Thank you for being friend to "friendless churches", filling them with beautiful music and sharing with the world. So good to see your brother Billy, too. I am so glad I've discovered this channel.
I’m lost for words. You and Billy completely transformed my day. The acoustics were amazing given you set up with what you had, and your improvised piece was simply perfect. There are a few of those harmoniums around Norfolk in deconsecrated churches and they are fun to play. Your videos are so full of information and so far I’ve learned something new from every one. Thanks Ben and Billy.
We've brought our society to a sorry end because we lost connection with our old church's. I grieve when I see them being demolished or turned into strange uses , I think it should be part of curriculum ,in schools to not only know our family trees but we should know our local architecture too ,❤nz
There are a number of Maton children and I was privileged to teach some of them when they were about 10. All talented. All lovely. Indeed their modest parents and grandpaprents should be very very proud. Perhaps Ben could introduce them sometime?
@sarahbeswick6310 You know none of this surprises me, and I don't know Ben and live a fair distance from Salisbury This is one of the most pleasant channels I've come across Often music runs in families as it does in mine although I am nowhere near Ben's standard Also it involves a lot of hard work, looking back to when I was doing the ABRSM in theory, piano and viola it was something like 95% perspiration and the rest inspiration!!! Perhaps you can even discount the inspiration!!😊
Ben, this is a reed organ - it works on suction (same as a pianola). The bellows create a vacuum, and when a key is played air is sucked in from the atmosphere to vibrate the reed. So the problem with these things are two fold: the bellows wear, lose there air tightness and can’t sustain the vacuum, and 100 years plus of dust from a draughty church has lodged in the works, especially the reeds. I have restored several. When dismantled the reeds slide out of their compartments and a good blow will remove the dust and make them sound properly again. Rebuilding the bellows takes a little more time (mainly in getting the old rubberised cloth off)
I’m 79 and now beyond opening up my harmonium that I overhauled ~30 years ago. As a cat owner my house is dusty from the litter box, so many of the higher-pitched reeds are now mute. Sadly there’s not much of a market for these instruments. Mine was in storage at a convent for decades because, with 21 stops, the sisters found it indecorous to madly pump away at it. Cosmetically speaking, it’s in new condition. I’d love to find a new home for it at a reasonable sale price but in this day and age, having strangers traipsing through my home, not all of whom might be seriously interested, some using the chance to size up my home for later burglary, is too frightening to risk.
It's so sad these Churches are deemed "Redundant" but great that People set up Societies to care for them. You made the best of sad situation - with your collaboration with Billy here. All turned out well- probably the most music this little Chapel has heard in many years.
@@raymondmiller5098 And it is a good thing after all, superstition loosing its grip on people. But I also feel sad for these instruments and beautiful buildings, that should be repurposed.
Such a haunting piece of music. Perfect for the setting. Such a shame all these unused "friendless" churches. So many people could benefit from the peace and space they provide. So sad. Grateful to the volunteers that care for them. "
Even though the organ sounded like a barking dog and asthmatic together, the music "ode to a friendless church" sounded amazing!❤ Thank you, Billy, for your amazing musical touch!
Ben, my whole family and I save whatever video you have made for the week and gather around every Sunday evening to watch it together. We were so happy to see that you made a tune to work with the broken organ this week, rather than simply walk away. This is what makes your channel so fun to watch, and we are so glad you are talented enough to pull it off! I am the only one with a PayPal account anymore, but I will be donating on behalf of us all very soon. (My Dad wants to mention that your video is the only thing worth postponing his shower for). Thank you for an enjoyable weekend ritual with my family. Much love from the USA.
You never admit defeat. How inventive you are! Your composition is beautiful. And Billy played it beautifully. I guess it was inevitable that a Maton would play guitar.
Even though this small organ is in a church, it was never meant to be a church or chapel organ. Church and chapel organs had three, four, or more ranks of reeds plus an octave of Sub Bass. This is what is called a Parlor Organ and has only two ranks of reeds and was made for home use. Although small, it can still make wonderful music. As a reed organ restorer (here in the United States) I wish I could get my hands of that organ and make it brand new again. You'd be amazed at what even a small organ can do. The Story & Clark Organ Co. made good quality instruments. This was another really great video you made and your talent could still make that little decrepit organ sing. One of these fine days, I hope you can find a good restored reed organ and then show us what you can do with it. I enjoy ALL your videos and look forward to them. I wish I had just one forth of your talent. You are a joy to listen to.
I’ve donated twice so far (and I hope most other subscribers and viewers have done so too). I like the way you politely - but directly - explain why this channel cannot survive if people just watch the videos and assume that it can all be created “for free”. Good luck in building the success of the channel even further!
Excellent job lad's. Improvisations finest hour. When I was a Journeyman Organ builder in America, hardly a week went by when someone would phone up and ask if we repaired or would buy their Harmonium. Personally, I'm no huge fan of the instrument but America used to churn them out by the bucket load. Ornate and often made from the Jewel of American Timbers, Black Walnut. They actually operate on vacuum instead of pressure but invariably with age the rubber cloth/ leather breaks down and they cannot hold enough vacuum to keep up. You can buy an old Harmonium for peanuts now at an antique shop. Chances are it needs the bellows restoring to get playing again. If you can find someone who knows how to do it properly.
Well done for pointing out that 'American Organs' 'suck' rather than 'blow', which can give a more refined sound. I imagine this one has the two knee swells. All the very best, Peter Almond.
@@wurlitzer895 Ha, a theatre organ Dude ! Did you ever go to Pizza and pipes in Seattle ? It's quite a set up. I wonder if it's still there. Cheers Peter. 🍻.
God bless the Friends of the Friendless Churches for preserving and caretaking these beautiful, historic edifices, and God bless the Maton family for using their talents to bless us.
