Hi Ben. I have family over and we just finished listening to you after lunch. My 98 yr old aunt was teary-eyed. She loved this since her retirement home lost its musical director. I cant thank you enough and this was just what everyone here needed to top off their day.
Always appreciate Bach especially. As a pianist, let me say a few words in defence of the instrument: sonorous overtones, enhanced by the sustain pedal, percussive finger responsive hammers attuned to the touch of the player, harp-like rolled chords and arpeggios, bell-like chiming octaves, twinkling upper registers, vicious attack or whispered chords... I could go on. This is not to say that I like the organ any less though, just thought I'd stick up for the poor old piano. LOVED the video as always. God bless.
Without those beautiful churches the landscape would be so much poorer. And of course we need organists like Ben to deliver us beautiful music. Something aesthetic and something for the soul
Greetings Ben! I love your videos! They are so caring and personal. You have a gift for communicating warmly through your sharing of heart and soul and humor. I love when you walk filming through the English countryside. I have longed since a child to visit England, esp. the countryside. Through the outdoor adventures, as you trek to show the churches and organs, I receive a gift of some semblance of a dream come true. I also was a country church organist, starting to accompany my childhood parish at the age of 13. It is so heartwarming to relive the cold conditions and such in the church as you educate the audience about how we endure discomforts at times when we go to practice in the winter and all. In my parish, we had a nice warming furnace and how delightful to up the thermostat upon arrival for practice or Mass and feel the warmth build while in the choir loft with the organ. Such great memories of my blessed time alone in the church and then other churches as well. I played for Mass, funerals and weddings in new parishes I joined upon marrying and raising a family for 40 years. You are a natural to recognize a such worthy and important subject as in the culture/history of organs, music and churches. Even the technical looks at the functioning of organs/keyboards are valuable. All of this plants seeds and bears fruit. Your videos nourish hungry hearts seeking a dignified and fresh touch to share and enjoy our humanity.
Ben, your perseverance is phenomenal. To cross those frozen fields with the prospect of repeating the trek loaded down with cameras and whatnot is not to be envied, Thank you for being so determined. And what a surprise to see you sitting at a piano. It was a little difficult to accept the 'thinner' sound of the piano when my brain was expecting the 'wrap-around' sound of an organ, but I got there. But lo! A second surprise! Your new piece is so very different from any of your other pieces. It was interesting to watch you compose and I'm anxious to hear it next week on the organ in Devon. And let me add that the poetry you choose and the heartbreakingly beautiful countryside you bring us are as moving as you could possibly hope. Thank you, Ben, for an exceptionally interesting and enjoyable video, A real mid-winter boon.🥰❤
It is a quarter past 4 in the afternoon in a south eastern corner of the state of New York - 35 miles far from the bustling city of NYC. Here it is rather grey and quiet. Your poetry and music and videos fill the silence with a warm peace despite the serendipity of a stuck note. You kept your mind and ears open for opportunity despite the annoying interruption. From that moment of grace came a new work, based on four simple yet poignant chords. Thank you for sharing it all with us. I anxiously await next Sunday's organ premiere of this untitled work. I hope this coming week will inspire you as much as this brief "interruption" has inspired you. See you next week Ben!
The brothers Maton are indeed a comfort delivered so generously with each weekly visit. Bless you for all that you add to our lives. Ben, I hope your finger is better.😊
I am starting to like the organ more and more. It helps to hear all the information you give. Such a beautiful, rich instrument and so versatile. I also like the imperfections and that every organ has its own personality. Abide with me always brings me to tears. When my older brother and I were small, our parents put us to bed with that song and we sung it together. I never knew it was often sung at funerals untill I was in my forties, but I hope they sing it at my funeral with the words we sung when we were small. Today they sing it with different words in my country. I wanted to sing it solo, with my brother at the organ, at my mothers funeral but that was too much and I never did.
Yes, these videos just keep getting better and better. Getting home from church each Sunday evening, they accompany my evening cuppa. Thank you for all the work and effort you put into making these enjoyable and blessed videos. Every blessing to you as you continue your work and labour of love. Ruth 2:12 The LORD recompense thy work and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. God bless you and your brother Billy richly. Ps sending you and little towards your work via post. Thanks from Belfast
Ben, you have the most wonderful outlook on life. Your videos, no matter what obstacles are thrown at you, are always successful. Thank you for another delightful Sunday afternoon touring parts of England's countryside that I may never get to walk accompanied by your beautiful music and cheerful narration. We are all blessed to view your presentations. PS you are a natural teacher.
