That tiny portable reed organ is not just a rare find, but a special acoustic gift. I cant wait to hear it sound out in a church. The donor was a delightful guy, and he himself deserves mention as a preservationist. Thanks, Ben!
❤ if you can, please tell that lovely gentleman that there are people all over the world who appreciate him and his sweet gift. Kindest regards from the Chicagoland area
Hi Ben, I am an organ builder in the vicinity of Seattle, Washington USA. Although our usual work is pipe organs, mainly those for the 19th and early 20th C. especially the mechanical action ones. As is happens, we also do quite a few restorations of reed organs and harmoniums (we also have a rare physharmonica set to be restored when we get the time.). I wish we were closer to you and we could help with your new instrument as well as any you may encounter in your travels. We have been enjoying your videos which we find lend a nice calmness to our evenings that is often quite welcome. I extend whatever help we could lend in terms of advice or encouragement as you might need it. Keep up this great work. It is dear to our hearts. We also go around to visit old churches in both our work and as historians. We always look forward to your videos, THANKS!
Glorious things of thee are spoken; Love divine all loves excelling to the tune of Blaenwern. The portable harmonium is a thrilling new dimension to Ben's channel. George Herbert would love it! Never a week should pass without our being thankful to Ben for sharing his keyboard skills with us, his devoted TH-cam family.
I would suppose someone loved that mini-organ dearly, once, and it was preserved so cafefully because it was so valued. Now, because of your generous donor, your instrument will be loved by thousands, as it becomes well traveled, and we all get to hear it. Thank-you, Ben! 🎶🥰🎵🎶 Thank you, too Mr. Ray. Your gift to Ben turned out to be a gift to all of us!!! 🎶☮️🎵🎶
Love Mr. Ray, his hospitality and laugh. Love the clocks and the one that randomly went "coo -coo" while Ben was visiting. And Ray's final, subtle laugh as he retreated back inside his front door.
Yes. Ray's sense of humour is definitely intact. I loved the way he gingerly reached for the lumbar area on his back to make sure he wasn't minus one or more kidneys. If he has a spouse, I can only imagine how she must hold her breath when he goes off to an auction, wondering what on earth he'll come home with -- this time. Do you suppose there's anyone else (maybe in Salisbury?) who may be dong some similar breath-holding at the other end of this exchange?
Abbots Leigh has been a favourite of mine since boyhood. When sung to Glorious things of Thee are spoken, there is no better combination of words and music. Thanks for posting this!
I have rarely seen anyone look so pleased as you looked on finding that instrument. A cat with a saver of milk! How wonderful to think the old girl has a new lease of life in such loving hands. Enjoy!
"a new lease of life in such loving hands" exactly what i thought. i'm so happy !! and yes - always a bonus to spread a bit of happiness................
I'm so happy for you in acquiring this little organ. I'm an experienced reed organ restorer, and I think you have a rather unusual little organ. Here in the Untied States, most portable organs like this one have two sets of reeds...one 8' pitch and one 4' pitch, and are usually a 49 note keyboard. Usually, the 8' is open all the time and a knee control opens the 4'. Sometimes there are little knobs on the right and left key cheek that will open the bass and treble 4' separately, so it could be used as a Solo. The left knee control opens a swell flap to increase the volume. I've never heard of a Piccolo stop on a portable organ....and it sounds like maybe a 2' pitch. Am I right ? The Flute sounds like the usual 4' pitch to me. Again..am I correct? I've restored several of these small organs but I've never run across one like yours. I think you maybe have a very unique little organ and it sounds really great with it's rich sounds. Great job in presenting this video.
As a teenage church chorister back in the 1950s used to cart one of these around the wards of geriatric hospital every week. Later figured out how to tune a reed organ - a waste of time if the reeds had accumulated a century's detritus. Drew the brass reeds out with a dentist's pick and then soaked them in hot Caustic Soda - best done outdoors.
"Do you play?" How wonderfully naive, and precious! Congrats on your new acquisition. My mum had one very similar to this when I was little; sadly a fish bowl on top of it was slowly leaking and by the time it was discovered, the organ was ruined.... As always, Ben, your videos are a weekly tonic of calm, and reflection on the glory of God, and the music the Faith has inspired. Thank you for time you take to make and edit them; they are balm for the soul...
Your new small wooden box appears to hold wonderful potential within it. Now that it has fallen into your appreciative custody I think it would benefit from some light restoration so that its appearance is aligned with its musical charm.
We had Love Divine All Loves Excelling as the first hymn of our wedding in May this year. With a full strength choir and a mighty organ, I could not even sing a word, that's how moving it was! Thank you for playing, what a fine instrument that is
I’m l lm I’m I’m now longing to hear your new organ in one of your old churches as you you played well in your secret place I know it will sound so lovely in one of the old churches how amazing with your find as you give such joy shearing your love ❤️ of old churches you are so amazing I loved the hymn all love all excelling one of my favourit
@@joantennant5579 i'm very much looking forward to future episodes, too. in the spirit of travelling preacher's organ, i'd like to hear a version of 'Jesus would You come by here?'
