@@SalisburyOrganist Yes, go big or go home. I want to see you crawling around under slider chests in a boiler suit showing everyone what makes an Organ so awesome. Then see if you can visit an Organ builder and get a real taste of what goes in to making them and restoring them. Ask Harrison's. If they do give you the opportunity please don't ignore the lads on the shop floor. They are the last of a dying breed. Good honest highly skilled craftsmen. Usually they are ignored or looked down upon by visitor's and rarely ever get the credit they deserve.
Definitely. Canterbury Cathedral organ has four manuals, all of which work, and has been fully restored at a cost of four million pounds specially for the Salisbury Organist!
Happy 1st day of Advent Ben & Sophia!❤ Ben, "hidden" in the organ loft is the perfect solution to your "performance shyness" (anxiety) once you ascend the steps, you are so comfortable and at home in the loft, whether in a massive cathedral or at St Martin's. In front of the console is the one place you can pour your heart out making music on the instrument you love so very much. You are not really a "little village church organist" you are a classically trained organ scholar and would not have risen to that level if you didnt have the talent to play the consoles of the grandest organs. Filming your repertoire has been the greatest gift you've given the world over.
That piece, YOUR piece, on THAT organ. How magnificent! I raised the volume of my computer and replayed it. Thanks for sharing your talent and passion, Ben!
@@SalisburyOrganist what phone speaker could do it justice? 😆 Ben, when you said "In our lives, we all have dreams..." a big involuntary smile spread across my face as I just knew what was coming. Okay, admittedly there was a pretty big hint near the start of the video. But just brilliant to hear. Thank you. ☺🤗
@@SalisburyOrganistI have your version of Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring as a ring tone. 15 or so seconds of it! I’ve forgotten how to use the Garage Band app but TH-cam has the instructions.
That was something else! As you said yourself Ben, “Such fun!” I’m so glad you got to play your Postlude for Mechanical Action. Great photography too, and I loved the way you interspersed the video with an explanation of some of the stops. We really were sitting beside you. Phenomenal.
Hymns played to the glory of God don't age. Today, I sang an Advent Hymn at least 1,627 years ago. It did go through Martin Luther' German translation, and its tune is from Luther's era, but it is still Ambrose celebrating Advent.
Lo! he comes with clouds descending. The Salisbury Organist’s stupendous video from the mighty organ at Well Cathedral is heavenly pleasure indeed! The organ, the organist, the divine Advent music, the Gothic cathedral, the mediaeval splendour must make God in his Heaven bask in self-satisfaction with the gloriousness of his creations.
My Goodness Ben, you really excelled this week. You handle this organ as if you were born to it!! Well done and what was that shyness about?? Butterflies from the stomach were flying around that Cathedral as never before! Thrilling those fortunate to hear the maybe, dusty, but beautiful pipes!! Today, Wells, tomorrow Liverpool (The biggest in Britain)!! Go on, you know you want to. All the best, John
Wells is such a beautiful building. Had the pleasure of visiting there five years ago. Organs need regular upkeep. Hopefully Wells plans for a complete overhaul soon.
Not sure who enjoyed today's session more - Ben or us - the viewers. Let's agree it was an equal pleasure. Ben even wore a jacket out of respect to this grandeur of Wells Cathedral. Ben's own composition really deserved the cathedral organ to be fully appreciated.
These buildings were intended to demonstrate the immense power of the church. Imagine the feelings of a medieval peasant entering such a space. Way back in those days I doubt if the musical offerings would have been so exceptionally grand as what we have today. Even with its restrictions, Ben's own composition played on that instrument was a magnificent conclusion to an absorbing visit to Wells.
Mr. Maton, it's hoped that once Wells Cathedral organ is restored and cleaned, you can return and play a grand concert to demonstrate its capacity and, your talents. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Such a switch from trecking on an overgrown path visited by cows and tractors!! This was GRAND and amazing in sound and space!!! I love that you share both dimensions with us!! Thanks so much!!
Ben Your ease at the Wells Cathedral console belies your shyness. Did you know that when Elvis Presley started singing for friends he was so shy that he would only perform in a dark room with all the lights off? Of course over time he was able to overcome his shyness to become a huge performer. So, there is HOPE isn;t there? So, glad you played at Wells.
Dear Ben You are a fantastic organist. The tour of Wells Cathedral & its organ was such a wonderful gift from you on this Advent Sunday. It made my heart flutter listening to you play this magnificent organ. The piece you wrote is what ,can I say except that it was AMAZING ! 👏 Our Cathedral organ was just refurbished, Today being the first time we could hear it after several months Thank youBen 👏🙏This is coming from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada Thank you from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Thank you for playing us these wonderful pieces. No Advent without "Veni, veni Emanuel" and this ist the first time, I heard your Postlude complete. Great!
Thank you, Ben for that magnificent tour of Wells Cathedral. The cinematography was flawless, in my opinion. Your rapport with the king of instruments made it clear that you are "respected at court." I appreciated the improvisation in the Veni, Veni Emanuel. Please thank your assistant for helping.
That cathedral is beyond amazing. It's literally breathtaking! Even as in need of repair as the organ is, the sounds you drew from it were inspiring! Thank you for sharing this experience with us!
Hello Ben, Monday morning here in Australia and you have certainly blown away all my Monday morning blues!!!! This was a masterpiece. I've always wanted to visit Wells Cathedral and now even more so. Your piece at the end was magnificent. Thank you so much Ben, you really are a bright light in my week xxx
Ben, this video is such a contrast to your customary travels to a small, village church. What an instrument is available at Wells Cathedral. Simply marvelous, despite need of essential repairs. I always thrill to hear your, "Postlude for Mechanical Action." It is a superb piece and enjoy its use as a memorable theme each week. Bravo, Sir!