I understand your feelings about the range of sound on the organ as opposed to the piano, but as a pianist I'm partial to the expressive quality of the piano. When played with pianistic technique it is stunningly beautiful. I enjoy sensitively played organ as well and in my dabblings at the organ I must say the huge sounds available on some large church organs are thrilling! I so enjoy your videos and I'm glad to be a subscriber! Thank you.
Give Ben a like he will be helped by this if you enjoy his work the number of views don’t show this show how much you like what he does just an admirer of this entertainment
I wish you would recite poetry more often. You do a great job in speaking and selecting your choices. With your sensitive appreciation of poetry, you should be writing some of your own.
Discovering your channel was truly a gift! I'm in awe of all the lovely old churches you show us. I am reminded of rural Minnesota, where I grew up, and the country churches which had the same rustic organs you so lovingly play.
Ben, you play the piano very well! It just goes to show that a true musician can transfer their talent and knowledge to another instrument. We enjoyed this one immensely, especially the beautiful countryside and poetry. Thank you for another great video! Love & Hugs from North Carolina, USA
As Ben said in one of his videos some months ago, introverts aren’t shy. I suspect most introverts are not comfortable speaking or performing in front of a large live audience. I am sure for me it would be far easier speaking to an invisible audience on TH-cam. I love to rewatch his very first videos from Advent and Christmas 2023, and early 2024. I am constantly impressed with how good they are and how comfortable he seems, even though it was when he had only made half a dozen episodes.
Grand to see a Broadwood & Sons piano and not Yamaha slop. Beethoven was famously gifted a Broadwood in 1818, and he cherished it most of all his pianos -- even if he could only approximate its tone (in his deafness) by biting on a metal bar attached to it and feeling the vibrations. The history of keyboard manuals mashes up nicely here with the historic English places our Salisbury organist often visits.
Your substitutions are a thing of beauty. The keyboard layout is the only thing that is the same with organ & piano. For a real challenge try an accordion - reeds, wind, keyboard. Just like an organ? Maybe not but all fabulously fun. Love what you do. It's a joy to see how your mind works.
And Baroque organists often practiced on two-manual harpsichords with pedalboard. The kind of instrument you might have in your cozy home when the church is bone cold in the winter. Interesting how people learn to do with what they have.
Having watched many of your videos, the absence of pianos from all the churches you visit has really surprised me. Here in America, at least in the south where I'm at, the piano is ubiquitous. Every church has a piano, but only the largest churches (over 300 people) have organs. Almost all of those are electric. When a church actually does have an organ, they are always used alongside a piano. In America, the piano is the superhero and the organ is a sidekick. I wonder why that is? I play piano at my church and I've never had the opportunity to play an organ, but love the sound.
Hi Ben & Billy. I grew up in the south of the United States. What is called the Bible belt. As a child in the choir I was exposed to both the organ & piano; sometimes while singing the same song. The organ was predominant, but the piano had a major role also. I had a piano at home, so my early training was on the piano. Later I became a piano teacher, but I always loved the beautiful organ sounds. When the opportunity to own an organ came up, I jumped at it with joy. I found an organ teacher and pursued this instrument at night while still teaching piano during the day. It did feel odd at first, especially the footwork, and the keys felt different, but I persisted and while I don't claim to play as well as you, Ben, I can adapt to either instrument. It did my heart good to see you play the piano as well. I look forward to hearing your composition. I am also an artist & a photographer, so I am enamored by the pastoral scenes you show us. I love horses. There was one in the field. Wonderful poetry selections. 😊The facade of the church was stunning, and the interior even more so. Thank you, Billy, for the assist. The piano is less full-bodied than the organ, but each instrument has its own place in the execution of melody. Aren't we the same? Keep up the exquisite music. Charlene
As a Bach-loving Jew, I paid less attention to the liturgical works (chorales, masses etc) but was delighted by your warm rendition of "Abide with me." I first heard it in the 2002 horror flick "28 Days Later" also based in London.
