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Paul Tortelier

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description Paul Tortelier Overview

Paul Tortelier was a French cellist, composer, conductor, and teacher active during the twentieth century. He was known for performances of the standard cello repertoire, including Johann Sebastian Bach's solo suites and Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto, and he played Richard Strauss's Don Quixote under Strauss's direction in 1947. Tortelier also taught at major conservatories and developed a bent cello endpin intended to alter the instrument's playing angle.

help Paul Tortelier FAQ

Did Paul Tortelier perform Don Quixote under the direction of Richard Strauss himself?

Yes, Paul Tortelier performed Richard Strauss's 'Don Quixote' in 1947 in London with Strauss himself conducting the concert. This was a significant early-career milestone and Tortelier was widely recognized for his authoritative interpretation of the cello solo role throughout his career.

What recordings of the Bach Cello Suites did Paul Tortelier make?

Tortelier recorded the complete Bach Cello Suites for EMI, and these recordings are considered landmark interpretations in the cello discography. His approach combined French lyrical phrasing with structural clarity, and the recordings remain widely available and referenced by cellists today.

What instrument did Paul Tortelier play?

Tortelier performed on an Italian cello, reportedly made by Francesco Goffriller, a luthier from the same 18th-century Venetian school that produced instruments played by many leading soloists. He was also known for his advocacy of the bent endpin, which he believed improved the ergonomics of cello playing.

Did Paul Tortelier teach as well as perform?

Yes, Tortelier held a teaching position at the Paris Conservatoire and was an influential pedagogue who produced a series of filmed masterclasses on cello technique. These masterclasses were broadcast on television and remain studied by cellists for their insights into bowing, phrasing, and left-hand technique.