WOW !! Ben, you and your brother have done a marvelous service in creating music, using this sadly derelict reed organ -- with guitar, a perfect combination -- and a perfect partnership. Hearty thanks ! P.S. your "postlude" was pure delight.
Hello Ben and bllly lovely 😊to hear you both play together 😊 ode to a friendless church your parents must be very proud of you both and thank you for another amazing video look forward to the next one take care both of you
Visiting small parish churches was one of the joys of my years living in England. So glad you bring them to us all over the world and fill them with music once again. Thank you.
Thank you, Ben, for another informative and enriching program and welcome to your talented brother who actually shared a smile with us this week! Hope that means he will stick around and play more of his guitar with you! It was lovely! Your program starts my week off on the right foot! Thank you! Sincerely, Nancy F.
It is gratifying Ben to know that so many people altruistically offer their time as the association that is dedicated to caring for these emblematic churches that, despite being without worship or spiritual life, keep alive the memory of a heritage that must be preserved in memory. historical, I am moved every time I see your well-prepared videos with the invaluable help of your brother, a sacrifice with these beautiful tours and with the exciting musical pieces that you interpret with feeling, living each moment with a passion of love for these unmatched instruments. A hug Ben from the far east of the Kingdom of Spain. 🌷 👌
So sad to see a "redundant" church, but very glad for the "Friends of the friendless churches". Here in the US, many older churches are replaced by shiny, new buildings. They may allow congregations more room to grow, but my heart still belongs to the small old church I grew up in. All the churches you have visited and played in, I think of all that beautiful stone being soaked in the prayers of the ages....
Ben: I am in the airline business here in the United States. I travel to the UK quite a bit. Although I don't play, I'm fascinated by the mechanics of a pipe organ. I've known Maestro John Rutter for about 12 years and fly to his annual Christmas concert at The RAH and visit with him and his wife afterwards. I noted that you are a student of Dr. Stephen Farr. I met Dr. Farr last year at All Saints' Margaret Street at a recital organized by Martin Randall Travel and reacquainted with Matthew Joyrsz whom I met at Westminster Abbey. Dr. Farr has put me in touch with the musical director at St. Paul's London and I will visit them soon. I follow your TH-cam channel along with that of Richard McVeigh. Both of you do an excellent job of bringing organ music to the general public in two different ways and both are very enjoyable. I'll be meeting with Richard on one of my trips to the UK. Thanks for the great channel and you will note a donation was made with my real name from America.
It's hard to think of a more consistently intriguing and inspiring TH-cam channel. This video is another treasure. You two brothers worked magic - Billy's sensitive guitar was sublime. Thank you both!
My mum called while listening. I told her about your channel. If she can figure out how to find you on line she will probably enjoy your channel. I have tried to teach her how but she forgets so fast. Glad to see you gaining numbers. Your work deserves to be well known. I'll also tell a friend of mine who once played organ.
"My Glenn Gould position"...hilarious. Beautiful brother duet. Welcome, Billy, and thank you, Ben, for sharing your gifts. It's midnight in Michigan with your music. 😊
How wonderful to imagine Variations on a Theme of Purcell being played at Long Crichel. A gynaecologist friend claims he can make a grand piano give birth. Ben has a similar talent making lifeless organs in friendless churches play music. Fantastic that Ben has Billy as assistant as heavenly music will now be the result of brotherly love.
Oh that poor Reed organ... as you sought to produce some heavenly music it sounded like it was being tortured by some hideous demonic being within. Then Billy, in the manner of David, brought some solace to its troubled soul. I loved the musical cooperation with Billy & look forward to more. Blessings!
Great to see the Maton brothers on the road, and making music in such a beautiful old space. We loved the Ode to a Friendless Church… (my husband is the organist… I’m just a singer.). Thank you for your wonderful videos!
I have my Great-Aunt's Storey and Clark reed organ. Rescued it from a derelict house and refinished it. Needs bellows repair but you have inspired me! Great job! I look forward to hearing your posts each week. I'm glad for Billy's contribution!
Hi my granny had one of these organs and I taught myself at the age of 7 I play by ear all my life but on a piano now I am now 85 love music mostly hymns the sound just takes me back when I was 7 x
Happy Sunday, Ben and Billy. Nice to see you both collaborating on these fine presentations. Your parents must be very proud of their son's musical talents. Are there more of you? God bless you all and thanks for your work.
From Ireland 👊☘️Thank you Ben and Billy for bringing ‘life’ back to these beautiful churches and organs. You are truly gifted. Love the olde English countryside and villages. Congrats also to the Friends of the Friendless churches for their wonderful work. Well done on the lovely piece you both played !
Another wonderful film. I only wish I had learned to play a musical instrument. Now with failingeyesight I can listen to a master of his craft. I'm amazed no one has employed you. It is very hard to find church organists where I live.
Can't wait to see you next time either! You and Billy are wonderful musicians, and really bring these beautiful churches and their "challenging" organs to life! Bravo, best wishes and once again, thank you!!! 😊😊
Getting on for thirty years ago I stopped at I think it was Capel y Fin where there is a tiny chapel. I went inside and there was a guy who was perplexed. The organ was alike the one you show there, and the guy was worried because it had some bum notes and there was a wedding in the offing. He asked me if I knew anything about these things. As it happened I did, I told him how to take the back off and access the reeds in case they had become dusted up. I also gave him the name of someone I thought who could repair it if that did not work. Yes I have one myself in my living room.