Wells Cathedral and Ben Maton, what a combination. As a server at St. Pauls Cathedral during university I obviously never appreciated the organ as I should have. One exception to this was at the end of any hymn as the sound reverberated down the Cathedral. The organ's overwhelming power, mental impact and my sense of insignificance remain with me to this day, and always will. Thank you for giving me a greater insight.
Echoing the standing ovation and thank you for mentioning the needed renovation of Wells Cathedral Organ. I have donated to the project. My early years were spent near Wells which my family visited often to see my favourite aunt. Now living a third of the way around the globe to the west, I thank you for bringing back fond early memories.
Thank you Ben for such an uplifting and informative video in the exquisite Wells Cathedral. What a privilege for you to be invited to play it and help raise funds to restore it to its full glory
Fantastic, Ben! There are so many interesting things about Wells. It is also refreshing to hear someone speak of the need for regular maintenance. (I think of all the people who pass through the cathedral annually and how much dust that brings. Thank dusty air is pushed through the pipes and lands on rack boards, and just everywhere on the interior.) You were, obviously, having fun with this one. The production quality is outstanding (though we have come to expect nothing less from you). Thank you for this wonderful program on this first Sunday of Advent. Veni Emmanuel!
The monstrous cathedral organ suffers disrepair as do some small country instruments but you make it as proud as a mighty sailing vessel of England’s proud past. Thank you for the wonderful Advent thrill. Beautiful work, young sir!
Today's video does have a feeling of "completeness" about it. Because performing on an organ like Wells has been your dream, actually doing it shows us your joy in that accomplishment. Bravo, Ben! I am the piano playing daughter of a church organist. The more I listen to you play, the more I realize some of the joys & satisfaction my mother must have felt, & why she became an organist. Thank you for that gift! I can't get enough of your work!
A great video of a visit to an architectural (and acoustic) masterpiece. I like that you treat the lowliest country reed organ with the same care and attention that you treat the mightiest cathedral instrument. It's about making whatever music that best showcases each space, isn't it? Wells is just 13 miles from the village of Whatley, where my ancestors originated. I'm glad to support their organ restoration. Another fine job!
Ben, that was sublime…. The joy for us at home is to see a maestro at work…. One who is shy your gifting and passion exceed how you feel thank you …. We are the blessed ones 😂tonight we sang at evensong those hymns… for us we give you an encore encore..👏🏼👏🏼 Thank you to Sophia..
another Sunday, another video from Ben!!! Always something to look forward to, and today was no exception....... With over 35K subscribers, I suspect that your videos will be an entrée to many organ lofts, with instruments large and small. I understand shyness, I come close to physical illness if I have to do any public speaking, but consider this: in the time that this video has been online, more people have watched it than many organists perform for in a month!!!!
I used to be totally like that. I received a 10 years service gift at work and even in front of people I worked with for 10 years I couldn’t make a thank you speech. But as I got older now it doesn’t bother me.
Dear, Ben, thank you! I look at the cathedral, listen to the music and it all is so magnificent ... and without any reason comes to my mind 'There is no place for us there is no time for us ...'
Outstanding camera work by Sophie, thank you. And lovely to have a quick peek at your face! It's great to see your talents being exercised on a device worthy of them!
Thank you Ben for again another wonderful way to finish up my Sunday morning! Just played our first advent service at my church and of course it's in Episcopal Church so a connection between what you're playing and the cathedral and what I played makes the day even richer.
Amazing concert, as usual! I remember visiting British cathedrals in the '70's and 80's, and making the acquaintance of a Master Organist -- and now YOU come along to "make my day" every Sunday when I come home from church. You see, we are a tiny, tiny country church who has never had an organ -- just a brilliant pianist! So I very much enjoy all that you share. Keep going!
Well, well, well! (Three wells for Wells Cathedral are not enough.) «Postlude for Mechanical Action» is not just a piece of music. It is a masterpiece of the art of music. It has reminiscences of Bach and Albinoni (perhaps other great composers as well, which I couldn't discover as I'm quite ignorant of arts, sciences, techniques, and philosophies). If it sounds excellent on digital devices, I couldn't imagine how it sounds in situ, let alone when it will be repaired! How graceful were those present at that time when you played! That said, I still can't rouse myself from my awestruck state at the beauty of that marvellous cathedral!
We are lucky enough to live just 20 minutes from this beautiful cathedral and visit often. Thankyou Ben for another excellent video. You make our Sunday evening!
I could definitely relate to your excitement at exploring a 'new to you' organ console! And your smile at the end with 'What fun!" is exactly how I have felt many times when playing. Thank you. many times over, Ben!
Dear Ben, thank you for the tour of that magnificent organ at Welles Cathedral. What a delight! Your composition is absolutely gorgeous, and that organ does it justice. I’m so happy that you got to play your own personal piece on such an immense instrument! You’re so humble and respectful towards everything around you and that gives me a special tug of my heart towards you. God bless you, Royden
I well remember the inch thick layer of dust on the pipe racks at St Paul's when we pulled all the pipe's for cleaning. Talk about sound absorbing fluff. A large double rise reservoir is about three weeks work to clean up and releather. The toughest part is getting it out and putting it back in. The leather hinges and gussets are usually dried up and clapped out by fifty years of age. Best quality lambskin is not easy to come by but it's a wonderful material. I love doing releather work. Think I may volunteer my services when the contract for this job is tendered. Good video Ben. Many an organist would do themselves and the Organ a favour by keeping a vacuum cleaner in the loft. My biggest beef with Organ builders is that they don't put air filters in front of the blowers to reduce all that dusty air being sucked in and blown out all over the racks. But nobody ever listens to the lads on the shop floor. Besides it would reduce profitable restoration jobs. Lol.