I served a church as pastor that had access to a folding reed organ that was used for field services by the US Army. It provided accompaniment for our outdoor Easter sunrise services for many years.
What a treasure!! Can't believe it was sitting in a corner and they tried to sell it for firewood - what a horrifying thought! Safe with you now and we can look forward to hearing you play it in some of those fabulous old village churches❤
"can't believe it was sitting in a corner" ..................... it was, at some point, stood on its left-hand END (presumably in a small broomcupboard): the right-side woodwork has coffee-cup rings / paint tin marks.............. sacrilege !!
Ben, you are providing a remarkable and invaluable service. I always look forward to your videos on Sundays. God bless you and your work. Salutations from the US.
LOL! Love that about the hymnal! My NEH is ex Canterbury Cathedral!... After they turfed those wonderful books for newer red ... I think Hymns Ancient and Modern? ... my then teacher offered the rather battered, falling apart green NEH to me, as I was without a decent hymnal at the time. I carefully patched it up and quietly chuckle every time I find a hymn with decades of Canterbury pencil notes hastily scribbled next to staves or verses! It's my treasure now 😊 You are a treasure, Ben! Never give up ... please 🙏🏻
Thank you again. One church you might like to play in is at Itchen Stoke near Alresford, Hampshire. It has no organ as far as I know but is a stunning building under the redundant churches organization, your new pump organ from Kent might liven things up ! Wonderful videos and very meaningful.
You are a fascinating musician. You demonstrated to us that you do not need to use 100% of your dexterity in order to produce inspiring music. You can play using less dexterity but express your soul---and that produces music that is most profound. Most divine. Most heavenly. God bless you, Ben.
As always, warmest greetings from Ireland! 🇮🇪☘️ Yet again a wonderful sharing by your goodself. This gift from your generous donor is now being enjoyed by so many thanks as ever to your generous heart.
My late organist friend told me that he did his National Service with the Sappers in Germany, acting as organist to the Chaplain, and using a portable 'Field Organ', probably like this one. Other comments mention Army use, and I'm sure many such instruments will have been sold off, maybe even in Chatham. Back in Civvies, my friend served as organist for our local church for a further sixty years, and recalled that he had never had a more appreciative congregation than his fellow soldiers at the height of the Cold War!
Another interesting thing about using the neat little portable reed organ in organ-less churches is that it will be a consistent test comparison of the different church's acoustics.
Can you imagine how many organs like this one may be in England has you have a great history of keeping and maintaining things for decades and decades; and your buildings for centuries.
A transportable organ, how exciting! it sounds beautiful, I can't wait to hear it in an ancient church setting. Sedding your organ donor a million and one kisses for his priceless donation 😊🙏
Dear Ben, The little 'interuption' showing you editing the video was in itself very interesting. That might be a short video in itself. Keep up the good work.
Unrelated to organs, but I used to collect old clocks, sometimes having them refurbished and refinished. I had several in my bedroom. Today, I don't think I could stand the clicking, but I really enjoyed it back then. I enjoy your posts. Thanks
i can stand the clicking. but if all the clocks are synchronised, and all the strikes and chimes are wound, it's madness at midhight. my clocks have been brought back to life by a retired clock / watch repairer who had his 93rd birthday recently !!
WOW, that mans house looks exactly like mine ! I too am a Clock Collector and restorer, with many clocks all round my home - just like him. I also have not one, but two similar Organs to that one. One is a Mason and Hamlyn, and one is almost identical, but has no visible name on it. Mine have no stops though, but fold up in the same way. I found one in a junk shop in Padstow, and one here in High Barnet in an Antiques 'Emporium' - many years ago. You have inspired me to get them out of my loft and finish restoring them. Thanks Ben for this brilliant video. Take care 🙂
I suggest putting swivel heavy duty caster wheels on the harmonium "legs". I also suggest a waterproof outdoor cover for it when your rainy season arrives; such as a luggage cover or a patio furniture cover for small tables. And you might also find some lashing straps if you're going to move it again on a cart/dolly.
Love divine is sung over here ( Uk) to Blaenwern. You can sing it to Hyfrydol as I think the metre is the same but I haven't heard it. There is another tune called Love Divine written by Stainer. Tastes vary of course but I'm not too keen on it as it has to be sung twice to cover a verse The hymn itself was written by Charles Wesley but the hymn tune itself ie Blaenwern was written by a Welsh hymn writer whose name escapes me at the moment......
Ben, this channel is wonderful. It should be a mainstream TV programme. On a similar basis to Winter Walks on BBC 4, it induces a superb ‘mindfulness’. Thankyou.
