Ole Bull Concert

Includes program.

“STEINWAY HALL—OLE BULL’S CONCERTS.—The second grand concert of Ole Bull was given last evening to a house for which the seats were insufficient. He played on his incomparable violin [list of pieces] and was heartily encored with the rendition of each and compelled to give something more. No wonder his fiddle has carried him triumphantly over the civilized world: for it is a most wonderful fiddle, and from the manner in which he caresses it and whispers to it, it is evident that there is some mysterious understanding between the player and the instrument, and that they love each other most romantically. But in addition to this great violinist (who is a host in himself) Ole Bull gave his audience the worth of their money in the songs of Madame, including ‘Thous art so near, and yet so far,’ and the choice vocal selections of Mr. Pollak, including ‘Il Marinaro,’ and the Italian contributions of Signor Severini, including Seciliano’ [sic] from ‘Robert le Diable,’ and Mr. Hoffman’s pretty English pieces, including the ‘Mocking Bird,’ and Mr. Morgan, the pianists fine execution of the overture to ‘Martha.’ A concert of such varieties of good things, in addition to anice evening’s entertainment from Ole Bull himself, and all for $1, of course, will fill the house rain, or shine.”

“The second of Ole Bull’s concerts was given last night at Steinway Hall. The attendance was nearly or quite as large as on Wednesday night, and the audience seemed as enthusiastic as that which greeted the great violinist on that occasion. The three pieces assigned to Ole Bull on the programme were all of his own composition, and each was calculated to display in its way the wealth of his resources as a player, although ‘The Mother’s Prayer’ seemed to by far the best of the three. This bit of sweet melancholy expressed in delicate musical phrases, is one of those pieces which amount to much of little, according to the inspiration with which they are interpreted. In Ole Bull’s hands the piece becomes filled with tender sentiment and plaintive melody, and we are too deeply moved by the pathos of the music to pay attention to the perfect execution which never obtrudes itself.

Ole bull was frequently encored, and received a running tribute of applause, which was almost continuous.

Madame Varian Hoffman won especial admiration for the manner in which she sang the trite ballad ‘Thou art so near and yet so far.’”