Moved by the scenery would be an understatement! I literally got chills listening to you reading the poem in the opening. Even though you weren't able to get back into the church, the landscape you walked through was so beautiful and added so much to the video -- it is absolutely sublime. Fantastic poetry choices, beautiful organ, and beautiful composition!
Great job. I love how you switched between piano and organ. We all know some pieces don't translate well between the piano and organ. It's like the difference between a manual and automatic transmission. One you're going to get a little more power. The other you will get a little more smoother ride.
the other main difference between organ and pianoforte is in the name: if you hit a piano key gently it plays piano, extra gentle gives a pianissimo, and when you give the key a bit more energy it plays forte
Ben may we expect your talent to result in new original music? I think most of us would agree that you certainly have the ability; and talent to create a wonderful piece of music.
What a delight! Love the new composition and am looking forward to hearing you play it on an organ. Enjoyed your piano rendition of "Abide with Me"! Love the poetry! Love the church! Love the countryside! Love the way you respond to setbacks! Kudos!
Also love the way you do not assume everyone who might enjoy what you offer has a shared level of basic organ knowledge and, so, include basic teaching along with all the rest you bring!
Your tours are always engaging, Ben. 'So glad that Billy was able to supply the base-pedals portion of your unnamed composition. I look forward to the full performance next week. Bravo, Sirs!
Hi Ben I so enjoy watching your videos here in New Zealand. We watch it on a Monday night and yes I do enjoy your walks along the path and all the scenery around you it looks so beautiful so I look forward to your next video. Take care yours Andrew Greening .
Hi Ben, I noticed your metronome, and I think mine is the same. Mine belonged to my great grandmother. The brand name is 'Metronome De Maelzel'. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent. You have many gifts and I appreciate the care and thought you put in each video. Thank you 😊
I didn’t expect to find your video on TikTok but I found tick-tock on your video!. Nothing quite like the hypnotic sound of a grandfather clock. And at the end, you proved what a sensitive and competent piano player you are! Your demo with Billy really strikes home the value of the organ pedals. I can’t wait for the Devon video now!
Beautiful scenery, a joyful listening experience, and as usual, great storytelling. I really like your longer format. It gives more time for adding the other features of education & anecdote among an ever expanding repertoire of organ music beyond the humble hymn. You did a fantastic job of demonstrating the uniqueness of the organ from other keyboard instruments, (notably a piano) by bringing in an actual piano into the story. In a side by side comparison, wow, what a stark contrast! For years my small town church didnt have an organ because we didnt have an organist to play one. The pianist was too intimidated to try and didnt want the church to make such a large investment only to hear her "make a mess of it". I've sang Abide with Me countless times to a piano accompaniment. You don't realize what you're missing until you hear it again, on the organ. 😊 thanks for taking us along.
Thank you Ben, yet again. I'm always glad to give what small yet regular support that I am able. Amusingly, I am an unpaid small local village church organist. Absolute Heaven. 🎹
Thank you. A really special video, now added to my list of favourites! Inspiring poetry, landscape, church & of course music. I am so excited to hear your new piece, it sounds so good! It must be such an emotional & connected feeling to play music with your siblings…I enjoyed it when Billy joined you on the piano, a sibling spark! Your playing of the Bach piece was magnificent & considering how cold your hands were with all those very intricate parts, amazing! Interesting comparison between piano & organ, it demonstrated how very different they are. Thank you so much for these wonderful, wonderful videos & I am so sorry that I’m not in a position to give financially. I do look forward to them every Sunday & feel so connected to the content. Such solace from modern day disconnect.
Your cold hands reminded me -- when I was around 12-14 years old, every year our school orchestra had to play outdoors for the annual "snow day" event. Even playing simple children's holiday songs on an electric keyboard felt impossible with cold hands. So, I am greatly impressed by your playing of the Bach piece under such conditions! Your piano playing is also very lovely, and I enjoyed the comparative demonstration. Looking forward to the next video and hearing your full composition :)
These smaller organs are really great instruments for practice and performance. Tracker action always is very good for practice. One has to be so precise. Yesterday, I practiced on a large concert organ built by Casavant (Quebec) EP 1987. One has to really discipline oneself in order to practice on such a large instrument. There is always the temptation to use more stops! I used a lot of 8' and 4' stops, though with just a 16' Bourdon coupled to the Great, as well as solo voices on the swell (recit) and other divisions.