It’s not the size of the organ that matters, it’s….ummmm…😂😂😂 but in all seriousness, what a beautiful sound and what a wonderful find! Small but mighty! ❤
@@kesmarn Indeed. Bach himself was quite fond of taking his wife in the Organ loft to give him a hand in " maintenance". Personally I have pulled quite a few extra stops out when the job required it. Just lock the door behind you darling and don't touch anything without asking first. Now we will start with the swell and work up to the great before finishing the job in the pedal department. Down low and slow. " oh dear, something just came up". " That's because your sitting on a very large reservoir."
That sounds so wonderful. I love these beautiful little reed organs. You can FEEL the music. I had a full sized one for many years, as well as several full sized modernish electric church organs. I always prefer the acoustic instruments. I loved playing any time I could. As I became a complete invalid I passed them on to others who can play and appreciate them. Thank you so much for bringing this beautiful music into my life.
Fabulous find, Ben. I can hardly wait to hear it played in some beautiful old English country churches. What a great new addition from a kind and generous donor. However, I believe you need an electric cart to get this up and down the pathways into the old churches.
Ben did play very well. as soon as he started, i realised just how good the b&m sounds in the right hands. me very happy bunny, looking forward to future vids
Love everything about this episode! Thank you to the generous donor and giving new life to a wonderful organ!❤ Looking forward to your next road trips!
What a fabulous video, Ben. Lovely to see such a rare instrument finding a new lease of life in your capable hands. Thanks for playing two of my most favourite hymns too. Abbots Leigh (albeit to words of Church of God, elect and glorious) and Love Divine were both played at my wedding, and I regularly let them rip on my church pipe organ.
Thank you for all your hard work and excellent video production! I don't go to churches for service, but the preservation of those buildings and organs is near and dear to my heart. Love from Germany!
So glad that you did in fact NOT take one of his kidneys with that. LOL I agree, this is going to be perfect for you to take into some of the dear beautiful old buildings. If you use a trolley, I do strongly recommend four pneumatic tires, as the air can absorb some bumps along the paths without transferring their impact along to the reeds.
SO glad you got that folding reed organ. I think they are much more expressive than an ordinary pipe organ. I have three harmoniums and when I switch to the piano I find myself pump pump pump with terrible results.
What a gutsy sound from such a pimple of an instrument--delightful! I had two of these little pipsqueaks. The last one was an Estey, but I cannot remember what the other was. they can be wee fun machines. Look forward to seeing you play when you're on the "roll".
Interesting. Our Episcopal Hymnal uses Austria for "Glorious things of thee are spoken" and Hyfrydol (my favorite) for "Love divine, all loves excelling."
Austria is used over here as well but Abbots Leigh is also quite common Austria was written by Haydn for the then Austrian national anthem Changed when Austria became a Republic as the words open with God save Franz the emperor There was a TH-cam video on the funeral of Otto von Haps urg at which the federal President was present. The Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna decided it was a good idea to end the Requiem by singing the old imperial anthem........The President looked daggers at the Archbishop 😅😅!!
What a wonderful organ and so compact to carry with you. I can feel your happiness in some ways. I like old furniture and all sorts of stuff that others think is junk.
You made that harmonium reed organ sound good. They can be ghastly. Have to say I prefer what you do in St Martin’s . Only give that up to be in Salisbury Cathedral. Be good to have you do a recital there.
I believe Ben's answer was: "Do I play??" I loved it. So spontaneous. The donor was a delightful guy. Just being able to repair clocks qualifies him as a member of the "Who Needs Electricity?" club.
So kind of that interesting gentleman to just give you the organ because he knew it was going to a good home where it would be used. As for supporting your work I was under the impression that you were the organist in a parish in Salisbury. Is that no longer the case? The church would be foolish not to employ a man of your talents.
@@Quince828 Cathedral organists full time are paid a salary. Parish Church organists are, I think, part time and paid for weddings by the couple, probably the same for funerals or other special occasions. Ben said the channel is his only source of income.
@@Quince828 "An organist is just one job of many in the church which are sometimes paid positions and sometimes unpaid. Other such jobs include church cleaning, secretarial duties, grounds maintenance, youth worker, flower arranging and auditing. 4. Fees and Budgets | The Guild of Church Musicians The Guild of Church Musicians"
@@giuliakhawaja7929 interesting. That must be a Great Britain thing as here across the pond organists and choir directors are salaried employees. Weddings and funerals they receive an honorarium from the family involved. Yes it’s still a part time job but they are on payroll from the parish or diocese. Most often they are given exclusive right of first refusal for weddings etc and are given use of the church if they want to have a teaching studio there as well.
A special video! That little harmonium was a real find & it still sounds amazing, played by you, of course! Can't wait to watch where you travel to next!
yeh but, yeh but Ben had to negotiate a sizeable chunk of the notorious M25 motorway - a total blight on southern england. plus the same M25 return trip. that's a pretty good effort, i'd say
Lovely instrument! In NL we call this a harmonium. I learned to play music on my parents harmonium when I was young. Thanks for showing the hymn book as well. I was already wondering from which book people in England sing.