I don't doubt at all that changing an air filter every 6 months would be much less exhausting and time-consuming than taking an entire pipe out and then getting it "squeezed" back in!
@kesmarn It doesn't stop dust completely but it does make a huge difference. I know of only one organ builder that filtered the air to the blower. Imagine how long your car would last if it did not have a filter...
Thank you Ben it was so amazing to hear you playing the wonderful organ in wells cathedral I have visited that cathedral and I wished I could have heard it you have made my wish come true you looked so stunning playing there it’s ❤️ lovely to hear the carols there’s no need to be shy you are the best you have so many’ supporters listening to you we all think you are special 👍👵🏻
Wells was one of the great concert organs of the 1960's and 70s. It is a great shame that they don't have independent funding....too much for a local congregation to support.
@@normanchristie4524 The CofE can well afford it, Norman . . . but their millions are all tied up in massive property investment. Methinks they should release at least a portion of this?
ONE AND ALL: consider giving a gift large or small, to the Wells Cathedral Organ restoration fund this Advent, I have. The link to their website is below Ben's video. They are half way to meeting their goal! And on the pledge form comments section be sure to mention you are gifting in honor of Ben Maton- the Salisbury Organist as we all want Ben to know how much we appreciate his music❤
Ben love watching and listening to your videos there very educational and inspiring, I am totally mesmerized listening to you , your videos take to places in the world that I will never be able to see , your voice is a calming voice in this world 🌎 of highly emotional, and spew hatred, you freeze that prejudice among men for the time I can listen to you , God Bless you and your beautiful heart ❤️ much love Richard New York USA🇺🇸💯
Stunning!! Please bring us back occasionally to a cathedral organ. Especially liked the camera work on your feet. It helped me to hear notes I’d not distinguished before. Absolutely love your videos and I look forward to them every Sunday.
Bravo! Sitting here clapping in front of a widescreen monitor is not as good as being there in person, but... your piece is powerful, majestic, moving and joyful! More please! /RayK and Carol Worthey
Such a Rich Sound Ben it makes my whole being shake! Salisbury & Wells are so different, both incredible buildings, joined together by our very special Ben!
Thank you so very much for the beautiful music in this video. I love a grand pipe organ so much, and many churches here are moving away from using them. Their grandeur is unmistakable! You have made it really feel like Advent now!
Hi Ben, are you sure Harry Potter was not partially filmed in the cloisters ?? hmmm.... Oh Ben, that was BRILLIANT !! i just wanted to hear you pull out ALL the STOPS and just CRANK that Cathedral Organ, until the windows shook !!! he he he I had a friend once, who used to play on the circuit I played on, who was a Serious Cathedral Organist. I was never as good as he had risen to. BUT, when it came to Master Performances we used to do together, his final piece, always Shook the walls of the Church we were in. He would pull out ALL the STOPS and just Go To Town, and then bring the house down with it !!! That was Brilliant, even if the Organ had its flaws, you made that organ SING !!!
Driving home from the grocery store and I get a note that Ben has dropped a vlog. Yikes! Must get home to see it. Unload the groceries outside and hope that no one steals them. Another vlog that didn't disappoint. Great music, magnificent cathedral, nicely put together! Now I have to get those groceries in; hope they didn't freeze outside my door! lol
As a fellow village organist, I agree how exciting it is to get your hands on a big Cathedral organ. My most memorable was last year when I managed to bag an hour on the superb Salisbury Cathedral organ during a singing visit there. It was totally impromptu, I didn't have any organ music with me, but improvised with the different colours of the instrument, and managed to play Widor's Toccata on it when a friend found a copy of it in the organ loft. Such a great buzz when you get to play one of these mighty instruments. Coincidentally, on that same visit, we stopped off at Wells Cathedral on the way home for Choral Evensong, so got to hear this fine instrument too. Such a shame to see it in such a state of disrepair; an overhaul would once again let it sing out joyfully in that magnificent building, though you did an excellent job of that anyway in this video. Thanks for sharing this video. Really enjoying listening to your playing.
Fantastic episode! A wonderful start to Advent. Thank you! I found it interesting that Britain Magazine, in its latest issue, is featuring an article on Wells Cathedral.
I was going to refrain from writing any more comments because I think I anger you with what I say. However, THIS video... Wow, Ben. Just wow. I love your country church videos, but putting Ben Maton together with a gigantic cathedral organ results in wonderful, magnificent music. (Imagine if that organ had been in perfect order!) Also, it was lovely to hear your 'Postlude' in its entirety. (Yes, ''What great fun.'') P.S. Please allow this irreverant child one last observation,. I couldn't help but think that was Batman looking down on the congregation. 😁 Happy Advent, Ben.