Well done and well played, as usual, Ben. I find it fascinating that you are able to improvise on the spot whenever nature and the laws of physics throws you a curve ball, i.e. how the sticky note you encountered gave you inspiration to write your own organ piece. Can't wait to hear the finished product next week. I love your country walks too, which is why I keep booking hiking trips to the U.K. (This coming August I'll be trekking along Hadrian's Wall, with a few days in London.) You're doing a good work, cheers and carry on.
Thanks Ben for another awesome video I loved you also playing the piano looking forward to hear your new composition next week oh how is your cat doing in this very cold weather we have not seen it for a long time keep warm and take care 👵🏻👌
Sadly, Ken, very few rural churches in France even have an organ. The Roman church does not use music in anything like the same way as that developed by the Anglicans. The main problem, of course, is that they only really have one, all-purpose form of service, 'the mass'.
That G pedal note in the Bach prelude is almost humorous. I wonder if he had a joking brother to help with the bass notes? Your poetry readings are very engaging.
It was very good seeing you again Ben, as I missed your wonderful music and the serene English countryside. I was in North Carolina for a family member's Memorial Service and played also Abide with me. Thank you again and have a Blessed and Safe Week!
3:15 I didn't realize that Yew trees could grow so old: "Yew trees (Taxus baccata) can live for up to 3,000 years, but are more commonly around 1,500 years old." It's somewhat remarkable since I believe England grew Yew trees to harvest for bows & arrows 🏹 🎯
Very interesting organ, especially since it’s from the days of horizontal swell shades. The tracker action looks pretty responsive given it’s age. Hopefully you can get back in sometime and give us a longer sampling.
Thanks for another great video. You are fantastically talented and personable. I look forward to your videos each week. As an aside, I just read that Oxford University produces more billionaires than any other university in Britain.
I see that your piano is a Broadwood which is what Elgar played . His was a square one called by the makers “ a school model” . In his birthplace, near my home, this piano still stands .
So your viewers in other countries have now witnessed one of the scourges of travel in the English countryside - the road closure. But this time it was to help one of the others - potholes. Lovely music and scenery as usual Be.
Hi Ben. I have family over and we just finished listening to you after lunch. My 98 yr old aunt was teary-eyed. She loved this since her retirement home lost its musical director. I cant thank you enough and this was just what everyone here needed to top off their day.
This is one of the sweetest replies I ever read.
Thank you I love your program so much
Always appreciate Bach especially. As a pianist, let me say a few words in defence of the instrument: sonorous overtones, enhanced by the sustain pedal, percussive finger responsive hammers attuned to the touch of the player, harp-like rolled chords and arpeggios, bell-like chiming octaves, twinkling upper registers, vicious attack or whispered chords... I could go on. This is not to say that I like the organ any less though, just thought I'd stick up for the poor old piano. LOVED the video as always. God bless.
Thank you! You said it well. 🎹
Without those beautiful churches the landscape would be so much poorer. And of course we need organists like Ben to deliver us beautiful music. Something aesthetic and something for the soul
Wonderful episode, Ben! Your videos are a weekly treat. Love the history, music, scenery and adventure.
I love your gentle nature walks with history and music and now poetry. How absolutely wonderful.
Greetings Ben! I love your videos! They are so caring and personal. You have a gift for communicating warmly through your sharing of heart and soul and humor. I love when you walk filming through the English countryside. I have longed since a child to visit England, esp. the countryside. Through the outdoor adventures, as you trek to show the churches and organs, I receive a gift of some semblance of a dream come true. I also was a country church organist, starting to accompany my childhood parish at the age of 13. It is so heartwarming to relive the cold conditions and such in the church as you educate the audience about how we endure discomforts at times when we go to practice in the winter and all. In my parish, we had a nice warming furnace and how delightful to up the thermostat upon arrival for practice or Mass and feel the warmth build while in the choir loft with the organ. Such great memories of my blessed time alone in the church and then other churches as well. I played for Mass, funerals and weddings in new parishes I joined upon marrying and raising a family for 40 years. You are a natural to recognize a such worthy and important subject as in the culture/history of organs, music and churches. Even the technical looks at the functioning of organs/keyboards are valuable. All of this plants seeds and bears fruit. Your videos nourish hungry hearts seeking a dignified and fresh touch to share and enjoy our humanity.