That is such an exciting find. Some of my favourite memories are of my grandmother playing such an instrument at the old family Methodist Chapel of her childhood. And Abbot's Leigh is one of the three best hymn tunes ever. Thank you.
How my heart swells at seeing George Herbert's church and hearing his music. Having glimpses throughout the years of George Herbert through music and poetry, your video inspired me to do a google search. I discovered a wealth of information. I'm on the hunt now for copies of his biographies thru the used book sites. Thank you Ben and Ray for this video.
@@brianlopez8855 I used old car seat belts, they are almost indestructible. You can find them easely in auto wrecking shops that recycle cars for parts. Red is a nice color.
Thanks for featuring so many reed organs in your program....as an owner, collector, restorer, performer on these instruments, your program is valuable. As a pipe organist, also I am devited to each of your programs....next i need to support your efforts!!!!
This organ looks and sounds like a Bilhorn Folding Portable organ invented by an American evangelist Peter Phiilip Bilhorn in 1885 for use in his services. He and his brother established the Bilhorn Brother Organ Company in Chicago which sold the ingenious instruments through large stores in the US such as Sears Roebuck.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Give us a subscribe if you enjoy! Let’s take this over 30,000 subs! 😮
You're so close...! This brilliant film is going to do it.
And Ben, the roads look wonderful to someone who will never see them otherwise ❣️
You're very close.....which is very good progress I'd say😊
I would recommend one of those lightweight , 4 wheeled , drop sided , pneumatic tyred garden trollies for a gentle mode of Organ transport .
Nearly there👍😊
That tiny portable reed organ is not just a rare find, but a special acoustic gift. I cant wait to hear it sound out in a church. The donor was a delightful guy, and he himself deserves mention as a preservationist. Thanks, Ben!
❤ if you can, please tell that lovely gentleman that there are people all over the world who appreciate him and his sweet gift. Kindest regards from the Chicagoland area
I so agree❤
Thanks Mr Ray for sharing your organ with Ben and the world.
Ben i understand your joyful excitement! I smiled and laughed during your video. Thanks!
All of Ben’s videos bring me joy! Ben’s joy in this video is infectious!😊
my pleasure T. this organ donation has worked out loads better than i ever imagined.
@@raymondo162I am thrilled for you and you should know how much joy it will give.
Hi Ben, I am an organ builder in the vicinity of Seattle, Washington USA. Although our usual work is pipe organs, mainly those for the 19th and early 20th C. especially the mechanical action ones. As is happens, we also do quite a few restorations of reed organs and harmoniums (we also have a rare physharmonica set to be restored when we get the time.). I wish we were closer to you and we could help with your new instrument as well as any you may encounter in your travels. We have been enjoying your videos which we find lend a nice calmness to our evenings that is often quite welcome. I extend whatever help we could lend in terms of advice or encouragement as you might need it. Keep up this great work. It is dear to our hearts. We also go around to visit old churches in both our work and as historians. We always look forward to your videos, THANKS!
Glorious things of thee are spoken; Love divine all loves excelling to the tune of Blaenwern. The portable harmonium is a thrilling new dimension to Ben's channel. George Herbert would love it! Never a week should pass without our being thankful to Ben for sharing his keyboard skills with us, his devoted TH-cam family.
I would suppose someone loved that mini-organ dearly, once, and it was preserved so cafefully because it was so valued. Now, because of your generous donor, your instrument will be loved by thousands, as it becomes well traveled, and we all get to hear it. Thank-you, Ben! 🎶🥰🎵🎶
Thank you, too Mr. Ray. Your gift to Ben turned out to be a gift to all of us!!! 🎶☮️🎵🎶
Love Mr. Ray, his hospitality and laugh. Love the clocks and the one that randomly went "coo -coo" while Ben was visiting. And Ray's final, subtle laugh as he retreated back inside his front door.
Yes. Ray's sense of humour is definitely intact. I loved the way he gingerly reached for the lumbar area on his back to make sure he wasn't minus one or more kidneys. If he has a spouse, I can only imagine how she must hold her breath when he goes off to an auction, wondering what on earth he'll come home with -- this time. Do you suppose there's anyone else (maybe in Salisbury?) who may be dong some similar breath-holding at the other end of this exchange?
Abbots Leigh has been a favourite of mine since boyhood. When sung to Glorious things of Thee are spoken, there is no better combination of words and music.
Thanks for posting this!
I have rarely seen anyone look so pleased as you looked on finding that instrument. A cat with a saver of milk! How wonderful to think the old girl has a new lease of life in such loving hands. Enjoy!
"a new lease of life in such loving hands" exactly what i thought. i'm so happy !! and yes - always a bonus to spread a bit of happiness................
Cat found the whole milk bottle if you ask me😊😊
What a happy story! I am sure the original makers of your little reed organ would be looking down from heaven and smiling when you play it.
Especially when he takes it into an ancient church that hasn’t had an instrument in ages, if ever.