That was great Ben, and I really enjoyed the piece you wrote yourself. Thanks for such inspiration and enjoyment on a Monday morning here in NZ. Bravo 👏👏👏 ❤
Great video as usual. I agree it is nice to get onto a big pipe organ occasionally; that said, usually quite a difficult feat due to the 'gate keepers' and control freaks that lurk in cathedrals but I'd imagine the great and famous Ben Maton would be rightly so given a green pass every time! Last time I asked to access a cathedral organ the Director of Music asked for my CV and a fee! Safe to say I gave up on the visit. I find it amazing that an organist of your calibre suffers from chronic shyness but is able to produce these videos and posts them on TH-cam to a world wide audience with the ability to receive feedback both positive and sometimes negative. I guess I am a polar opposite to you; never been worried about performing or speaking to an audience no matter the size. But the moment video cameras start getting shoved in my face, that is when I start to come undone as I feel that my personal space is being violated and all mistakes / expressions are recorded for eternity - unlike you I don't get the opportunity for retakes in those situations. I have put a few of my pipe organ recordings on TH-cam but they never feature my face as I am quite ashamed of my body and my face - happy to be heard but not seen. Keep up the great work. It's been quite a few weeks since I played a pipe organ...I might go and see if I can access the Catholic instrument in my nearest town after lunch. They are much nicer and friendliar than the incumbent at the Anglican one. May even visit the Uniting Church as they have just got a new minister.
Wow Ben, what a fantastic introduction to a beautiful (but poorly organ). It still has a stunning majestic sound. I loved the art decco foot switches on the pedal board. My Uncle Dennis and Auntie Eileen were choristers at Wells and lived in Cathedral Close. On a light note, I loved the basket of pencils, all the pencils with rubbers looked like they had been chewed maybe whilst the organist was agonising over his arrangement 😂 What a beautiful Cathedral, thank you Ben
This was just outstanding! I really hope you can return t o play the refurbished organ. Wells is absolutely stunning - thank you for taking us with you!
I just wish I’d been in the cathedral to hear you play. You don’t introduce Sophia but perhaps she prefers to be in the background filming. Super cute and talented young lady. ❤
WOW! I visited Wells Cathedral with my late mother in 2006, whilst on holiday in the Cotswolds. We were fortunate to hear the Organ being played then and I was really impressed with its sound and the way it reverberated around the Cathedral. Now it has been rebuilt after the fire, it would be great if you could play the Notre Dame Cathedral Organ, but I doubt we are that lucky. If you ever do get the chance, let us all know, because I would move Heaven and Earth to be there. Russ. Havant.
Oh my, what a magnificent structure! 😲 Hymns always make me think of my late mother, she really did love her hymns. Lo He Comes, feels like being embraced in a warm hug. 😊 I'm always still astounded every time I hear your piece. It sounds like some forgotten medieval score, but also new at the same time. 🙏❤
Happy Advent Ben! Thanks again for another beautiful video- I always look forward to watching your latest video here in sunny Queensland, Australia. This one did not disappoint 👋👋👋
Beautiful composition, Ben. Please write more. Thank you for this uplifting performance - despite the shortcomings of the organ. Didn't hear any :) Bravo!
It's difficult to imagine that a person of your talent and huge following, Ben, should be shy. As we get older, shyness, from which I also suffer does subside. On a separate issue, there are three young people who give me faith in the future of the human race. Anna Lapwood (search her name + Bono + Royal Albert Hall, interview and performance), Jacob Collier (try little blue) and Ben Maton.
Thanks everyone!
Should I play more larger organs? Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the comments on this one! ❤️❤️
@@SalisburyOrganist
Yes, go big or go home. I want to see you crawling around under slider chests in a boiler suit showing everyone what makes an Organ so awesome. Then see if you can visit an Organ builder and get a real taste of what goes in to making them and restoring them. Ask Harrison's.
If they do give you the opportunity please don't ignore the lads on the shop floor. They are the last of a dying breed. Good honest highly skilled craftsmen. Usually they are ignored or looked down upon by visitor's and rarely ever get the credit they deserve.
Yes! Do occasionally play the larger organs!
Definitely. Canterbury Cathedral organ has four manuals, all of which work, and has been fully restored at a cost of four million pounds specially for the Salisbury Organist!
YES ! You must go to TRURO - another fabulous Father Willis Organ !
@@michaeltreadwell777 absolutely yes to Truro, it’s amazing!!! 1870 tonally unaltered GEM!
As we all weren't able to be there in person and give you a standing ovation, here's a virtual standing ovation 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Bravo Ben! Bravo! 👋👋👋👋👋👋
You're the best!
Bravo, bravo, bravo 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🫶😁😁
I agree❤❤
👏👏👏👏💖👏👏👏👏
Happy 1st day of Advent Ben & Sophia!❤ Ben, "hidden" in the organ loft is the perfect solution to your "performance shyness" (anxiety) once you ascend the steps, you are so comfortable and at home in the loft, whether in a massive cathedral or at St Martin's. In front of the console is the one place you can pour your heart out making music on the instrument you love so very much. You are not really a "little village church organist" you are a classically trained organ scholar and would not have risen to that level if you didnt have the talent to play the consoles of the grandest organs. Filming your repertoire has been the greatest gift you've given the world over.
Perfectly expressed - thank you!
Amen.
"I suffer from chronic shyness" says the man who is probably top 3 of the most well-known organists on TH-cam 😉
That piece, YOUR piece, on THAT organ. How magnificent! I raised the volume of my computer and replayed it. Thanks for sharing your talent and passion, Ben!
Phone ringtone? 🤣 only joking
@@SalisburyOrganist what phone speaker could do it justice? 😆
Ben, when you said "In our lives, we all have dreams..." a big involuntary smile spread across my face as I just knew what was coming. Okay, admittedly there was a pretty big hint near the start of the video. But just brilliant to hear. Thank you. ☺🤗
@@SalisburyOrganist What a great idea!!!!
@@SalisburyOrganistI have your version of Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring as a ring tone. 15 or so seconds of it! I’ve forgotten how to use the Garage Band app but TH-cam has the instructions.