Ben each week you take us on an adventure of English countryside,churches, poetry and music, thank you. The organ lessons are also interesting .
Ben, we learn so much more from the things that do not go according to plan than from the things that do.
I love the behind-the-scenes views and explanations of these village church organs.
Ben, your perseverance is phenomenal. To cross those frozen fields with the prospect of repeating the trek loaded down with cameras and whatnot is not to be envied, Thank you for being so determined.
And what a surprise to see you sitting at a piano. It was a little difficult to accept the 'thinner' sound of the piano when my brain was expecting the 'wrap-around' sound of an organ, but I got there. But lo! A second surprise! Your new piece is so very different from any of your other pieces. It was interesting to watch you compose and I'm anxious to hear it next week on the organ in Devon.
And let me add that the poetry you choose and the heartbreakingly beautiful countryside you bring us are as moving as you could possibly hope.
Thank you, Ben, for an exceptionally interesting and enjoyable video, A real mid-winter boon.🥰❤
It is a quarter past 4 in the afternoon in a south eastern corner of the state of New York - 35 miles far from the bustling city of NYC. Here it is rather grey and quiet. Your poetry and music and videos fill the silence with a warm peace despite the serendipity of a stuck note. You kept your mind and ears open for opportunity despite the annoying interruption. From that moment of grace came a new work, based on four simple yet poignant chords. Thank you for sharing it all with us. I anxiously await next Sunday's organ premiere of this untitled work. I hope this coming week will inspire you as much as this brief "interruption" has inspired you. See you next week Ben!
The brothers Maton are indeed a comfort delivered so generously with each weekly visit. Bless you for all that you add to our lives. Ben, I hope your finger is better.😊
I am starting to like the organ more and more.
It helps to hear all the information you give.
Such a beautiful, rich instrument and so versatile.
I also like the imperfections and that every organ has its own personality.
Abide with me always brings me to tears.
When my older brother and I were small, our parents put us to bed with that song and we sung it together.
I never knew it was often sung at funerals untill I was in my forties, but I hope they sing it at my funeral with the words we sung when we were small. Today they sing it with different words in my country.
I wanted to sing it solo, with my brother at the organ, at my mothers funeral but that was too much and I never did.
Billy has impressive hand-span, ideal for playing Rachmaninov 3rd 😊. Great video again, Ben. God bless you and your family
when other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless Lord, abide with me. Thank you Ben for playing that beautiful hymn!!!
Yes, these videos just keep getting better and better.
Getting home from church each Sunday evening, they accompany my evening cuppa.
Thank you for all the work and effort you put into making these enjoyable and blessed videos.
Every blessing to you as you continue your work and labour of love.
Ruth 2:12 The LORD recompense thy work and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
God bless you and your brother Billy richly.
Ps sending you and little towards your work via post.
Thanks from Belfast
Thank you or these lovely video essays. The mixture of countryside, music, and monologue, is sublime.
Ben, you have the most wonderful outlook on life. Your videos, no matter what obstacles are thrown at you, are always successful. Thank you for another delightful Sunday afternoon touring parts of England's countryside that I may never get to walk accompanied by your beautiful music and cheerful narration. We are all blessed to view your presentations.
PS you are a natural teacher.
I understand your feelings about the range of sound on the organ as opposed to the piano, but as a pianist I'm partial to the expressive quality of the piano. When played with pianistic technique it is stunningly beautiful. I enjoy sensitively played organ as well and in my dabblings at the organ I must say the huge sounds available on some large church organs are thrilling! I so enjoy your videos and I'm glad to be a subscriber! Thank you.
What a gift this young man has. I wish I knew as much about pipe organs when I was a music student!
Yes, it's the scenery I love, Ben. I appreciate that you take the time to walk to your churches and show us the magnificent countryside.
It never fails to amaze what a talented pair of brothers you are!
You have any more siblings, Ben?
Thank you. I enjoyed your new composition! And the beautiful frosty scenery.
Peaceful and a real treat and perfect ending to a Sunday Evening
Blessings and thanks to you Ben from Scotland 🙏
And to you too! Thanks for tuning in
I love when you add poetry to your beautiful videos
Give Ben a like he will be helped by this if you enjoy his work the number of views don’t show this show how much you like what he does just an admirer of this entertainment
Yes. And how about also helping by donating on his PayPal?
