Main content

Paul Tortelier

Roy Plomley's castaway is cellist and composer Paul Tortelier.

Paul Tortelier was born in Paris, where his first job at the age of 12 was playing the cello in a cinema orchestra. Although he was a prize-winning student at the Conservatoire in 1930, it was some years before his career took off. In conversation with Roy Plomley, this internationally-famous soloist and teacher talks about his colourful life and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Piano Concerto in G, 2nd Movement by Maurice Ravel
Book: The Cathedrals of France by Auguste Rodin
Luxury: Photograph of wife

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 6 Apr 1984 09:05
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

'Honest' Ed Mirvish

Next

Christopher Reeve

See all episodes from Desert Island Discs

Music Played

  • Edward Elgar

    Cello Concerto in E Minor - 3rd Movement

    Soloist: Jacqueline du Pre Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Sir John Barbirolli

  • Tristan und Isolde Act 3

    Orchestra: Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera

  • Franz Schubert

    String Quintet in C major

    Soloist: Stern, Schneider

  • The Philadelphia Orchestra

    Concert Music For Strings and Brass - 2nd Movement

  • Robert Schumann

    Frauenliebe und -leben

    Soloist: Kathleen Ferrier, John Newmark

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Maurice Ravel

      Piano Concerto in G major - 2nd movement

      Soloist: Monique Haas Orchestra: Paris National Orchestra

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Mass In B Minor

    Choir: The Munich Bach Choir Orchestra: Munich Bach Orchestra

  • NicolΓ² Paganini

    Variations on a Theme of Rossini

    Soloist: Paul & Madame Tortelier

  • Book Choice

    • The Cathedrals of France - Auguste Rodin

  • Luxury Choice

    • Photograph of wife

Credits

Presenter Roy Plomley
Interviewed Guest Paul Tortelier

Broadcasts

  • Sat 31 Mar 1984 18:25
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Fri 6 Apr 1984 09:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Featured in...

The Desert Island Discs podcast

The Desert Island Discs podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes.

Listen to over 2,000 programmes

Click above to browse castaways, from 1942 to today.

Articles

Read the surprising things we've learned about some stand-out castaways.

Podcast