Thank you again Ben, and so nice to have Billy as part of your music ... I agree you must have very proud parents ... I mentioned to you in an earlier message about Titus Grenyer (Sydney Town Hall organist), and this week I went to another one of his recitals, and told him about you and your music and composition ... I mentioned it would be wonderful to hear you play the Town Hall organ, and after telling him about you, he said you would be most welcome ... I would love to hear you play the composition that introduces each of your videos on our beautiful organ - especiall with the 64 foot pedal ...!! I wish I had loads of money to bring you out here ...!! As a 75 year old, I am not all together up with the various new methods of communication, and Telegram is new to me, mainly using my email address as contact ... Thank you again ... your work is a blessing to so many all over the world ... Susan Robinson (Sydney, Australia)
Wow!! I absolutely LOVED the collaboration with your brother. You’re both incredibly talented musicians. Is your whole family musical? Looking forward as always to the next video 😊
So very thrilled to find you recently on Utube. Thankyou for what you are doing in the beautiful English countryside. Here in NZ there is no comparison. Seeing the villages and the churches and then hearing you play is inspirational. Thankyou
Beautiful guys. Like the sound of that guitar Billy. Ben, you did a great job on the broken organ. Both you and Billy made it all sound beautiful. Thank you both.
Thank you Ben for your love of music. It is so healing. I started to listen to organ music after my husband died. I attended a beautiful Bachathon today at a beautiful church in Sac, Ca. Wonderful organists❤
Absolutely love your dedication to reviving these old instruments and the stories that unfold in these serene settings. Your journey adds such a personal touch to the history and music of these churches. Can't wait to see what you uncover next!
The B&B Brothers create a bespoke piece for that poor old harmonium. I don’t know how you manage to make each film better and better but you do! So thankful for the 1,000 new subscribers! Let’s do it again this week friends! 😊
What a beautiful church. Hats off to the “Friends” for contributing the substantial sum needed for restoration. Sad to say that it probably would not happen here in the U.S. Interesting to see an American-made instrument in this church and your innovative approach to playing it. The piece with Billy on guitar is haunting and makes me think of Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”. One of your best episodes! P.S. The beard looks great.
Excellent. Pure genius. And indeed, the piece your wrote is perfect for this "redundant" and "friendless" church and the inclement weather. And Billy plays wonderfully. Keep making music. You two are wonderful!
I've loved all the videos I've seen thus far on Ben's channel. To echo others, I can imagine how these brothers gladden their parents' hearts. This video is a beautiful example of seeing beauty in what our world would label as a lost cause. Seeing it was perfectly timed for me, too - it's been an especially challenging week, and I also miss England terribly, after having traveled there with my family only a few weeks ago (the sudden rainstorm reminded me of getting caught in a terrific storm in Oxford!). Thank you for sharing your talents, Ben and Billy!
Thank you to you and Billy. So touching to share the Ode to the Unplayable Organ and found myself grieving for this poor unplayable organ and hearing its creaks and groans. You both are a joy.
That was a beautifully emotive piece you composed for the friendless organ. I think all of us would enjoy hearing more of your compositions and duets with your brother.
Yes, so very much to view in this offering. I greatly appreciate your collaboration with your brother since it was such a divining ode to beautify played musical pieces by respecting & using old & tired instruments that should never be discarded nor dismissed in value! This was special to me. Like ships, organs have "SOULS"! Gladly, I will support your channel as best I can & sincerely thank you for sharing your wonderful musical/tutorial offerings!!!! This is Peter; out!
Thank you, maestro. Waiting on weekly installment of Strangers a cop drama from years ago. Came on The Salisbury Organist & went on several magical tours along wee paths mid graves into .. ah! salaams & wonders & joy. Other day, attended organ recital of wholly dry intellectual xlnt music - but scorched a being sitting listening : + no human engagement. Delight to have yr engagement & serenity : + all yr generously presented skill, knowledge, ability, love of/in/with the music. In mad world with so many ghastly hollerings, thank you, maestro & yr bro, for yr fine films & sounds & speakings. As some tap - restoration - ta! oh! + big appreciation of yr musicalness. So, I just tapped 50 quid. + every so often will again, as I listen + watch along. Rather lovely it's in the season of the full moon. True pure illumination. Reverence, too. Yes
@@SalisburyOrganist Thanks for your response. There are some larger reed organs here in America that actually operate on wind pressure but usually from a blower. I can see how the terminology gets blurred once in other parts of the world. Keep up the great work!
I had to chuckle at your making a "Vivaldi"-esque pattern. It really captured the effect. At first I thought Billy's motif sounded like the famous Italian Baroque guitar concerto whose slow movement is often played, but then it took a turn and seemed more plaintive. In any case it was beautiful. From the USA. I grew up 45 miles from Chicago. When I was a boy a wealthy famer and his wife occasionally invited my family to Sunday night dinner. After the large meal served with fresh baking powder biscuits, butter and honey I would entertain myself playing hymns on the "reed organ" in the living room while the adults talked.
It is so interesting to see how the keys of the upper manual are coupled with the lower. I played an old Pump organ that belonged to a friend. Her name was Maggie and I must say she was very tiny. I had to bend in her home as I couldn't stand up straight but when I sat down at the pump organ I had a lot of fun and the coupled keys were to me the most amazing thing. Thanks for your lovely work.
Story and Clark is an American brand of reed organ, all the reed organ in Canada and USA are pump to produce suction, taking the air out of the reservoir. When you play a note air is then re-introduce through the reed and it produce the sound. In Europe reed organ are pressure air and the reed are different but the same phenomenon as in Pipe organ, you play a note and air is "pushed" through to make the reed sound. Sorry for my bad English composition but I am french Canadian and doing my best to make you understand the difference. I have repaired a few of those in my life. Covering the bellows a new not quite like pipe organ bellow. It is a material that is also use in player piano which are also using suction (bass pressure of air) to play the note. I enjoy your program and thanks to your brother for landing his services as cameraman and musician. Somebody else explained it earlier much better than me. (vacuum) that is the word I was looking for.
one of the churches not too far from where i live has an old reed organ which still plays very well i've had a good number of hymns out of the old reed organ at st mary magdalene broadwas worcestershire
This friendless church is full of love and warmth again. Hooray to you and to Billy. What a creative and beautiful way to bring life to the instrument. The acoustic is so live for music. Thank you for this video, and for all you do for church music.
