The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1869-09-04
[For the Union.
Ole BaxW.

| Being in the music store of Mr.. VIM. Bou-
cher OF Baltimore a few daysbefore the Boston
Peace Jubilee, observed him most earnestly
engaged in conversation with parsonage,
whom took to be one of no orninary charac-
ter. 30 intent was their conversation with
each, that they appeared to regard everything
around them with the utmost Indifference
Their conversation was entirely in relation to
| an unstrung violin which the stranger had in
his hands, and which he seemed to regard with
the most affectionate delight. could not hel o
observing him with profound attention, for
there was something IN his appearance most
remarkable. had never seen him before
began to wonder who it was. Said to myself,
this is the great violinist There can be no
doubt OF it. just at this moment, Mr.. Bou-
cher takingIthe hand ofthe stranger, and advanc
ing towards Ine, said, "permit me to introduce
you to my friend Mr.. Ole Bull" l was here
received by him in the most affabe manner
told him this was the first time I had ever
seen him, and what delight now experienced
IN making the acquaintance of one, whom
long wished to see and hear, and one, whose
fame, as violinist, is known throughout the
civilized globe. Upon this, he pressed my
hand some moments, in the most affectionate
manner. After this, he resumed his converse
tion with Mr. Boucher in relation to the violin
he still held in his hands. Still, I was not sat-
isfed il having my doubts dissipated, in be-
coini'ig acquainted with this wonderful violin
ist. I aoGnted to hear him. I could not ask
him to perform where he was. The time and
place were inappropriate. However, l was
soon gratiicd. The earnest look | gave him,
seemed to demonstrate to him, my great de-
sire to hear him perform.
He advances towards case of elegant and
splendid violins in the store of Mr.. Boucher
He selects one. Puts in proper tune. My
anxiety now to hear him was increased to the
highest pitch. He places himself in graceful
and elegant attitude. Now, the melodious
sounds issue from the divinist of all instru
ments. They are the ecstatic strains from
the king OF instruments, in the hands of the
most consummate performer in the world.
Listen to the meliferous sounds of the har-
monies the sharp and piercngstaccatos the
bold and shrill pizzicatos the plaintfv& yet
sweet tremulos See, with what admirable
oiher extremity of the fgerboard Behold,
with what ease and perfection he executes the
tone of the diatonic and chrom&tic scales =
Observe, with what grace and rapidity he
passes from the major into tho minor tones
No one, who has never heard this wonderful
musician, can have an idea OF the powers the
violin, or of his marvellous performance. This
instrument, in his hands in the great jubilee
at Boston, relgned supreme over all others
The tones from it were distinctly heard amidst
those from a thousand other instruments, and
thousands of voices.
1t will be recolected that Mr.. Ole Bull made
a very narrow escape from death,ss in the i'll
fated America on the Ohio river, during the
early part of this year. His best violin was
only saved by throwing it overheard, and one
of the passengers swimming for it. Itthus be-
came ruined, much to the grief of the owner.
Fortunately, however for him, he found an ar
tst, who not only restored it's original tone but
gave it additional volume and capacity; thus
rendering it superior to what it was before
This is Mr.. William Boucher of Baltimore, of
whom have already mentioned, who is him
self a skilful and splendid artist. Mr.. Ole
Bull acknowledges to Mr.. Boucher, in the most
manner, the skilful and admi- |
rable repair his violin received from him.
The letter from the musician to the artist, in
relation to this subject, be seen in the store
of Boucher.
The violin Mr.. Ole Bull had in his hands |
when I entered the establishment of Mr.. |
Boucher was this violin and his solicitude and
anxiety, about its ever being brought back to
its former state, were the subject of the most |
intense conversation he had with Mr.. Boucher
in relation to it. He, no doubt, dispaired of
any human skill affecting so complete and tri- |
restoration.
Those who wish to know what the greatest |
violinist in the world says of the violin, will
be amply paid and gratifed by perusing this
letter.
May he live long to astonish his hearers
with the divine tone of the greatest of human
nj t~unlUntS, end may LIS fffeut 1dr. DoGcler
reap that reward commensurate with his skill,
sffability and energy as an artist. j. r. T.
Baltimore county, August, '69.