That was something else! As you said yourself Ben, “Such fun!” I’m so glad you got to play your Postlude for Mechanical Action. Great photography too, and I loved the way you interspersed the video with an explanation of some of the stops. We really were sitting beside you. Phenomenal.
Pleasure- thanks for watching
my mother played the piano and church organ…she passed away 50 years ago. I can remember her playing the same tunes as you. ❤
Hymns played to the glory of God don't age. Today, I sang an Advent Hymn at least 1,627 years ago. It did go through Martin Luther' German translation, and its tune is from Luther's era, but it is still Ambrose celebrating Advent.
Lo! he comes with clouds descending. The Salisbury Organist’s stupendous video from the mighty organ at Well Cathedral is heavenly pleasure indeed! The organ, the organist, the divine Advent music, the Gothic cathedral, the mediaeval splendour must make God in his Heaven bask in self-satisfaction with the gloriousness of his creations.
Ben, from Ireland Advent blessings and greetings 🇮🇪☘️. As ever, you hit all the right notes both musically and spiritually. Thank you. Fr. Noel.
My Goodness Ben, you really excelled this week. You handle this organ as if you were born to it!! Well done and what was that shyness about?? Butterflies from the stomach were flying around that Cathedral as never before! Thrilling those fortunate to hear the maybe, dusty, but beautiful pipes!! Today, Wells, tomorrow Liverpool (The biggest in Britain)!! Go on, you know you want to. All the best, John
I thought the same !
Postlude' would sound amazing on Liverpool Cathedral Organ. It's perfect for it......
As if? The great organists are using talent sent by God. Ordained before time began.
If that doesn't cause performance anxiety, nothing will.
Wells is such a beautiful building. Had the pleasure of visiting there five years ago. Organs need regular upkeep. Hopefully Wells plans for a complete overhaul soon.
Not sure who enjoyed today's session more - Ben or us - the viewers. Let's agree it was an equal pleasure. Ben even wore a jacket out of respect to this grandeur of Wells Cathedral.
Ben's own composition really deserved the cathedral organ to be fully appreciated.
These buildings were intended to demonstrate the immense power of the church. Imagine the feelings of a medieval peasant entering such a space. Way back in those days I doubt if the musical offerings would have been so exceptionally grand as what we have today. Even with its restrictions, Ben's own composition played on that instrument was a magnificent conclusion to an absorbing visit to Wells.
I am well impressed by Mr Maton as a composer!
Mr. Maton, it's hoped that once Wells Cathedral organ is restored and cleaned, you can return and play a grand concert to demonstrate its capacity and, your talents. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Super cool. Thanks for this
Such a switch from trecking on an overgrown path visited by cows and tractors!! This was GRAND and amazing in sound and space!!! I love that you share both dimensions with us!! Thanks so much!!
Ben Your ease at the Wells Cathedral console belies your shyness. Did you know that when Elvis Presley started singing for friends he was so shy that he would only perform in a dark room with all the lights off? Of course over time he was able to overcome his shyness to become a huge performer. So, there is HOPE isn;t there? So, glad you played at Wells.
Dear Ben You are a fantastic organist. The tour of Wells Cathedral & its organ was such a wonderful gift from you on this Advent Sunday. It made my heart flutter listening to you play this magnificent organ. The piece you wrote is what ,can I say except that it was AMAZING ! 👏
Our Cathedral organ was just refurbished, Today being the first time we could hear it after several months
Thank youBen 👏🙏This is coming from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Thank you from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
I, too, am a subscriber from near Winnipeg. Glad your organ was ready for first Advent.
@ Hello Elfriede where do you live close-to Winnipeg?
our Cathedral organ that was just refurbished is @St. John’s Cathedral winnipeg
Lo He comes on clouds descending one of my favorite Advent hymns
Thank you Ben, our dear friend!
Thank you for playing us these wonderful pieces.
No Advent without "Veni, veni Emanuel" and this ist the first time, I heard your Postlude complete. Great!
Thank you, Ben for that magnificent tour of Wells Cathedral. The cinematography was flawless, in my opinion. Your rapport with the king of instruments made it clear that you are "respected at court." I appreciated the improvisation in the Veni, Veni Emanuel. Please thank your assistant for helping.
That’s delightful to read. Thanks for writing!!
That cathedral is beyond amazing. It's literally breathtaking! Even as in need of repair as the organ is, the sounds you drew from it were inspiring! Thank you for sharing this experience with us!
Bravo! We can't wait to hear your new music! Sorry for my english, I'm italian!
I see not a thing wrong with your English!
A great organist playing a great organ!
Hello Ben, Monday morning here in Australia and you have certainly blown away all my Monday morning blues!!!! This was a masterpiece. I've always wanted to visit Wells Cathedral and now even more so. Your piece at the end was magnificent. Thank you so much Ben, you really are a bright light in my week xxx
That’s sweet, thanks. I’m looking forward to showing you the next two churches…
Ben, this video is such a contrast to your customary travels to a small, village church. What an instrument is available at Wells Cathedral. Simply marvelous, despite need of essential repairs. I always thrill to hear your, "Postlude for Mechanical Action." It is a superb piece and enjoy its use as a memorable theme each week. Bravo, Sir!
Wells Cathedral and Ben Maton, what a combination. As a server at St. Pauls Cathedral during university I obviously never appreciated the organ as I should have. One exception to this was at the end of any hymn as the sound reverberated down the Cathedral. The organ's overwhelming power, mental impact and my sense of insignificance remain with me to this day, and always will. Thank you for giving me a greater insight.