It is so nice that you and your brother, two talented musicians, could collaborate on a performance in such a beautiful space. I love the work-with-what-you-have ingenuity you have.
Wow Ben and Billy, I'm a Friend of Friendless Churches and have been for a long time and want to thank you for this reminder of how important they are and for composing this wonderful Ode.
Nearer My God To Thee is the first hymn I learned to read and play. I played it many times on my Story and Clark Harmonium. I also played it so many times for church services on pianos and organs. It sounds magnificent on all them. It is beautiful to hear you play it. You feel the music and mood and it comes through your fingers into the air for us. I lost my sister far too early almost exactly two years ago. Your music reflects my state of mind right now. Sorrow, but also Salvation.
Again a remarkable film. I never heard about the Friends of the Friendless Churches. Thank you for introducing them to us. So there is always hope. And I was surprised how well the classical guitar sounded in that church, thanks be to Billy who could probably fill a "friendless" church with life on his own or together with you on the organ. Shocking what you told us about the crematorium. Sadly I have been to a number of funerals myself, where the music came from a tape. I felt sorry for my uncle even though he was dead. Especially in the face of death you want a living breathing sound not a song from the loudspeaker not much different from what you hear daily when visiting some drugstore.
Brothers B&B, Your artistry is amazing. The Story and Clark composition filled my soul. First time I smiled today. I have a few reed organs and I believe somday some young person will make a discovery hidden inside those instruments of yesterday. Combining with the classical guitar is a pleasant contrast of sound. THANKS!!!
Having just returned to England after 33 years and not being computer literate, I know nothing of this new age or of pay pals or any other social media thing. However, I caught your eloquent broadcast whilst trying to obtain certain informations and to make it empathic, my home overseas was a 12th.cen. Knight Templar Commandery (authenticated) which I restored and opened to the public. I stray; your fabulously researched programmes are great but it is Billy's enchanting twanging of his washing line that brought me to comment on the wonderful wheeze of a ruptured organ. It took me, in an instant, to my dear friend Duncan Browne: a very accomplished musician and composer who died far too young: (see "Death of Neil). I have sat mesmerised, playing you and your brother over and over again to re-live a wonderfully misspent youth! Thankyou both!!!
Billy brought another layer to this episode with his wonderful performance, as well as adding an extra dimension and movement with his camera work. You make a great team. I wish i was in a position to support you financially; i shall therefore suffer through watching the ads, as its something i CAN do to add a ha'penny to the coffers each episode.
Outstanding video. I have the feeling you can make almost any disused organ playable again, Ben. Your improvised composition played with Billy was phenomenal. Slàinte Mhath.
Thank you for being friend to "friendless churches", filling them with beautiful music and sharing with the world. So good to see your brother Billy, too. I am so glad I've discovered this channel.
Ben and Billy and music
❤❤❤
From South afrika.
I’m lost for words. You and Billy completely transformed my day. The acoustics were amazing given you set up with what you had, and your improvised piece was simply perfect. There are a few of those harmoniums around Norfolk in deconsecrated churches and they are fun to play.
Your videos are so full of information and so far I’ve learned something new from every one. Thanks Ben and Billy.
We've brought our society to a sorry end because we lost connection with our old church's. I grieve when I see them being demolished or turned into strange uses , I think it should be part of curriculum ,in schools to not only know our family trees but we should know our local architecture too ,❤nz
Sehr gut, danke. 🙏 ❤🇩🇪
Sehr gut, danke. 🙏 ❤🇩🇪
I totally agree with the other comment, their parent’s must be SO PROUD of these two beautiful amazingly talented young men ❤🙏
There are a number of Maton children and I was privileged to teach some of them when they were about 10. All talented. All lovely. Indeed their modest parents and grandpaprents should be very very proud. Perhaps Ben could introduce them sometime?
2:10 @@sarahbeswick6310
@sarahbeswick6310 You know none of this surprises me, and I don't know Ben and live a fair distance from Salisbury
This is one of the most pleasant channels I've come across
Often music runs in families as it does in mine although I am nowhere near Ben's standard
Also it involves a lot of hard work, looking back to when I was doing the ABRSM in theory, piano and viola it was something like 95% perspiration and the rest inspiration!!! Perhaps you can even discount the inspiration!!😊
Your parents must be so proud of their two young sons🥰
What genius!!! To take a "lemon" of an organ, and make spiritual "lemonade"!! Welcome, Billy!
I think he made lemon meringue pie!
@@2listening1 [groan!]
Wow, that guitar music with the organ was enchanting, ethereal, mesmerizing and magical. 😲
GREAT job, Billy and Ben. 👍👍
Bravo ,bravo , Praise The Lord Adonai , ,🎶 🎵 worship indeed . Glorious ❤
I was going to write my own comment, but you have expressed my thoughts exactly! "Ode to a Friendless Church" really is beautiful 🙂
Why don't you cut your long story short and get on what you are going to do
Thank you! Writing a piece of music suitable for that poor organ and adding your brother on the guitar was genius! One of my favorite episodes!
