The culture of the country which had fostered his Norse violin was
not yet sufficiently advanced for the new step. After two years
the theatre passed into other hands, but the 2d of January, 1850,
will always be regarded as the birthday of the Norse National
Drama and a memorable day in Ole Bull’s life. Johannes Brun, Mrs.
Gundersen, Mrs. Brun, Mrs. Wolf, and Mrs. Juel,—these artists who
have since shed so much lustre on our National Theatre at the
capital,—all began their artistic careers in Ole Bull’s theatre.
In the disappointments and heartaches which the artist suffered from the
misunderstanding of his best motives and most unselfish efforts, should
not be forgotten the sympathy and helpfulness of the men and women of
whom Norway is proud to–day. A few letters of this time have been
preserved.