I'm in awe at your luck! Certainly deserved! A harmonium powered by a cheese and pickle sandwich!
That little organ has the most beautiful sound. Love it!
I totally agree. “Small Is Beautiful” E. F. Schumacher.
I'm so happy for you in acquiring this little organ. I'm an experienced reed organ restorer, and I think you have a rather unusual little organ. Here in the Untied States, most portable organs like this one have two sets of reeds...one 8' pitch and one 4' pitch, and are usually a 49 note keyboard. Usually, the 8' is open all the time and a knee control opens the 4'. Sometimes there are little knobs on the right and left key cheek that will open the bass and treble 4' separately, so it could be used as a Solo. The left knee control opens a swell flap to increase the volume. I've never heard of a Piccolo stop on a portable organ....and it sounds like maybe a 2' pitch. Am I right ? The Flute sounds like the usual 4' pitch to me. Again..am I correct? I've restored several of these small organs but I've never run across one like yours. I think you maybe have a very unique little organ and it sounds really great with it's rich sounds. Great job in presenting this video.
Love what you are doing! Glad to see a younger generation keeping history and church music alive.
Thanks John, I’m pleased to hear that. :)
As a teenage church chorister back in the 1950s used to cart one of these around the wards of geriatric hospital every week. Later figured out how to tune a reed organ - a waste of time if the reeds had accumulated a century's detritus. Drew the brass reeds out with a dentist's pick and then soaked them in hot Caustic Soda - best done outdoors.
O Ben you are truly blessed to have this gift. We are abundantly blessed that you share this. Such a glorious gift. Thank you.
"Do you play?" How wonderfully naive, and precious! Congrats on your new acquisition. My mum had one very similar to this when I was little; sadly a fish bowl on top of it was slowly leaking and by the time it was discovered, the organ was ruined....
As always, Ben, your videos are a weekly tonic of calm, and reflection on the glory of God, and the music the Faith has inspired. Thank you for time you take to make and edit them; they are balm for the soul...
Ben was very gracious by not being rude. He was very kind.
Oh Ben how lovely that the gent in Kent gave you this organ now waiting for you to play it good luck 😊
Your new small wooden box appears to hold wonderful potential within it. Now that it has fallen into your appreciative custody I think it would benefit from some light restoration so that its appearance is aligned with its musical charm.
What a gift! And apparently in such amazing playing condition. You couldn't have asked for better.
_"Do you play...?_ what a precious question ☺️🤗
i was very impressed with Ben's ivory-tickling skills..... looking forward to more
Seriously!!!!!!
Not at all, Ray didn't want to embarrass Ben if he could not (nor have to move another piece of furniture.)
That is probably the nicest sounding reed organ I have ever heard. What a wonderful find that came right to you.
We had Love Divine All Loves Excelling as the first hymn of our wedding in May this year. With a full strength choir and a mighty organ, I could not even sing a word, that's how moving it was! Thank you for playing, what a fine instrument that is
What a wonderful little instrument! I am so glad that it has been saved and that you now have it to make beautiful music on in beautiful places.
God bless Ray! ❤
thanks Pamela. i actually feel a bit blessed that finally the b&m has the right home
This little reed organ is an excellent addition to any home or church! Keep up the great videos!
Someone should make those again. Especially like the one you have the collapses like it does. It's a treasure!
Absolutely magical, Ben. What an adventure, what a perfect find. Just goes to show - good people really do make good things happen.
I’m l lm I’m
I’m now longing to hear your new organ in one of your old churches as you you played well in your secret place I know it will sound so lovely in one of the old churches how amazing with your find as you give such joy shearing your love ❤️ of old churches you are so amazing I loved the hymn all love all excelling one of my favourit
@@joantennant5579 i'm very much looking forward to future episodes, too. in the spirit of travelling preacher's organ, i'd like to hear a version of 'Jesus would You come by here?'
I served a church as pastor that had access to a folding reed organ that was used for field services by the US Army. It provided accompaniment for our outdoor Easter sunrise services for many years.
Love Organ donor idea. Great concept🎹🎶✨Play on!🎆
That it was found in Chatham is interesting. Perhaps it was a ship padre's organ. Or a missionary organ.
i thought 'missionary', but i reckon 'ship's padre' is well a possibility....... but i'm guessing
What a treasure!! Can't believe it was sitting in a corner and they tried to sell it for firewood - what a horrifying thought! Safe with you now and we can look forward to hearing you play it in some of those fabulous old village churches❤
"can't believe it was sitting in a corner" ..................... it was, at some point, stood on its left-hand END (presumably in a small broomcupboard): the right-side woodwork has coffee-cup rings / paint tin marks.............. sacrilege !!
Congratulations on your organ acquisition! I always look forward to your videos..
Ben, you are providing a remarkable and invaluable service. I always look forward to your videos on Sundays. God bless you and your work. Salutations from the US.