Thanks for sharing this journey with us.
I wish you would recite poetry more often. You do a great job in speaking and selecting your choices. With your sensitive appreciation of poetry, you should be writing some of your own.
Discovering your channel was truly a gift! I'm in awe of all the lovely old churches you show us. I am reminded of rural Minnesota, where I grew up, and the country churches which had the same rustic organs you so lovingly play.
Ben, you play the piano very well! It just goes to show that a true musician can transfer their talent and knowledge to another instrument. We enjoyed this one immensely, especially the beautiful countryside and poetry. Thank you for another great video! Love & Hugs from North Carolina, USA
It has been a joy to watch you develop your Salisbury organist youtube persona. As a fellow introvert, I understand the effort it takes.
As Ben said in one of his videos some months ago, introverts aren’t shy.
I suspect most introverts are not comfortable speaking or performing in front of a large live audience. I am sure for me it would be far easier speaking to an invisible audience on TH-cam.
I love to rewatch his very first videos from Advent and Christmas 2023, and early 2024. I am constantly impressed with how good they are and how comfortable he seems, even though it was when he had only made half a dozen episodes.
You play the piano beautifully.
The frosty landscape in this one really is beautiful. I look forward to hearing the new piece.
Grand to see a Broadwood & Sons piano and not Yamaha slop. Beethoven was famously gifted a Broadwood in 1818, and he cherished it most of all his pianos -- even if he could only approximate its tone (in his deafness) by biting on a metal bar attached to it and feeling the vibrations. The history of keyboard manuals mashes up nicely here with the historic English places our Salisbury organist often visits.
Your substitutions are a thing of beauty. The keyboard layout is the only thing that is the same with organ & piano. For a real challenge try an accordion - reeds, wind, keyboard. Just like an organ? Maybe not but all fabulously fun. Love what you do. It's a joy to see how your mind works.
Many organists practice on piano for finger technique which supplements their organ playing.😊
And Baroque organists often practiced on two-manual harpsichords with pedalboard. The kind of instrument you might have in your cozy home when the church is bone cold in the winter.
Interesting how people learn to do with what they have.
That Sir, was a masterpiece....❤ loved every moment 😊
Thanks!
Having watched many of your videos, the absence of pianos from all the churches you visit has really surprised me. Here in America, at least in the south where I'm at, the piano is ubiquitous. Every church has a piano, but only the largest churches (over 300 people) have organs. Almost all of those are electric. When a church actually does have an organ, they are always used alongside a piano. In America, the piano is the superhero and the organ is a sidekick. I wonder why that is? I play piano at my church and I've never had the opportunity to play an organ, but love the sound.
Hi Ben & Billy. I grew up in the south of the United States. What is called the Bible belt. As a child in the choir I was exposed to both the organ & piano; sometimes while singing the same song. The organ was predominant, but the piano had a major role also. I had a piano at home, so my early training was on the piano. Later I became a piano teacher, but I always loved the beautiful organ sounds. When the opportunity to own an organ came up, I jumped at it with joy. I found an organ teacher and pursued this instrument at night while still teaching piano during the day. It did feel odd at first, especially the footwork, and the keys felt different, but I persisted and while I don't claim to play as well as you, Ben, I can adapt to either instrument. It did my heart good to see you play the piano as well. I look forward to hearing your composition. I am also an artist & a photographer, so I am enamored by the pastoral scenes you show us. I love horses. There was one in the field. Wonderful poetry selections. 😊The facade of the church was stunning, and the interior even more so. Thank you, Billy, for the assist. The piano is less full-bodied than the organ, but each instrument has its own place in the execution of melody. Aren't we the same? Keep up the exquisite music. Charlene
As a Bach-loving Jew, I paid less attention to the liturgical works (chorales, masses etc) but was delighted by your warm rendition of "Abide with me." I first heard it in the 2002 horror flick "28 Days Later" also based in London.
Nice to see a Dulciana still in residence! One of my favourite stops.
Moved by the scenery would be an understatement! I literally got chills listening to you reading the poem in the opening. Even though you weren't able to get back into the church, the landscape you walked through was so beautiful and added so much to the video -- it is absolutely sublime. Fantastic poetry choices, beautiful organ, and beautiful composition!
