Meet . . . Emmanuel Hocdé

Please tell us a little about your concert programme.

I have choosen my program because of the organ and my favorites pieces. Bach's Prélude and Triple Fugue in E flat major is a fabulous composition.

The Final of the 4th Symphony by August Fauchard is named "Procession". This piece is not edited. I play with a copy of the manuscript and it's a complete discovery for the listeners. Auguste Fauchard was organist in Laval's cathedral until 1954 (Cavaillé-Coll). He studied composititon with Louis Vierne.

I am playing the Suite of Maurice Duruflé op.5 because it's a very coloured and very intensive "fresque" (portrait). I think it will sound nice at St Peter's Church in St Albans.

What first attracted you to the organ as an instrument and how old were you when you started playing?

What attracted me to the organ was the stops and registrations one can make. I like the complexity of the instrument, the music repertory and the accoustic of churches. I started playing the organ when I was 11 years old.

Who (or what) has had the greatest influence on you as a player?

My teachers had the greatest influence on me: Gaston Litaize, Michel Chapuis, Olivier Latry, Louis Robilliard for interpretation and Loïc Mallié for improvisation.

What is a typical day in the life of Emmanuel Hocdé like?

I spend my days rehearsing at the organ, teaching the organ, accompanying other instruments and playing the church Offices.

What are the highlights of your forthcoming schedule?

My next concert will be in St Sulpice, St Gervais, Paris. Then in August: Mimizan, Bagnolles-de-l'Orne, Lassay-les-Châteaux, France.

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