LOL! Love that about the hymnal! My NEH is ex Canterbury Cathedral!... After they turfed those wonderful books for newer red ... I think Hymns Ancient and Modern? ... my then teacher offered the rather battered, falling apart green NEH to me, as I was without a decent hymnal at the time. I carefully patched it up and quietly chuckle every time I find a hymn with decades of Canterbury pencil notes hastily scribbled next to staves or verses! It's my treasure now 😊
You are a treasure, Ben! Never give up ... please 🙏🏻
Thank you again. One church you might like to play in is at Itchen Stoke near Alresford, Hampshire. It has no organ as far as I know but is a stunning building under the redundant churches organization, your new pump organ from Kent might liven things up !
Wonderful videos and very meaningful.
Gotcha- thanks
How easy for moving about, so well designed. You should keep a book, if you don’t already, registering all your organ transplants.
What a rare find. A small portable organ that I would love to hear you Ben play it in a Historic Church.
You are a fascinating musician. You demonstrated to us that you do not need to use 100% of your dexterity in order to produce inspiring music. You can play using less dexterity but express your soul---and that produces music that is most profound. Most divine. Most heavenly. God bless you, Ben.
As always, warmest greetings from Ireland! 🇮🇪☘️ Yet again a wonderful sharing by your goodself. This gift from your generous donor is now being enjoyed by so many thanks as ever to your generous heart.
"being enjoyed by so many" yahaay !! i'm surprised how much interest i'm seeing in a matter of hours.
You are a true musician, Ben. The beard makes you more distinguished, clean shaven younger….
My late organist friend told me that he did his National Service with the Sappers in Germany, acting as organist to the Chaplain, and using a portable 'Field Organ', probably like this one. Other comments mention Army use, and I'm sure many such instruments will have been sold off, maybe even in Chatham. Back in Civvies, my friend served as organist for our local church for a further sixty years, and recalled that he had never had a more appreciative congregation than his fellow soldiers at the height of the Cold War!
Thank you Ben, and Ray, for lightening our hearts! ❤
it really lightened my heart to find the right owner for it, and i am really looking forward to future episodes..........
Another interesting thing about using the neat little portable reed organ in organ-less churches is that it will be a consistent test comparison of the different church's acoustics.
Can you imagine how many organs like this one may be in England has you have a great history of keeping and maintaining things for decades and decades; and your buildings for centuries.
A transportable organ, how exciting! it sounds beautiful, I can't wait to hear it in an ancient church setting. Sedding your organ donor a million and one kisses for his priceless donation 😊🙏
ooooooooh !! thanks soooooo much budda
What a lovely little organ! I can't wait to hear it in a church setting.
Dear Ben, The little 'interuption' showing you editing the video was in itself very interesting. That might be a short video in itself. Keep up the good work.
Unrelated to organs, but I used to collect old clocks, sometimes having them refurbished and refinished. I had several in my bedroom. Today, I don't think I could stand the clicking, but I really enjoyed it back then. I enjoy your posts. Thanks
i can stand the clicking. but if all the clocks are synchronised, and all the strikes and chimes are wound, it's madness at midhight. my clocks have been brought back to life by a retired clock / watch repairer who had his 93rd birthday recently !!
WOW, that mans house looks exactly like mine ! I too am a Clock Collector and restorer, with many clocks all round my home - just like him. I also have not one, but two similar Organs to that one. One is a Mason and Hamlyn, and one is almost identical, but has no visible name on it. Mine have no stops though, but fold up in the same way. I found one in a junk shop in Padstow, and one here in High Barnet in an Antiques 'Emporium' - many years ago. You have inspired me to get them out of my loft and finish restoring them. Thanks Ben for this brilliant video. Take care 🙂
I suggest putting swivel heavy duty caster wheels on the harmonium "legs". I also suggest a waterproof outdoor cover for it when your rainy season arrives; such as a luggage cover or a patio furniture cover for small tables. And you might also find some lashing straps if you're going to move it again on a cart/dolly.
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" played to a tune I've never heard before. Beautiful, as always. Congratulations on the adoption of your new "babe!"
Are you referring to the "Hyfrydol" hymn tune akin to "Alleluia Sing to Jesus"? That's how I know it.
@@255f145c15w No, but I do know that one, also. I know it best to John Zundel's 1870 tune.
Love divine is sung over here ( Uk) to Blaenwern. You can sing it to Hyfrydol as I think the metre is the same but I haven't heard it. There is another tune called Love Divine written by Stainer. Tastes vary of course but I'm not too keen on it as it has to be sung twice to cover a verse
The hymn itself was written by Charles Wesley but the hymn tune itself ie Blaenwern was written by a Welsh hymn writer whose name escapes me at the moment......
For an instant, I thought you were having a transplant. What a neat little organ. Just beautiful. It looks like someone is a fisherman (waders).
"Do you play?" 😁 Tom Pinch (in Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit) would call this "the sweetest little organ."