Ben, this is a reed organ - it works on suction (same as a pianola). The bellows create a vacuum, and when a key is played air is sucked in from the atmosphere to vibrate the reed. So the problem with these things are two fold: the bellows wear, lose there air tightness and can’t sustain the vacuum, and 100 years plus of dust from a draughty church has lodged in the works, especially the reeds. I have restored several. When dismantled the reeds slide out of their compartments and a good blow will remove the dust and make them sound properly again. Rebuilding the bellows takes a little more time (mainly in getting the old rubberised cloth off)
I’m 79 and now beyond opening up my harmonium that I overhauled ~30 years ago. As a cat owner my house is dusty from the litter box, so many of the higher-pitched reeds are now mute.
Sadly there’s not much of a market for these instruments. Mine was in storage at a convent for decades because, with 21 stops, the sisters found it indecorous to madly pump away at it. Cosmetically speaking, it’s in new condition.
I’d love to find a new home for it at a reasonable sale price but in this day and age, having strangers traipsing through my home, not all of whom might be seriously interested, some using the chance to size up my home for later burglary, is too frightening to risk.
Yes, Ben describes these very features in his introduction of the instrument once he goes inside and stands beside it.
Hello Billy, it's great to have you join these wonderful videos. 👍😊
It's so sad these Churches are deemed "Redundant" but great that People set up Societies to care for them. You made the best of sad situation - with your collaboration with Billy here. All turned out well- probably the most music this little Chapel has heard in many years.
It's difficult in any European country to keep churches open when their number of parishoners keep declining. It is what it is.
@@raymondmiller5098even in the 1950s-60s church attendance in the UK was abysmal.
@@raymondmiller5098 And it is a good thing after all, superstition loosing its grip on people.
But I also feel sad for these instruments and beautiful buildings, that should be repurposed.
Ben and Billy thank you for this wonderful musical blessing I’m so happy that Billy displayed his talent so well may the Lord bless you both.
Such a haunting piece of music. Perfect for the setting. Such a shame all these unused "friendless" churches. So many people could benefit from the peace and space they provide. So sad. Grateful to the volunteers that care for them. "
We do use the church, it's a gathering point for regular celebrations in the village.
Yes, use them for the community, without religion. A secular social space. With a bit of respect for the ones who built it.
This poor reed organ is crying out for a big hug and some TLC. Still, a great piece to make use of it in its current state!
T"would indeed be a travesty if that's the last time she ever gets to speak.
I rebuilt a Mason and Hamlyn Reed Organ a few years ago - would love to bring this one back to life again.
Small Churches often don’t have good organists. St Martins must be so grateful they have you.. enjoy the programs . Thank you
These days a lot of churches have no organist at all. An American Organ, probably the mice have been at the bellows.
Even though the organ sounded like a barking dog and asthmatic together, the music "ode to a friendless church" sounded amazing!❤
Thank you, Billy, for your amazing musical touch!
Ben, my whole family and I save whatever video you have made for the week and gather around every Sunday evening to watch it together. We were so happy to see that you made a tune to work with the broken organ this week, rather than simply walk away. This is what makes your channel so fun to watch, and we are so glad you are talented enough to pull it off! I am the only one with a PayPal account anymore, but I will be donating on behalf of us all very soon. (My Dad wants to mention that your video is the only thing worth postponing his shower for). Thank you for an enjoyable weekend ritual with my family. Much love from the USA.
Amen
You never admit defeat. How inventive you are! Your composition is beautiful. And Billy played it beautifully. I guess it was inevitable that a Maton would play guitar.
Even though this small organ is in a church, it was never meant to be a church or chapel organ. Church and chapel organs had three, four, or more ranks of reeds plus an octave of Sub Bass. This is what is called a Parlor Organ and has only two ranks of reeds and was made for home use. Although small, it can still make wonderful music. As a reed organ restorer (here in the United States) I wish I could get my hands of that organ and make it brand new again. You'd be amazed at what even a small organ can do. The Story & Clark Organ Co. made good quality instruments. This was another really great video you made and your talent could still make that little decrepit organ sing. One of these fine days, I hope you can find a good restored reed organ and then show us what you can do with it. I enjoy ALL your videos and look forward to them. I wish I had just one forth of your talent. You are a joy to listen to.
I’ve donated twice so far (and I hope most other subscribers and viewers have done so too). I like the way you politely - but directly - explain why this channel cannot survive if people just watch the videos and assume that it can all be created “for free”. Good luck in building the success of the channel even further!
Did you know that you can set up regular monthly donations on his PayPal account? That’s what I do. You can choose how much and when it’s paid. 🎼
Excellent job lad's. Improvisations finest hour.
When I was a Journeyman Organ builder in America, hardly a week went by when someone would phone up and ask if we repaired or would buy their Harmonium. Personally, I'm no huge fan of the instrument but America used to churn them out by the bucket load. Ornate and often made from the Jewel of American Timbers, Black Walnut.
They actually operate on vacuum instead of pressure but invariably with age the rubber cloth/ leather breaks down and they cannot hold enough vacuum to keep up.
You can buy an old Harmonium for peanuts now at an antique shop. Chances are it needs the bellows restoring to get playing again. If you can find someone who knows how to do it properly.
Well done for pointing out that 'American Organs' 'suck' rather than 'blow', which can give a more refined sound. I imagine this one has the two knee swells. All the very best, Peter Almond.
@@wurlitzer895
Ha, a theatre organ Dude ! Did you ever go to Pizza and pipes in Seattle ? It's quite a set up. I wonder if it's still there.
Cheers Peter. 🍻.
God bless the Friends of the Friendless Churches for preserving and caretaking these beautiful, historic edifices, and God bless the Maton family for using their talents to bless us.
WOW !! Ben, you and your brother have done a marvelous service in creating music, using this sadly derelict reed organ -- with guitar, a perfect combination -- and a perfect partnership. Hearty thanks !
P.S. your "postlude" was pure delight.
