This Norwegian violinist and composer was perhaps the most important figure in 19th century Norwegian music. He was taught by Niels Eriksen and students of Viotti and Baillot (Poulsen and Ludholm) and incredulously began the careers of Norway's greatest artists in recent times: Grieg, Ibsen and Nordraak. He dedicated his music to his country and its independence from Danish rule. These elements, as well as his beautiful melodies, can be heard in the music Ole Bull composed to the poems of Wergeland, "Hymne til Friheden" (Hymn to Liberty) and "Tordenen" (In the Thunder). His music and performances were heard by and in some case performed in conjunction with Liszt, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Telefsen (a student of Chopin's). Few of his compositions are extant but the pieces for violin can only be described in terms of the virtuoso. Bull's reputation rests on his indomitable spirit which seemed to flow out of his fingertips. Schumann compared Ole Bull's playing as equal to that of Paganini. Bull had the ability to play polyphinically on his violin and his music "Recitativo, adagio amorosa con polacca guerriera" was his most performed composition.

"Et Saeterbesog" was his most enduring composition perhaps because it contained the adored Norwegian tune "Saeterjentens Sondag" (As I gaze upon the sun). ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi