❤ This was my family church when I was a child in the 1950s. I remember the old organ situated at the left of the ailse when waking from the door and also remember pumping the handle. I went to Sundy school here and sang the solo in 'Once in David's Royal City' here when I was at Bulford School when I was about 10, for which I remember being extremely nervous! 😊
@@jonboz7585 Agreed, the memory of my son singing that solo is one of my favourite memories of all time. It includes my late wife bursting into tears and saying "He looks so little".
Thank you for your tours. As a lady fighting cancer, I can not get out much,so it is my "outing" for the day. I also am a musician, my left arm is crippled by the cancer, so I can not play well. Love hearing you, dear boy. God bless you.
I am a church organist. I used to play for few services on Sunday mornings for many years. Now I am a cancer patient from last two and half years and I am unable to go to any church. My only trip is between home -church-home. I fingers are numb and I can't even hold a pen to sign even hospital forms. God is great. I worship Him. Praise God
For those in peril on the sea…..then the Wiltshire regimental March. Onto a Scottish ballad. A new take on this channel every time…. Now for that sandwich!
A captivating video. A perfect blend of reverence for the church and for the men who fought to protect it. Your great-grandfather looked so very young in that photo. Blessings.
tyronesills9423 Greetings Yes the Navy hymn in USA Episcopal Church 1940 hymnal the Navy Hymn we sang every Sunday during WWll. And it was played onboard ship at Peace Treaty. Original words did not include for those in peril "in the AIR"!
The freedom to express the beauty of playing on an electronic organ with the beauty of the church as an audience to all the soldiers of the Wiltshire Regiment.How befitting to all families to praise the memories of time gone by. We shall remember them.
Once again you've given us a illuminating tour of your part of the world. Thank you for paying tribute to your grandfather and great-grandfather. Their generations sacrificed too much to keep Britain free.
Just donated from a Brit in Texas. I encourage others to chip in to support Ben. He earns every bit of it. He is a rare gem on RUclips. Now …. About that sandwich! I would love to knock out a big beauty of a sarnie for you but no way I can from Texas! I was Senior Warden at our Episcopal church in 1990 when we built a new and final church space, The old space is now the great hall. We installed a 76 rank digital organ with festival trumpets. It’s incredible how accurate a digital organ is as each “pipe” is an exact digital recording of a real pipe with attack etc true to form. It’s now 33 years old and needs some work but still very good. I was 47 when we built the church. I am now 81. I attend every Sunday. But I do miss the English country churches nestled in the countryside. Love the Kiwi on the hillside. Cheers to all Kiwis who stood with us in the wars.
Just wonderful and add my parish in Dallas chapel of St Charles l (Martyr) whom we pray for daily... he saved the church. This church in video is is wonderful with history ..... and your family!
Even if there is no pipe organ, the video is none the less very interesting! The age of the church, the accoustics etc. Keep up the good work Ben! Love from Canada!
Thank you Ben for honoring the Military. I play on the Organ in our Church the Naval Hymn "Eternal Father" for the funeral of people who served in the Navy. Let us not forget the Fallen ones for our freedom.
I enjoy all your videos but Today was outstanding for this older person who has no musical background. The music and the church history is outstanding. You, Ben are so personable, handsome and your talents are noteworthy🤣 Patty, a native New Yorker ❤
What a blessing to have stumbled across this channel. Your videos truly are a tonic for the uneasy times we are living in. Thank you so much, Ben, and God bless you.
I was brought up in the bible belt in the Netherlands, surrounded by Johannes organs. The sound of which, and the hymns they played, are deeply embedded in my soul. My mother used to play an Eminent (competing brand) on Sunday evenings and we would all join to sing. Long gone are those days but will never forget. Thank you for a true moment of peace and reflection in these trying times. I will donate and hope that your work will bring some much needed enlightenment to this world and its people. God bless you
As a clergyman and choirmaster in New England, I was deeply moved by your visit to this church, its,😅 sadly, electronic organ ( tho I believe you could make any instrument sound good!), and most of all your sharing this tribute, both musically and pictorial tribute to your grandfather and other male ancestors. Your reverent passion for the music, history, and architecture of the churches you visit is infectious, and recalls my sojourns in the UK in my youth. As pastor and subsequently long-time choirmaster in an ecumenical church in Vermont, I was instrumental in getting the pittifully inadequate electronic wheezebox of an "organ" replaced with a rebuilt 1850's Stevens and Jewett pipe organ -- even at the expense of adding an open alcove behind the chancel to accommodate the instrument. From then on, I was in musical heaven. The music of the Church continues to inspire, tho in my mid 80's it's mostly vicarious through such wonderful videos as yours to which I enthusiastically subscribed. Profound and heartfelt thanks !
Ben...greetings from Pittstown, New Jersey, USA (a rural part of northwest NJ). I am organist at my local Prebyterian Church. My ancestry is from Scotland, which I was able to visit a year ago. Visited many Churches and Cathedrals. I enjoy your videos. Your love of organs, organ music and churches is inspiring. I also appreciate your humor and talent in producing your videos. Please continue producing these videos. I look forward to viewing each one.