Hello Ben and bllly lovely 😊to hear you both play together 😊 ode to a friendless church your parents must be very proud of you both and thank you for another amazing video look forward to the next one take care both of you
What a talented duo. A pleasure watching and listening to you both.
Visiting small parish churches was one of the joys of my years living in England. So glad you bring them to us all over the world and fill them with music once again. Thank you.
Are your parents musical? Such beautiful
Music from the two of you. Melancholy…sad…but beautiful. Love your channel. So glad I found it.
Wow! Another inspirational and thrilling concert. Thank you Maton brothers for sharing your talent.
Thank you, Ben, for another informative and enriching program and welcome to your talented brother who actually shared a smile with us this week! Hope that means he will stick around and play more of his guitar with you! It was lovely! Your program starts my week off on the right foot! Thank you! Sincerely, Nancy F.
Ben, your commentary is just as important as your playing. Thanks from St. Louis, MO
Absolutely beautiful! You and Billy made lovely music in the friendless church!!
It is gratifying Ben to know that so many people altruistically offer their time as the association that is dedicated to caring for these emblematic churches that, despite being without worship or spiritual life, keep alive the memory of a heritage that must be preserved in memory. historical, I am moved every time I see your well-prepared videos with the invaluable help of your brother, a sacrifice with these beautiful tours and with the exciting musical pieces that you interpret with feeling, living each moment with a passion of love for these unmatched instruments. A hug Ben from the far east of the Kingdom of Spain. 🌷 👌
So sad to see a "redundant" church, but very glad for the "Friends of the friendless churches". Here in the US, many older churches are replaced by shiny, new buildings. They may allow congregations more room to grow, but my heart still belongs to the small old church I grew up in. All the churches you have visited and played in, I think of all that beautiful stone being soaked in the prayers of the ages....
Ben: I am in the airline business here in the United States. I travel to the UK quite a bit. Although I don't play, I'm fascinated by the mechanics of a pipe organ. I've known Maestro John Rutter for about 12 years and fly to his annual Christmas concert at The RAH and visit with him and his wife afterwards. I noted that you are a student of Dr. Stephen Farr. I met Dr. Farr last year at All Saints' Margaret Street at a recital organized by Martin Randall Travel and reacquainted with Matthew Joyrsz whom I met at Westminster Abbey. Dr. Farr has put me in touch with the musical director at St. Paul's London and I will visit them soon. I follow your TH-cam channel along with that of Richard McVeigh. Both of you do an excellent job of bringing organ music to the general public in two different ways and both are very enjoyable. I'll be meeting with Richard on one of my trips to the UK. Thanks for the great channel and you will note a donation was made with my real name from America.
It's hard to think of a more consistently intriguing and inspiring TH-cam channel. This video is another treasure. You two brothers worked magic - Billy's sensitive guitar was sublime. Thank you both!
My mum called while listening. I told her about your channel. If she can figure out how to find you on line she will probably enjoy your channel. I have tried to teach her how but she forgets so fast. Glad to see you gaining numbers. Your work deserves to be well known. I'll also tell a friend of mine who once played organ.
"My Glenn Gould position"...hilarious. Beautiful brother duet. Welcome, Billy, and thank you, Ben, for sharing your gifts. It's midnight in Michigan with your music. 😊
How wonderful to imagine Variations on a Theme of Purcell being played at Long Crichel. A gynaecologist friend claims he can make a grand piano give birth. Ben has a similar talent making lifeless organs in friendless churches play music. Fantastic that Ben has Billy as assistant as heavenly music will now be the result of brotherly love.
Oh that poor Reed organ... as you sought to produce some heavenly music it sounded like it was being tortured by some hideous demonic being within. Then Billy, in the manner of David, brought some solace to its troubled soul. I loved the musical cooperation with Billy & look forward to more. Blessings!
Great to see the Maton brothers on the road, and making music in such a beautiful old space. We loved the Ode to a Friendless Church… (my husband is the organist… I’m just a singer.). Thank you for your wonderful videos!
So spesial for bouth of you to play tougher and really make this exstrodinery. Well done to bouth of you!
I have my Great-Aunt's Storey and Clark reed organ. Rescued it from a derelict house and refinished it. Needs bellows repair but you have inspired me!
Great job! I look forward to hearing your posts each week.
I'm glad for Billy's contribution!
Hi my granny had one of these organs and I taught myself at the age of 7 I play by ear all my life but on a piano now I am now 85 love music mostly hymns the sound just takes me back when I was 7 x
Happy Sunday, Ben and Billy. Nice to see you both collaborating on these fine presentations. Your parents must be very proud of their son's musical talents. Are there more of you? God bless you all and thanks for your work.
From Ireland 👊☘️Thank you Ben and Billy for bringing ‘life’ back to these beautiful churches and organs. You are truly gifted. Love the olde English countryside and villages. Congrats also to the Friends of the Friendless churches for their wonderful work. Well done on the lovely piece you both played !
Thanks! Ben, giving us a background of the churches and the music itself is very interesting, & I always enjoy your music!
Another wonderful film. I only wish I had learned to play a musical instrument. Now with failingeyesight I can listen to a master of his craft. I'm amazed no one has employed you. It is very hard to find church organists where I live.
Can't wait to see you next time either! You and Billy are wonderful musicians, and really bring these beautiful churches and their "challenging" organs to life! Bravo, best wishes and once again, thank you!!! 😊😊
Getting on for thirty years ago I stopped at I think it was Capel y Fin where there is a tiny chapel. I went inside and there was a guy who was perplexed. The organ was alike the one you show there, and the guy was worried because it had some bum notes and there was a wedding in the offing. He asked me if I knew anything about these things. As it happened I did, I told him how to take the back off and access the reeds in case they had become dusted up. I also gave him the name of someone I thought who could repair it if that did not work. Yes I have one myself in my living room.
