Ole Bull

Ole Bull (1810–1880) – the first world-famous Norwegian violin virtuoso, regarded as one of the greatest violinists of the nineteenth century. His oeuvre displays inspirations from Norwegian folk music. Through his work, he helped to raise interest in Norwegian folklore around the world. He aspired to creating Norwegian national music. It was at his initiative that the first National Theatre was opened in Norway (in his home city of Bergen, in 1850). At his urging, Edvard Grieg’s parents sent their son to study at the Leipzig Conservatory.