These notes were written towards the end of his life:- Paul Tortelier, one of the most colourful musical personalities of our time, was born in Paris in 1914, and has been playing the cello for over half a century - for he began at the age of six. An outstanding student of the Conservatoire National de Musique, he is now one of the world's leading violon-cellists. His international career began in 1947, when he gave concerts in Amsterdam and London with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted on both occasions by Sir Thomas Beecham. He has since appeared with leading orchestras and conductors in all European countries, Latin America, UISSI~, and Japan. He has also participated in many leading festivals including 'Pablo Casals' at Prades and from time to time gives 'family concerts' with his wife Maud, his son, violinist Yan Pascal, and daughter, pianist Maria de la Pau. Pomone his younger daughter also plays the cello and is now studying the flute.During his career this exuberant musical figure has established himself as a conductor, teacher, and composer, having conducted the leading orchestras from Europe, Israel, and South America. He has given many lessons on interpretation in Paris, Canada (at Fxpo '67), on BBC Television in England, and also at the Academie d'Ete in Nice. Among his many compositions are two Concertos for Violoncello, a Double Concerto for Two Cellos and Orchestra, and 'Recital Etudes' for Cello and Piano, Te Grand Drapeau' words and music dedicated to the United Nations and fraternity among all people.

Paul Tortelier was appointed Professor of Violoncello at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique in Paris in 1956, and subsequently Professor of Violoncello at Folkwang Hochschule for Musik, Essen. M. Tortelier has now returned to his native France and lives in Nice. In July 1972, he received an Honorary Degree, D. Mus., from the University of Leicester. For his outstanding recording of the six Bach Suites he was awarded Le Grand Prix de ]a Critique, and both Le Grand Prix de Disque and Prix Gabriel Faure for his recording of-both Faure Sonatas with Jeanne Hubeau, In 1975, Paul Tortelier was made an Honorary Doctor of Music at Oxford University, and in 1979 received an Honorary Degree from the University of Aston.Apart from his acknowledged virtuosity and musicianship, Paul Tortelier generates a kind of infectious joy in music and life itself, endearing him to fellow artists and audiences all over the world.Recordings are of course an important part of Paul Tortelier's musical life, and he is under exclusive contract to EMI. Recent recordings include the Kodaly Solo Sonata, Dvorak Concerto, trios by Ravel and Saint-Saens with Yan Pascal Tortelier and Maria de la Pau, and the Schumann Concerto, Boellman Variations Symphoniques, and Bruch's Kol Nidrei with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yan Pascal.During the last years, and in addition to his numerous European engagements, he has undertaken tours of North and South America and Australia, the latter being followed by a three-week tour of Japan and a series of concerts in China, playing, conducting and giving masterclasses. He was appointed Honorary Professor of Music at the Central Conservatoire of Peking, the first person ever to receive this honour.

Link to Letter written by Paul Tortelier