Agreed. Fantastic machine- thanks
Echoing the standing ovation and thank you for mentioning the needed renovation of Wells Cathedral Organ. I have donated to the project. My early years were spent near Wells which my family visited often to see my favourite aunt. Now living a third of the way around the globe to the west, I thank you for bringing back fond early memories.
Thank you Ben for such an uplifting and informative video in the exquisite Wells Cathedral. What a privilege for you to be invited to play it and help raise funds to restore it to its full glory
There's no need to be shy mate ! You have the support of 35100 people.......
Once an introvert, always an introvert haha!
You are a huge blessing to many of us. Thank you.
An absolutely stunning video appropriate for the First Sunday of Advent. Bravo, my friend, you completed my day!
Fantastic, Ben! There are so many interesting things about Wells. It is also refreshing to hear someone speak of the need for regular maintenance. (I think of all the people who pass through the cathedral annually and how much dust that brings. Thank dusty air is pushed through the pipes and lands on rack boards, and just everywhere on the interior.) You were, obviously, having fun with this one. The production quality is outstanding (though we have come to expect nothing less from you). Thank you for this wonderful program on this first Sunday of Advent. Veni Emmanuel!
The monstrous cathedral organ suffers disrepair as do some small country instruments but you make it as proud as a mighty sailing vessel of England’s proud past. Thank you for the wonderful Advent thrill. Beautiful work, young sir!
Today's video does have a feeling of "completeness" about it. Because performing on an organ like Wells has been your dream, actually doing it shows us your joy in that accomplishment. Bravo, Ben!
I am the piano playing daughter of a church organist. The more I listen to you play, the more I realize some of the joys & satisfaction my mother must have felt, & why she became an organist. Thank you for that gift! I can't get enough of your work!
Such a beautiful Cathedral deserves the glorious music you provide. Nicely done!
Quite an adventure, honor and privilege, Ben. Excellent, as always. Cheers to Sophia for her fine assistance, as well.
Glad you enjoyed it
A great video of a visit to an architectural (and acoustic) masterpiece. I like that you treat the lowliest country reed organ with the same care and attention that you treat the mightiest cathedral instrument. It's about making whatever music that best showcases each space, isn't it? Wells is just 13 miles from the village of Whatley, where my ancestors originated. I'm glad to support their organ restoration. Another fine job!
You knocked our socks off. Blessed Advent.
Pleasure. Thanks ☺️
Ben, that was sublime…. The joy for us at home is to see a maestro at work…. One who is shy your gifting and passion exceed how you feel thank you …. We are the blessed ones 😂tonight we sang at evensong those hymns… for us we give you an encore encore..👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you to Sophia..
I'm not sure why I got recommended this video but I'm extremely thankful I did. You have amazing talent and are a joy to listen to!!
another Sunday, another video from Ben!!! Always something to look forward to, and today was no exception....... With over 35K subscribers, I suspect that your videos will be an entrée to many organ lofts, with instruments large and small. I understand shyness, I come close to physical illness if I have to do any public speaking, but consider this: in the time that this video has been online, more people have watched it than many organists perform for in a month!!!!
I used to be totally like that. I received a 10 years service gift at work and even in front of people I worked with for 10 years I couldn’t make a thank you speech. But as I got older now it doesn’t bother me.
It was just gorgeous.
Postlude for mechanical action is my absolute favorite organ music. You are quite a genius. Thank you and Sophia.❤
Dear, Ben, thank you! I look at the cathedral, listen to the music and it all is so magnificent ... and without any reason comes to my mind 'There is no place for us there is no time for us ...'
Outstanding camera work by Sophie, thank you. And lovely to have a quick peek at your face!
It's great to see your talents being exercised on a device worthy of them!
Our pleasure!
Thank you Ben for again another wonderful way to finish up my Sunday morning! Just played our first advent service at my church and of course it's in Episcopal Church so a connection between what you're playing and the cathedral and what I played makes the day even richer.
Amazing concert, as usual! I remember visiting British cathedrals in the '70's and 80's, and making the acquaintance of a Master Organist -- and now YOU come along to "make my day" every Sunday when I come home from church. You see, we are a tiny, tiny country church who has never had an organ -- just a brilliant pianist! So I very much enjoy all that you share. Keep going!
Well, well, well! (Three wells for Wells Cathedral are not enough.)
«Postlude for Mechanical Action» is not just a piece of music. It is a masterpiece of the art of music. It has reminiscences of Bach and Albinoni (perhaps other great composers as well, which I couldn't discover as I'm quite ignorant of arts, sciences, techniques, and philosophies).
If it sounds excellent on digital devices, I couldn't imagine how it sounds in situ, let alone when it will be repaired!
How graceful were those present at that time when you played!
That said, I still can't rouse myself from my awestruck state at the beauty of that marvellous cathedral!
We are lucky enough to live just 20 minutes from this beautiful cathedral and visit often. Thankyou Ben for another excellent video. You make our Sunday evening!
I could definitely relate to your excitement at exploring a 'new to you' organ console! And your smile at the end with 'What fun!" is exactly how I have felt many times when playing. Thank you. many times over, Ben!
It was a pretty incredible experience: thank you
Dear Ben, thank you for the tour of that magnificent organ at Welles Cathedral. What a delight! Your composition is absolutely gorgeous, and that organ does it justice. I’m so happy that you got to play your own personal piece on such an immense instrument! You’re so humble and respectful towards everything around you and that gives me a special tug of my heart towards you. God bless you, Royden
I well remember the inch thick layer of dust on the pipe racks at St Paul's when we pulled all the pipe's for cleaning.