Does Billy have his own TH-cam channel?
God bless you, brother, and your wonderful work! Very much enjoyed!
Ben, you freak me out driving on the wrong side of the road, be careful! 😉
Thank you again Ben, and so nice to have Billy as part of your music ... I agree you must have very proud parents ... I mentioned to you in an earlier message about Titus Grenyer (Sydney Town Hall organist), and this week I went to another one of his recitals, and told him about you and your music and composition ... I mentioned it would be wonderful to hear you play the Town Hall organ, and after telling him about you, he said you would be most welcome ... I would love to hear you play the composition that introduces each of your videos on our beautiful organ - especiall with the 64 foot pedal ...!! I wish I had loads of money to bring you out here ...!! As a 75 year old, I am not all together up with the various new methods of communication, and Telegram is new to me, mainly using my email address as contact ... Thank you again ... your work is a blessing to so many all over the world ... Susan Robinson (Sydney, Australia)
There's something ethereal and moving about the way you ressurected this old instrument.
Amazing amazing video!
Loved this! 'All I can do is huff' hilarious! Well you huffed and puffed and blew our socks off!
Wow!! I absolutely LOVED the collaboration with your brother. You’re both incredibly talented musicians. Is your whole family musical? Looking forward as always to the next video 😊
That sound of classical guitar with wheezing organ is actually quite awesome.
No matter, the organ is most assuredly the King of instruments, always serene, honest and pure.
Nearer My God To Thee! A big hug from America. 🇺🇸
So very thrilled to find you recently on Utube. Thankyou for what you are doing in the beautiful English countryside. Here in NZ there is no comparison. Seeing the villages and the churches and then hearing you play is inspirational. Thankyou
As someone who plays organ (not well, but enough for my own enjoyment), and works at the CF Martin Guitar factory, I really appreciated this!
😊🎹😊🎸
A sad and very beautiful piece that touches the heart and soul.
Billy is very talented. Love his guitar.
What a stunningly cared for church, what a wonderful organisation the “friends” are. I will check them out. Thank you x
Beautiful guys. Like the sound of that guitar Billy. Ben, you did a great job on the broken organ. Both you and Billy made it all sound beautiful. Thank you both.
It's stunning how talented you both are. I love the ode and Billy's elaboration.
Very neat. Old Churches are often very pretty, and it's great that there's effort to preserve them.
Thank you Ben for your love of music.
It is so healing.
I started to listen to organ music after my husband died. I attended a beautiful Bachathon today at a beautiful church in Sac, Ca.
Wonderful organists❤
I love that there is The Friends of Friendless Churches! We need the equivalent here in the USA.
Yes!
Absolutely love your dedication to reviving these old instruments and the stories that unfold in these serene settings. Your journey adds such a personal touch to the history and music of these churches. Can't wait to see what you uncover next!
I'm so glad there are people looking after these churches. The restoration is beautiful.
The B&B Brothers create a bespoke piece for that poor old harmonium. I don’t know how you manage to make each film better and better but you do! So thankful for the 1,000 new subscribers! Let’s do it again this week friends! 😊
What a beautiful church. Hats off to the “Friends” for contributing the substantial sum needed for restoration. Sad to say that it probably would not happen here in the U.S. Interesting to see an American-made instrument in this church and your innovative approach to playing it. The piece with Billy on guitar is haunting and makes me think of Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”. One of your best episodes!
P.S. The beard looks great.
Excellent. Pure genius. And indeed, the piece your wrote is perfect for this "redundant" and "friendless" church and the inclement weather. And Billy plays wonderfully. Keep making music. You two are wonderful!
I've loved all the videos I've seen thus far on Ben's channel. To echo others, I can imagine how these brothers gladden their parents' hearts. This video is a beautiful example of seeing beauty in what our world would label as a lost cause. Seeing it was perfectly timed for me, too - it's been an especially challenging week, and I also miss England terribly, after having traveled there with my family only a few weeks ago (the sudden rainstorm reminded me of getting caught in a terrific storm in Oxford!). Thank you for sharing your talents, Ben and Billy!
Thank you to you and Billy. So touching to share the Ode to the Unplayable Organ and found myself grieving for this poor unplayable organ and hearing its creaks and groans. You both are a joy.
That was a beautifully emotive piece you composed for the friendless organ. I think all of us would enjoy hearing more of your compositions and duets with your brother.
Thanks, so much, for your, and Billy’s talents! Much appreciated! Too bad the organ isn’t being restored to its original condition!
Talent is encouraged in your family, obviously.
Yes, so very much to view in this offering. I greatly appreciate your collaboration with your brother since it was such a divining ode to beautify played musical pieces by respecting & using old & tired instruments that should never be discarded nor dismissed in value! This was special to me. Like ships, organs have "SOULS"! Gladly, I will support your channel as best I can & sincerely thank you for sharing your wonderful musical/tutorial offerings!!!! This is Peter; out!
Thank you, maestro. Waiting on weekly installment of Strangers a cop drama from years ago. Came on The Salisbury Organist & went on several magical tours along wee paths mid graves into .. ah! salaams & wonders & joy. Other day, attended organ recital of wholly dry intellectual xlnt music - but scorched a being sitting listening : + no human engagement. Delight to have yr engagement & serenity : + all yr generously presented skill, knowledge, ability, love of/in/with the music. In mad world with so many ghastly hollerings, thank you, maestro & yr bro, for yr fine films & sounds & speakings. As some tap - restoration - ta! oh! + big appreciation of yr musicalness. So, I just tapped 50 quid. + every so often will again, as I listen + watch along. Rather lovely it's in the season of the full moon. True pure illumination. Reverence, too. Yes
Magnificent. Thank you so very much
Every parlor and church had a reed organ at one time in America. Harmonium is very different in that it uses wind pressure. Reed organ used vacuum.