Great job. I love how you switched between piano and organ. We all know some pieces don't translate well between the piano and organ. It's like the difference between a manual and automatic transmission. One you're going to get a little more power. The other you will get a little more smoother ride.
the other main difference between organ and pianoforte is in the name: if you hit a piano key gently it plays piano, extra gentle gives a pianissimo, and when you give the key a bit more energy it plays forte
Oh, Ben. So wonderful. I would give you 10 thumbs up if I could.
I do love the countryside and the music. I love seeing the churches. They are beautiful. Thank you so much.
I play piano and tbe organ and it makes a big difference and you play so well on the piano
Beautiful in every way. Thanks Ben, you are a fine young man (and Billy as well).
Thanks again, Ben. I so look forward to your releases on Sundays. God bless.
For future reference when out in the winter weather wear 100% Merino wool gloves.
Absolutely!
Actually possum/merino is even warmer! Fingerless mittens are the way to go.
your videos only get better. Thank you.
Ben may we expect your talent to result in new original music? I think most of us would agree that you certainly have the ability; and talent to create a wonderful piece of music.
What a delight! Love the new composition and am looking forward to hearing you play it on an organ. Enjoyed your piano rendition of "Abide with Me"! Love the poetry! Love the church! Love the countryside! Love the way you respond to setbacks! Kudos!
Also love the way you do not assume everyone who might enjoy what you offer has a shared level of basic organ knowledge and, so, include basic teaching along with all the rest you bring!
Your tours are always engaging, Ben. 'So glad that Billy was able to supply the base-pedals portion of your unnamed composition. I look forward to the full performance next week. Bravo, Sirs!
Hi Ben I so enjoy watching your videos here in New Zealand. We watch it on a Monday night and yes I do enjoy your walks along the path and all the scenery around you it looks so beautiful so I look forward to your next video. Take care yours Andrew Greening .
Hi Ben, I noticed your metronome, and I think mine is the same. Mine belonged to my great grandmother. The brand name is 'Metronome De Maelzel'. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent. You have many gifts and I appreciate the care and thought you put in each video. Thank you 😊
The tiled floor alone means you're in for a treat.!
I didn’t expect to find your video on TikTok but I found tick-tock on your video!. Nothing quite like the hypnotic sound of a grandfather clock. And at the end, you proved what a sensitive and competent piano player you are!
Your demo with Billy really strikes home the value of the organ pedals. I can’t wait for the Devon video now!
Ben--As always a thoroughly engaging video. Thank very much for all of the time and effort that goes into producing these videos..
Hmm ! One of my three favourite hymns. Abide with me!
I may be a Chorister but I enjoy what you do! With interest.
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Beautiful scenery, a joyful listening experience, and as usual, great storytelling. I really like your longer format. It gives more time for adding the other features of education & anecdote among an ever expanding repertoire of organ music beyond the humble hymn. You did a fantastic job of demonstrating the uniqueness of the organ from other keyboard instruments, (notably a piano) by bringing in an actual piano into the story. In a side by side comparison, wow, what a stark contrast! For years my small town church didnt have an organ because we didnt have an organist to play one. The pianist was too intimidated to try and didnt want the church to make such a large investment only to hear her "make a mess of it". I've sang Abide with Me countless times to a piano accompaniment. You don't realize what you're missing until you hear it again, on the organ. 😊 thanks for taking us along.
Thank you Ben, yet again.
I'm always glad to give what small yet regular support that I am able.
Amusingly, I am an unpaid small local village church organist.
Absolute Heaven. 🎹
What a nourishing video, Ben, in sound, sight, and thought! Thank you so much!
Thank you. A really special video, now added to my list of favourites!
Inspiring poetry, landscape, church & of course music. I am so excited to hear your new piece, it sounds so good! It must be such an emotional & connected feeling to play music with your siblings…I enjoyed it when Billy joined you on the piano, a sibling spark!
Your playing of the Bach piece was magnificent & considering how cold your hands were with all those very intricate parts, amazing!
Interesting comparison between piano & organ, it demonstrated how very different they are.
Thank you so much for these wonderful, wonderful videos & I am so sorry that I’m not in a position to give financially. I do look forward to them every Sunday & feel so connected to the content. Such solace from modern day disconnect.
