of Paganini´s Witch Dance". To our readers in North America it may be of interest to know that Ole Bull also attempted to found a Norwegian settlement which he named Oleana, in Potter County, Pennsylvania. Ole Bull had planned to use income from his world tour concerts to finance a 'Little Norway' at Oleana, but his visionary and daring plans of buying 45,000 acres of land became a financial fiasco which lasted only one year. However, in 1920 a large tract of land was turned into the Ole Bull State Park. Now the park includes the Ole Bull memorial, which consits of a bust of the musician made from stainless steel, mounted on a pedestal made from the Norwegian stone Larvikitt. On the occasion of Ole Bull’s funeral, esteemed Norwegian writer Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsen bestowed upon him the title “the people’s finest and proudest moment “. In 2010, a number of arts institutions across the nation collaborate to mark the 200th anniversary of Ole Bull’s birth. (From Ole Bull 210 Home Page: www.olebull2010.no) (as well as from The Norway Post) Rolleiv Solholm |
Culture 