It is hilarious the way you taped a big 'MATON' on the front of your hymn book. 😂👍
My Dad always does the same lol. Those are too expensive to get accidentally stolen!
What a lovely instrument. I love how if you play a reed organ loud enough, it distorts like a tube amp.
Ben, this channel is wonderful. It should be a mainstream TV programme. On a similar basis to Winter Walks on BBC 4, it induces a superb ‘mindfulness’. Thankyou.
What an amazing little instrument! What a find! I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing you at more "friendless" churches.
A wonderful instrument to be used for the Glory of God. New life given to sing again. 🎶
It’s not the size of the organ that matters, it’s….ummmm…😂😂😂 but in all seriousness, what a beautiful sound and what a wonderful find! Small but mighty! ❤
🤣🤣🤣
Every Organist wishes his was bigger. But it's amazing what you can do with less talk and more play.
Indeed. And Ben opened one scene by appropriately recommending that it should be "laid gently on its back." But of course.
@@kesmarn
Indeed. Bach himself was quite fond of taking his wife in the Organ loft to give him a hand in
" maintenance". Personally I have pulled quite a few extra stops out when the job required it.
Just lock the door behind you darling and don't touch anything without asking first. Now we will start with the swell and work up to the great before finishing the job in the pedal department. Down low and slow.
" oh dear, something just came up".
" That's because your sitting on a very large reservoir."
@@joschmoyo4532 oooooer
Gods day Ben. I’ve want to help you out for a bit now but don’t use pay pal. Then I saw you had Patreon. Joined today. Have a blessed day, my friend.
Thanks!
"Do you play" - made my morning. Thank you.
So much joy, so much generosity, so much potential, for so many "friendless churches"! Marvelous.
That sounds so wonderful. I love these beautiful little reed organs. You can FEEL the music.
I had a full sized one for many years, as well as several full sized modernish electric church organs. I always prefer the acoustic instruments. I loved playing any time I could.
As I became a complete invalid I passed them on to others who can play and appreciate them.
Thank you so much for bringing this beautiful music into my life.
Simply, classic! Thank you so much for sharing with us all.
What a find, sent by God to you 🎉❣️
I’m really pleased to read that :)
Fabulous find, Ben. I can hardly wait to hear it played in some beautiful old English country churches. What a great new addition from a kind and generous donor. However, I believe you need an electric cart to get this up and down the pathways into the old churches.
Nice to see one of these instruments in such good order. Well done Ben
Your donated organ is in really good condition. You played it very well too. Keep up the good work Ben!
Ben did play very well. as soon as he started, i realised just how good the b&m sounds in the right hands. me very happy bunny, looking forward to future vids
Love everything about this episode! Thank you to the generous donor and giving new life to a wonderful organ!❤ Looking forward to your next road trips!
What a fabulous video, Ben. Lovely to see such a rare instrument finding a new lease of life in your capable hands. Thanks for playing two of my most favourite hymns too. Abbots Leigh (albeit to words of Church of God, elect and glorious) and Love Divine were both played at my wedding, and I regularly let them rip on my church pipe organ.
I think the Welsh hymn 'Rho im yr hedd" would sound great on this organ. Cheers Ben.👍
What a great sound and I'm so glad you found each other! ❤
Thank you for all your hard work and excellent video production! I don't go to churches for service, but the preservation of those buildings and organs is near and dear to my heart. Love from Germany!
So glad that you did in fact NOT take one of his kidneys with that. LOL
I agree, this is going to be perfect for you to take into some of the dear beautiful old buildings.
If you use a trolley, I do strongly recommend four pneumatic tires, as the air can absorb some bumps along the paths without transferring their impact along to the reeds.
You could have played the hymn tune *Bemerton*
It’s a simple four liner but lovely suspensions in the alto line.
Please put a blanket between the organ and cart for safekeeping
It’ll be well loved 🥰
A blanket and a bungee cord will help protect it and calm your nerves whilst transporting this beautiful instrument from your car to the church 👍
SO glad you got that folding reed organ. I think they are much more expressive than an ordinary pipe organ. I have three harmoniums and when I switch to the piano I find myself pump pump pump with terrible results.
Speaking of Organ donors...my Dad recently suggested I apply for an organ donor card...he's a man after my own heart haha
LOLZ good n proper !!
This is WONDERFUL!!! That tiny little organ has great sound!!!
Do you play?
Ben: Hold my beer.
What a gutsy sound from such a pimple of an instrument--delightful! I had two of these little pipsqueaks. The last one was an Estey, but I cannot remember what the other was. they can be wee fun machines. Look forward to seeing you play when you're on the "roll".
This is exciting! Wonderful sound from this small instrument. Thank you, Ben!
Interesting. Our Episcopal Hymnal uses Austria for "Glorious things of thee are spoken" and Hyfrydol (my favorite) for "Love divine, all loves excelling."