It’s a technical term but now often used colloquially. Last time I played one of these I was told off for not calling it a harmonium!
@@SalisburyOrganist Thanks for your response. There are some larger reed organs here in America that actually operate on wind pressure but usually from a blower. I can see how the terminology gets blurred once in other parts of the world. Keep up the great work!
@@SalisburyOrganistin America you’d be called out for calling it a Harmonium lol
I had to chuckle at your making a "Vivaldi"-esque pattern. It really captured the effect. At first I thought Billy's motif sounded like the famous Italian Baroque guitar concerto whose slow movement is often played, but then it took a turn and seemed more plaintive. In any case it was beautiful. From the USA.
I grew up 45 miles from Chicago. When I was a boy a wealthy famer and his wife occasionally invited my family to Sunday night dinner. After the large meal served with fresh baking powder biscuits, butter and honey I would entertain myself playing hymns on the "reed organ" in the living room while the adults talked.
It is so interesting to see how the keys of the upper manual are coupled with the lower. I played an old Pump organ that belonged to a friend. Her name was Maggie and I must say she was very tiny. I had to bend in her home as I couldn't stand up straight but when I sat down at the pump organ I had a lot of fun and the coupled keys were to me the most amazing thing. Thanks for your lovely work.
Story and Clark is an American brand of reed organ, all the reed organ in Canada and USA are pump to produce suction, taking the air out of the reservoir. When you play a note air is then re-introduce through the reed and it produce the sound. In Europe reed organ are pressure air and the reed are different but the same phenomenon as in Pipe organ, you play a note and air is "pushed" through to make the reed sound. Sorry for my bad English composition but I am french Canadian and doing my best to make you understand the difference. I have repaired a few of those in my life. Covering the bellows a new not quite like pipe organ bellow. It is a material that is also use in player piano which are also using suction (bass pressure of air) to play the note. I enjoy your program and thanks to your brother for landing his services as cameraman and musician. Somebody else explained it earlier much better than me. (vacuum) that is the word I was looking for.
We also have suction organs in Europe.
Ben . You are a jewel. Thank you lads for making life worth living.
one of the churches not too far from where i live has an old reed organ which still plays very well i've had a good number of hymns out of the old reed organ at st mary magdalene broadwas worcestershire
This friendless church is full of love and warmth again. Hooray to you and to Billy. What a creative and beautiful way to bring life to the instrument. The acoustic is so live for music. Thank you for this video, and for all you do for church music.
It is so nice that you and your brother, two talented musicians, could collaborate on a performance in such a beautiful space. I love the work-with-what-you-have ingenuity you have.
Wow Ben and Billy, I'm a Friend of Friendless Churches and have been for a long time and want to thank you for this reminder of how important they are and for composing this wonderful Ode.
Nearer My God To Thee is the first hymn I learned to read and play. I played it many times on my Story and Clark Harmonium. I also played it so many times for church services on pianos and organs. It sounds magnificent on all them.
It is beautiful to hear you play it. You feel the music and mood and it comes through your fingers into the air for us.
I lost my sister far too early almost exactly two years ago. Your music reflects my state of mind right now. Sorrow, but also Salvation.
The music is somber and lovely. Thank you for your talent and displaying this wonderful building.
I’m an organist, and rarely does classical guitar accompany organ music. Thank you for sharing!!
Again a remarkable film. I never heard about the Friends of the Friendless Churches. Thank you for introducing them to us. So there is always hope. And I was surprised how well the classical guitar sounded in that church, thanks be to Billy who could probably fill a "friendless" church with life on his own or together with you on the organ.
Shocking what you told us about the crematorium. Sadly I have been to a number of funerals myself, where the music came from a tape. I felt sorry for my uncle even though he was dead. Especially in the face of death you want a living breathing sound not a song from the loudspeaker not much different from what you hear daily when visiting some drugstore.
Wow, the Music Gene runs strong in your family! Beautiful
I can't tell you how much I loved your friends of the friendless duet. It was pure genius.
WE love you Ben. Lot's of love to your brother coming out and helping. Best wishes from America
Brothers B&B, Your artistry is amazing. The Story and Clark composition filled my soul. First time I smiled today. I have a few reed organs and I believe somday some young person will make a discovery hidden inside those instruments of yesterday. Combining with the classical guitar is a pleasant contrast of sound. THANKS!!!
Having just returned to England after 33 years and not being computer literate, I know nothing of this new age or of pay pals or any other social media thing. However, I caught your eloquent broadcast whilst trying to obtain certain informations and to make it empathic, my home overseas was a 12th.cen. Knight Templar Commandery (authenticated) which I restored and opened to the public. I stray; your fabulously researched programmes are great but it is Billy's enchanting twanging of his washing line that brought me to comment on the wonderful wheeze of a ruptured organ. It took me, in an instant, to my dear friend Duncan Browne: a very accomplished musician and composer who died far too young: (see "Death of Neil). I have sat mesmerised, playing you and your brother over and over again to re-live a wonderfully misspent youth! Thankyou both!!!
Billy brought another layer to this episode with his wonderful performance, as well as adding an extra dimension and movement with his camera work. You make a great team. I wish i was in a position to support you financially; i shall therefore suffer through watching the ads, as its something i CAN do to add a ha'penny to the coffers each episode.
Pevsner lived just across the hill from me and is buried in the church at nearby Clyffe Pypard - now there is an interesting church!
Outstanding video. I have the feeling you can make almost any disused organ playable again, Ben. Your improvised composition played with Billy was phenomenal. Slàinte Mhath.