Your cold hands reminded me -- when I was around 12-14 years old, every year our school orchestra had to play outdoors for the annual "snow day" event. Even playing simple children's holiday songs on an electric keyboard felt impossible with cold hands. So, I am greatly impressed by your playing of the Bach piece under such conditions! Your piano playing is also very lovely, and I enjoyed the comparative demonstration. Looking forward to the next video and hearing your full composition :)
These smaller organs are really great instruments for practice and performance. Tracker action always is very good for practice. One has to be so precise.
Yesterday, I practiced on a large concert organ built by Casavant (Quebec) EP 1987. One has to really discipline oneself in order to practice on such a large instrument. There is always the temptation to use more stops! I used a lot of 8' and 4' stops, though with just a 16' Bourdon coupled to the Great, as well as solo voices on the swell (recit) and other divisions.
Mishaps or not your videos always turn out fabulous! Thank you Ben!
Abide with me takes me back to evensong and my childhood. Fond memories.
Thank you Ben for taking us to such beautiful places geographical Architectural and musical. From my suburban environment it has been a great joy.
Hmmm! Interesting indeed! Piano playing!
Well done and well played, as usual, Ben. I find it fascinating that you are able to improvise on the spot whenever nature and the laws of physics throws you a curve ball, i.e. how the sticky note you encountered gave you inspiration to write your own organ piece. Can't wait to hear the finished product next week. I love your country walks too, which is why I keep booking hiking trips to the U.K. (This coming August I'll be trekking along Hadrian's Wall, with a few days in London.) You're doing a good work, cheers and carry on.
Thanks Ben for another awesome video I loved you also playing the piano looking forward to hear your new composition next week oh how is your cat doing in this very cold weather we have not seen it for a long time keep warm and take care 👵🏻👌
Many thanks from Upper Austria for this vicarious musical journey! 😊
Hope you have a beautiful and truly blessed week Ben.
England is so beautiful. 🤗.
Do you think you will ever go through the Chunnel and explore ancient churches in France?
Would love to!!!
Sadly, Ken, very few rural churches in France even have an organ. The Roman church does not use music in anything like the same way as that developed by the Anglicans. The main problem, of course, is that they only really have one, all-purpose form of service, 'the mass'.
I. Love listening to you on the organ well done regards Janet
Superb Mr Maton as usual. ❤
That G pedal note in the Bach prelude is almost humorous. I wonder if he had a joking brother to help with the bass notes? Your poetry readings are very engaging.
It was very good seeing you again Ben, as I missed your wonderful music and the serene English countryside. I was in North Carolina for a family member's Memorial Service and played also Abide with me. Thank you again and have a Blessed and Safe Week!
Hi Martha. I have lost so many family members within the last year. Be strengthened in Him. Charlene
3:15 I didn't realize that Yew trees could grow so old: "Yew trees (Taxus baccata) can live for up to 3,000 years, but are more commonly around 1,500 years old." It's somewhat remarkable since I believe England grew Yew trees to harvest for bows & arrows 🏹 🎯
Excellent cooperation with Billy!
Very interesting organ, especially since it’s from the days of horizontal swell shades. The tracker action looks pretty responsive given it’s age. Hopefully you can get back in sometime and give us a longer sampling.
Gee that was so great to listen to you thankyou on the two different instruments
I always think that type of music rack should be fitted with a windscreen wiper motor!
Thanks for another great video. You are fantastically talented and personable. I look forward to your videos each week. As an aside, I just read that Oxford University produces more billionaires than any other university in Britain.
Thanks
I see that your piano is a Broadwood which is what Elgar played . His was a square one called by the makers “ a school model” . In his birthplace, near my home, this piano still stands .
Love your playing . So many organists don’t stick to the timing at the ends of the line , but you are spot on ! 👏
Thanks for the video Ben
Very nice. I appreciate seeing both sides of the yew tree and the education.
So your viewers in other countries have now witnessed one of the scourges of travel in the English countryside - the road closure. But this time it was to help one of the others - potholes. Lovely music and scenery as usual Be.
Love the addition of Poetry. Thank you again Ben.
Beautiful!
Praise God
Thank you Ben!
Considering both the circumstances of composition and solemn exuberance of the chord progressions, I propose a title, "Unsticking a Stopping Point".
Ben, I would love to see you play an accordion. 🪗🙏
Very interesting episode 👍 Thank you😊
As always ❤❤gr8 work