Austria is used over here as well but Abbots Leigh is also quite common
Austria was written by Haydn for the then Austrian national anthem
Changed when Austria became a Republic as the words open with God save Franz the emperor
There was a TH-cam video on the funeral of Otto von Haps urg at which the federal President was present. The Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna decided it was a good idea to end the Requiem by singing the old imperial anthem........The President looked daggers at the Archbishop 😅😅!!
The Organ Harvester.....? 🎹 £25 is on your way for the Harmonium Dolly Cart Of Greatness fund. Cheers!
You’re awesome, thank you
What a wonderful organ and so compact to carry with you. I can feel your happiness in some ways. I like old furniture and all sorts of stuff that others think is junk.
You made that harmonium reed organ sound good. They can be ghastly. Have to say I prefer what you do in St Martin’s . Only give that up to be in Salisbury Cathedral. Be good to have you do a recital there.
Ray: “Do you play?”
Ben: 😎
Was Ray joking, or hadn't he seen your channel? Gave me a good chuckle.
I couldn’t believe that he was asking that question to one of the finest organists in the world 🤭🎹😮
@@PortsladeBySea Not everyone is on the Internet.
I believe Ben's answer was: "Do I play??" I loved it. So spontaneous. The donor was a delightful guy. Just being able to repair clocks qualifies him as a member of the "Who Needs Electricity?" club.
Ooh.....I loved those clocks!!😊
Great as usual! Thanks for shaving!!!!!! While in Kent, grab some hops.
So kind of that interesting gentleman to just give you the organ because he knew it was going to a good home where it would be used. As for supporting your work I was under the impression that you were the organist in a parish in Salisbury. Is that no longer the case? The church would be foolish not to employ a man of your talents.
@Quince
I think it is unlikely that a parish church can pay a salary to an organist.
@@giuliakhawaja7929 really? Why would you say that? Parishes here hire organists all the time. And some are paid quite well.
@@Quince828 Cathedral organists full time are paid a salary. Parish Church organists are, I think, part time and paid for weddings by the couple, probably the same for funerals or other special occasions. Ben said the channel is his only source of income.
@@Quince828 "An organist is just one job of many in the church which are sometimes paid positions and sometimes unpaid. Other such jobs include church cleaning, secretarial duties, grounds maintenance, youth worker, flower arranging and auditing.
4. Fees and Budgets | The Guild of Church Musicians
The Guild of Church Musicians"
@@giuliakhawaja7929 interesting. That must be a Great Britain thing as here across the pond organists and choir directors are salaried employees. Weddings and funerals they receive an honorarium from the family involved. Yes it’s still a part time job but they are on payroll from the parish or diocese. Most often they are given exclusive right of first refusal for weddings etc and are given use of the church if they want to have a teaching studio there as well.
A special video! That little harmonium was a real find & it still sounds amazing, played by you, of course! Can't wait to watch where you travel to next!
Nice work all round. Nice donor, nice little organ, nice hymn-playing. Thanks.
Ben, in America our daily work commute takes that long. 😛
Growing up in Texas, the standard rule of thumb here was that anything within 100 miles (161km) was considered “local”.
yeh but, yeh but Ben had to negotiate a sizeable chunk of the notorious M25 motorway - a total blight on southern england. plus the same M25 return trip. that's a pretty good effort, i'd say
Lovely instrument! In NL we call this a harmonium. I learned to play music on my parents harmonium when I was young. Thanks for showing the hymn book as well. I was already wondering from which book people in England sing.
That is such an exciting find. Some of my favourite memories are of my grandmother playing such an instrument at the old family Methodist Chapel of her childhood. And Abbot's Leigh is one of the three best hymn tunes ever. Thank you.
How my heart swells at seeing George Herbert's church and hearing his music. Having glimpses throughout the years of George Herbert through music and poetry, your video inspired me to do a google search. I discovered a wealth of information. I'm on the hunt now for copies of his biographies thru the used book sites. Thank you Ben and Ray for this video.
If you ever decide to organize a tour of some of the churches featured on your channel with you playing...count me in!
I think you need a cart with soft inflatable tires to move your precious portable organ. 👍
inflated with bellows, by Billy.
😂😂
@@SalisburyOrganist was that minny organ free
needs a couple of webbing straps to settle it on the cart too.
@@brianlopez8855 I used old car seat belts, they are almost indestructible. You can find them easely in auto wrecking shops that recycle cars for parts. Red is a nice color.
Thanks I really like the videos you make 😊
Thanks for featuring so many reed organs in your program....as an owner, collector, restorer, performer on these instruments, your program is valuable. As a pipe organist, also I am devited to each of your programs....next i need to support your efforts!!!!
This organ looks and sounds like a Bilhorn Folding Portable organ invented by an American evangelist Peter Phiilip Bilhorn in 1885 for use in his services. He and his brother established the Bilhorn Brother Organ Company in Chicago which sold the ingenious instruments through large stores in the US such as Sears Roebuck.
Ben Mentioned Barnes and Mullins who still trade today selling musical instruments, so possibly made to order for then by the firm you mention