Talk about sound absorbing fluff.
A large double rise reservoir is about three weeks work to clean up and releather. The toughest part is getting it out and putting it back in.
The leather hinges and gussets are usually dried up and clapped out by fifty years of age. Best quality lambskin is not easy to come by but it's a wonderful material. I love doing releather work.
Think I may volunteer my services when the contract for this job is tendered.
Good video Ben.
Many an organist would do themselves and the Organ a favour by keeping a vacuum cleaner in the loft. My biggest beef with Organ builders is that they don't put air filters in front of the blowers to reduce all that dusty air being sucked in and blown out all over the racks. But nobody ever listens to the lads on the shop floor.
Besides it would reduce profitable restoration jobs. Lol.
I don't doubt at all that changing an air filter every 6 months would be much less exhausting and time-consuming than taking an entire pipe out and then getting it "squeezed" back in!
@kesmarn
It doesn't stop dust completely but it does make a huge difference. I know of only one organ builder that filtered the air to the blower.
Imagine how long your car would last if it did not have a filter...
@@joschmoyo4532 Exactly!
Thank you Ben it was so amazing to hear you playing the wonderful organ in wells cathedral I have visited that cathedral and I wished I could have heard it you have made my wish come true you looked so stunning playing there it’s ❤️ lovely to hear the carols there’s no need to be shy you are the best you have so many’ supporters listening to you we all think you are special 👍👵🏻
Wells was one of the great concert organs of the 1960's and 70s. It is a great shame that they don't have independent funding....too much for a local congregation to support.
@@normanchristie4524 The CofE can well afford it, Norman . . . but their millions are all tied up in massive property investment. Methinks they should release at least a portion of this?
ONE AND ALL: consider giving a gift large or small, to the Wells Cathedral Organ restoration fund this Advent, I have. The link to their website is below Ben's video. They are half way to meeting their goal! And on the pledge form comments section be sure to mention you are gifting in honor of Ben Maton- the Salisbury Organist as we all want Ben to know how much we appreciate his music❤
Ben love watching and listening to your videos there very educational and inspiring, I am totally mesmerized listening to you , your videos take to places in the world that I will never be able to see , your voice is a calming voice in this world 🌎 of highly emotional, and spew hatred, you freeze that prejudice among men for the time I can listen to you , God Bless you and your beautiful heart ❤️ much love Richard New York USA🇺🇸💯
That was brill….. thank you
Another fascinating episode, thank you Ben. It had the added star quality of a short, but lovely cameo of Sophia, camera woman extraordinaire 🎉
The rock star organist version! Those bases, amazing! A wonderful revisit to a cathedral that I loved to visit and keep in my heart.
I’m torn! The majesty of a cathedral v the intimacy of an isolated ancient church! Nice to have both!
I’m sure there’s room for both !
Stunning!! Please bring us back occasionally to a cathedral organ. Especially liked the camera work on your feet. It helped me to hear notes I’d not distinguished before. Absolutely love your videos and I look forward to them every Sunday.
Oh yes I join in the standing ovation. Your enjoyment is quite palpable and very contagious. Thank you thank you Ben.xxxdi Wright Zimbabwe
Bravo! Sitting here clapping in front of a widescreen monitor is not as good as being there in person, but... your piece is powerful, majestic, moving and joyful! More please! /RayK and Carol Worthey
Aha thank you!!
Such a Rich Sound Ben it makes my whole being shake! Salisbury & Wells are so different, both incredible buildings, joined together by our very special Ben!
It is beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you so very much for the beautiful music in this video. I love a grand pipe organ so much, and many churches here are moving away from using them. Their grandeur is unmistakable! You have made it really feel like Advent now!
Thanks for listening
Thank you for explaining the ophicleide and the part it plays in the organ.
All your friends were overjoyed to see you at Wells Cathedral.
Excellent choice!
Awesome! ♥️🎩
Thank you! 😃
@@SalisburyOrganist Thank you! 🎩👏🏼
Congratulations on your dream realized, joyfully so!
I'm glad you are shy, otherwise this channel might not exist!
Yes much happier performing to a camera lens…
Love, love that composition of yours! Many, many thanks! 🥰
Thank you my dear frozen friend....
Hi Ben, are you sure Harry Potter was not partially filmed in the cloisters ?? hmmm....
Oh Ben, that was BRILLIANT !! i just wanted to hear you pull out ALL the STOPS and just CRANK that Cathedral Organ, until the windows shook !!! he he he
I had a friend once, who used to play on the circuit I played on, who was a Serious Cathedral Organist. I was never as good as he had risen to.
BUT, when it came to Master Performances we used to do together, his final piece, always Shook the walls of the Church we were in.
He would pull out ALL the STOPS and just Go To Town, and then bring the house down with it !!!
That was Brilliant, even if the Organ had its flaws, you made that organ SING !!!
Driving home from the grocery store and I get a note that Ben has dropped a vlog. Yikes! Must get home to see it. Unload the groceries outside and hope that no one steals them.
Another vlog that didn't disappoint. Great music, magnificent cathedral, nicely put together!
Now I have to get those groceries in; hope they didn't freeze outside my door! lol
As a fellow village organist, I agree how exciting it is to get your hands on a big Cathedral organ. My most memorable was last year when I managed to bag an hour on the superb Salisbury Cathedral organ during a singing visit there. It was totally impromptu, I didn't have any organ music with me, but improvised with the different colours of the instrument, and managed to play Widor's Toccata on it when a friend found a copy of it in the organ loft. Such a great buzz when you get to play one of these mighty instruments.
