Paul Tortelier at the BBC

Through a selection of archival material from the BBC, get to know one of the great French cellists of the 20th century: Paul Tortelier. A major figure of the école française, the heir to Maurice Maréchal and the embodiment of the humanist ideals of Pau Casals, Tortelier made a name for himself with his powerful, engaged playing, combined with a profound artistic generosity. Ranging from serious to playful, these images reveal a complete musician, whose warm personality and thoughtful musicality defined his performances.

Presented by Petroc Trelawny, this 2014 documentary follows Paul Tortelier in his daily artistic and pedagogical life: surrounded by his students, working on Elgar’s concerto, sharing music with his wife Maud Tortelier, daughter Maria de la Pau and son Yan Pascal, or conducting his own works. Moving between black-and-white and color footage, concerts and interviews, the film weaves together major musical moments with inspired reflections on the power of music—a precious and deeply human testament.