Morning journal and courier., 1880-08-20
Ole Bornemann Bull.

Ole Bull, whose death is announced ranked one of the most accomplished vio- linists of his day. His father, a chemist of Bergen Norway, where Ole was born on the 5th of February, 161O, destined for the church, dispite the taste for music which the future violinist displayed even at an early age. In the year 1928 he was sent to the University of Christiania but an exhibition of his natural bent towards music which he gave while there led to his departure from the institution. A concert for benevolent purposes was given and, owing to the illness of the leader of the orchestra the youthful maestro took charge of the musicians. His efforts met with abundant applause from the audience, but, as has been mentioned, it's re- suit was that his connection with the univer- sity was dissolved. With the determination to perfect his musical education, MT. Bull the next year went to Cassel to enter on his studies with Sphor, who enjoyed great rep utation as ae violnist. Sphor gave him 8 hearing on the violin, but considered his playing unsympathetic and singular. This chilling reception by one of the first violin ists of the time temporarily weaned MT. Bull from his purpose to devote himself to music, and with determination to enter on the study of law he began legal studies at Gottin- gen. The spirit of music howevre, soon re- covered it's control over him, and leaving Gottingen he went to Minden. Here he be- came engaged in a duel in which his antagon- ist, another musician, who had criticised his playing at concert, was mortally wounded.
 In 1881 MT. Bull repaired to Paris to seek his fortune His residence in that city at this time was full of troubles and in this in terval he lived his most unhappy days. A time came at last when, overwhelmed with poverty, he was without home and without resources. His violin had been stolen from him even. In this hapless condition he wan dered about the streets of Paris for three days and three nights, and at last, reduced to extremity he attempted suicide by drown ing. He was rescued, however, and then oc- cured romantic episode which enabled him not only to recover from the straits in which he had fallen, but also to start anew on 8 ca- reer in music which was destined to bring him fame and fortune. An elderly Parisian lady of rank, the widow of the Comte Faye, saw in him 8 resemblance to her son, who had died, and impressed with sympathy for his unfortunate state she took him to her house, where he lived as one of the family, generously cared for him and finally obtain ed an engagement for him through Lecoux, an agent for musical performances, in @ con- cert by which he received ,500 francs for his services. sWith ample means at his dis posal he now began 8 musical tour which in- cluded Switzerland and Italy in its scope In the latter country he recalled the style of Pa ganini, and while playing at the San Carlos Theatre at Naples he was embraced on the stage before the audience by the famous singer Malibran. Such at least is the version of the story given in the books, though Hans Christian Ander sen has told the incident as occurring in 1884 at Bologna, where Ole Bull had been for two days in garret without food. Beriot, at the last moment, refused to play, and all was confusion, when Mime. Rossini 'Eentered and related that on the previous evening as she passed through one of the narrow streets she had suddenly stop ped on hearing the strange tones of the in strument which certainly resembled those of a violin, but yet seemed to be different. She had asked the landlord of the house who it was that lived in the attic whence the sounds proceeded, and he had replied that it was a young man from the north of Europe, and that the instrument he played was certainly a Tyre; but she felt assured that it could not be so; 1t must either be 8 new sort of an in strument or an artist who knew how to treat his instrument in an unusual manner" The violnlst was sent for, says Andersen, came, played and conquered, though nearly swoon- ing in his triumph from want of food.
 Returning to Paris Mir. Bull married the granddaughter of his benefactress and then entered on an extensive tour through Europe. For the next seven years he played before admiring audiences in France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Russia and England, acquir- ing comfortable competence During these professional journeys he was accompanied by his friend Kellerman, who shared in his suc- cess. In 1888 he went with his wife to Ber- gen, his birthplace, bought an estate in it's neighborhood and for five years lived a do- mestic life. He came out of his retirement in 1842 to begin his first tour in the United States. He remained in this country until 1845, when, after most successful visit, he returned to Europe.
 From the time of his return to Europe un- til 1851 MT. Bull was variously engaged. First, he made another European tour, giving codcerts in all the Continental cities, and at the conclusion of these engagements went to Algeria and took part with the French expe- dition of General Yusuf in the campaign against the Kabyles, who warein revolt He