Coincidentally, on that same visit, we stopped off at Wells Cathedral on the way home for Choral Evensong, so got to hear this fine instrument too. Such a shame to see it in such a state of disrepair; an overhaul would once again let it sing out joyfully in that magnificent building, though you did an excellent job of that anyway in this video.
Thanks for sharing this video. Really enjoying listening to your playing.
Fantastic episode! A wonderful start to Advent. Thank you! I found it interesting that Britain Magazine, in its latest issue, is featuring an article on Wells Cathedral.
Your Postlude always leaves me with a joyous positive attitude.
I was going to refrain from writing any more comments because I think I anger you with what I say. However, THIS video... Wow, Ben. Just wow. I love your country church videos, but putting Ben Maton together with a gigantic cathedral organ results in wonderful, magnificent music. (Imagine if that organ had been in perfect order!) Also, it was lovely to hear your 'Postlude' in its entirety. (Yes, ''What great fun.'')
P.S. Please allow this irreverant child one last observation,. I couldn't help but think that was Batman looking down on the congregation. 😁
Happy Advent, Ben.
THANKS!! And happy advent to you too
Must visit Wells! Thanks Ben.
That was great Ben, and I really enjoyed the piece you wrote yourself. Thanks for such inspiration and enjoyment on a Monday morning here in NZ. Bravo 👏👏👏 ❤
Have a great week!
Love that composition of yours. Glorious 🎼🎶🌟💒
Aaah, at last you visit my "local" - and discover the wonderful, but faulty, instrument. 😍
Bravo Ben. Your own piece is wonderful, as is (as usual) this video. Thank you.
Great video as usual. I agree it is nice to get onto a big pipe organ occasionally; that said, usually quite a difficult feat due to the 'gate keepers' and control freaks that lurk in cathedrals but I'd imagine the great and famous Ben Maton would be rightly so given a green pass every time! Last time I asked to access a cathedral organ the Director of Music asked for my CV and a fee! Safe to say I gave up on the visit.
I find it amazing that an organist of your calibre suffers from chronic shyness but is able to produce these videos and posts them on TH-cam to a world wide audience with the ability to receive feedback both positive and sometimes negative. I guess I am a polar opposite to you; never been worried about performing or speaking to an audience no matter the size. But the moment video cameras start getting shoved in my face, that is when I start to come undone as I feel that my personal space is being violated and all mistakes / expressions are recorded for eternity - unlike you I don't get the opportunity for retakes in those situations. I have put a few of my pipe organ recordings on TH-cam but they never feature my face as I am quite ashamed of my body and my face - happy to be heard but not seen.
Keep up the great work. It's been quite a few weeks since I played a pipe organ...I might go and see if I can access the Catholic instrument in my nearest town after lunch. They are much nicer and friendliar than the incumbent at the Anglican one. May even visit the Uniting Church as they have just got a new minister.
Totally fab!!!!! How wonderful to hear the fine Advent hymns….thx so much. great sounding instrument….best, Rob
Wow Ben, what a fantastic introduction to a beautiful (but poorly organ). It still has a stunning majestic sound. I loved the art decco foot switches on the pedal board.
My Uncle Dennis and Auntie Eileen were choristers at Wells and lived in Cathedral Close.
On a light note, I loved the basket of pencils, all the pencils with rubbers looked like they had been chewed maybe whilst the organist was agonising over his arrangement 😂
What a beautiful Cathedral, thank you Ben
I note that this organ has stop pedals above the foot pedal board! Wow. What an organ!
Beautiful,thank you.
This was just outstanding! I really hope you can return t o play the refurbished organ. Wells is absolutely stunning - thank you for taking us with you!
I just wish I’d been in the cathedral to hear you play.
You don’t introduce Sophia but perhaps she prefers to be in the background filming.
Super cute and talented young lady.
❤
When I was an Episcopal church organist many years ago I played the Louis-Claude Daquin Noel as the postlude for the Christmas Eve Eucharist.
WOW! I visited Wells Cathedral with my late mother in 2006, whilst on holiday in the Cotswolds. We were fortunate to hear the Organ being played then and I was really impressed with its sound and the way it reverberated around the Cathedral. Now it has been rebuilt after the fire, it would be great if you could play the Notre Dame Cathedral Organ, but I doubt we are that lucky. If you ever do get the chance, let us all know, because I would move Heaven and Earth to be there. Russ. Havant.
Thanks Ben, that was the purest pleasure.
Oh my, what a magnificent structure! 😲 Hymns always make me think of my late mother, she really did love her hymns. Lo He Comes, feels like being embraced in a warm hug. 😊 I'm always still astounded every time I hear your piece. It sounds like some forgotten medieval score, but also new at the same time. 🙏❤
Happy Advent Ben! Thanks again for another beautiful video- I always look forward to watching your latest video here in sunny Queensland, Australia. This one did not disappoint 👋👋👋
Beautiful composition, Ben. Please write more. Thank you for this uplifting performance - despite the shortcomings of the organ. Didn't hear any :) Bravo!
Ophicleide was my favourite stop
It's difficult to imagine that a person of your talent and huge following, Ben, should be shy. As we get older, shyness, from which I also suffer does subside. On a separate issue, there are three young people who give me faith in the future of the human race. Anna Lapwood (search her name + Bono + Royal Albert Hall, interview and performance), Jacob Collier (try little blue) and Ben Maton.
I love your videos Ben. Please keep making them forever!
Outstanding Ben, thanks!