Paul Tortelier (International Cellist, Conductor and Teacher) 1914-1990

Link to letter from Paul Tortelier to Gwent Bach Society

Paul Tortelier was one of the great cellists of the last century. He was also a composer, conductor and teacher who had a Menuhin-like belief in the power of music to foster peace and international understanding.

A cabinet maker's son, Paul Tortelier was born in Paris on March 21st, 1914. He began to play the cello as a child. When he was 13, he earned a living playing in a trio for silent films. At 16 he entered the Paris Conservatoire and won Premier Prix in 1930 with the Elgar concerto.

He became a professor of cello at the Paris Conservatoire in 1956 and many famous cellists studied with him, including Jacqueline Du Pre.

Among his compositions were two cello concertos, a double cello concerto, a choral hymn, le grand drapeau, dedicated to the United Nations and much chamber music
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