The dooropeners

Ole Bull was one of the greatest violin virtuosos of the nineteenthcentury. Through his influence and position he inspired other Nor-wegian musicians and authors to create art on an international scale,and he became a door-opener for Norwegian musicians and composerswho wanted to reach beyond Norway's borders with their art.Franz Liszt was the greatest piano virtuoso of his time and createdmusic that resulted in the development of a new style in Europe. As one ofEurope's leading and most influential musicians, he used his reputation tohelp bring out talents from countries outside the established musical nationsof Italy, France and Germany.Like Bull, Liszt became a door-opener for Norwegian composers andpianists who needed inspiration and encouragement in their attempts tocreate a national music and a more professional cultural life in their homecountry.