How interesting... Here I am watching a video from Salisbury GB and find a comment from Pittstown NJ, which is about 30 miles from me in Doylestown PA. I grew up about a mile outside of Quakertown. Small world!
Electronic organ tech here. Many analog electronic organs do need tuning, and ciphers are definitely a thing! Mice find them both comfortable and delicious. They certainly don’t require anything close to a pipe organ in terms of maintenance, but they do break, especially when nibbled and dribbled on.
It was nice to hear "Eternal Father strong to save". The rector at my church was at one time stationed at the Episcopal Church in Bath, Maine, the historic shipyard's of the US Navy. In that church there was a model ship hanging over the nave, and every year on the Ships Day they would sing that hymn, with many old men in tears.
I just donated via PayPal. Thank you Ben Maton! Your videos are so unique. You take us to such interesting and beautiful locations explaining with enthusiasm and humor. the buildings, organs, and history and on top of that are able to choose the best sounds, and musical compositions on whatever instrument you happen to find. I do hope that many more will donate to support such a wonderful project.
Your videos are my refuge and I look forward to each one. You in your camo coat and gloves look perfectly natural in that ancient corner on that modern organ, honoring the place and the people as only you can. Well done Ben!
Fitting tribute to your ancestors! Thanks for condescending to play such an instrument not unlike one that some of us play or listen to every week. (It's not terrible.) Blessings from West Michigan in the States!
You combine two of my favorite things: organs and old churches! I tried making a donation and not sure it worked (or may have donated twice! -- no matter). I really appreciated your nod to family military history and the choices of tunes. I'm a retired US Marine (whose father, ex-wife, and stepson were all Navy) so "Eternal Father" is firmly in my head. My grandfathers were both in WW1 as was your great-grandfather. While I am not a fan of electronic organs, this video is proof that they can be several steps above barely acceptable in the hands of a really good organist. Best wishes from Tennessee, USA
I love your stories. I love your organ music. You have lots of talents. The only complaint I have is that there aren’t more of your videos! I’ve watched them all numerous times. I hope you don’t mind that I made a ring tone out of your “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”. I hope I can encourage people to support you financially. It’s hardly fair to listen and watch the videos without rewarding your talents and maybe we get more videos! You just have to touch “more” people. It’s easy to figure out.
Beautifully done, and very touching. These videos bring back wistful memories of my many years in England before returning to my native Australia in retirement. Thank you Ben.
Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave. An electronic organ, military marches and Maton family history in both world wars inspire us all. William Whiting could not imagine in his wildest dreams that his famous naval hymn, aided by a vly, would help make a classical organist an idol in cyberspace.
Ben, I just discovered your talent this morning and I'm very impressed. I've changed my plans today so I can listen to all of your content on RUclips. I'll be looking forward to your future posts. ☺
Bravo, Ben! This video has exceedingly high production values! The final 8 minutes or so are absolutely gorgeous. And you manage to hold up the electronic organ as a worthy instrument if approached appropriately and played with the Love that you clearly exude. Splendid!
Hi Ben-This was your absolute best video yet! It was so much fun to watch, it had everything-humor, cuisine, divine music (loved the Naval Hymn), family history (thank you for sharing), feline fun, historical treasures and sharing an area with you that was new to you as well. Thank you so much for working so hard on these wonderful videos, it is obvious that you put countless hours in and we are so grateful to you for what you produce! Sincerely, Nancy F.
Wow. I went to St. Leonards church in Bulford a few times in the 1970's when we stayed at my mother's aunts thatched cottage in Watergate Lane Bulford which was opposite a chapel. I'm sure St. Leonards had a pipe organ though, maybe not, I was little. I remember my mum singing that fly be on the turmut song. Thanks for bring back a memory. 😊
Once again you bring out the best of the organ by choosing just the right songs. Your music is a balm to one's soul in these troubled times. Thank you.
I live in Northern California and so enjoy your videos ! The Good Lord has blessed you with such a powerful gift. Someday I hope to see some of these Churches with my own eyes, but in the meantime, I’ll experience them through you !
Our organ console sits "unplugged" behind the chancel. Now we sing Praise Music with the music on screens on the wall. Having served for 30 yrs in choir, how I miss the choral anthems.
Big bird1ist How can you tolerate your grief brought by that kind of music now at your church.. Are you in USA? Please tune in some lovely church videos with Godly music ❤
Donated! Quickly forwarded the video to the organ playing because this made me suspicious. Beautiful acoustics of the church comes to the rescue here! It doesn't sound that bad at all
I suspect you think that electronic organs in churches are the slippery slope ... but they are only as good as the player with a good "ear" and Ben is the best!
THANKS Ben ! :) ! for this - another, GREAT VIDEO, of yours :) that I greatly ENJOY watching & hearing, over here in Canada :) .....but also thinking of my Grandparent's (a Taylor & a Green), who came here, from England, in about 1905.... 🇬🇧😊🇨🇦🙏🎶☝️🙏 ....DarWin T.
This Johannes sounds like a pre-digital. The voices, while not all that pipe like, were beautiful in their own right, and the registrations you used in the video were quite lovely, and the natural reverb of the church warmed them up nicely. This video was especially poignant for me, as my great grandfather served in world war one, and my grandfather in world war two. Incidentally, my grandfather, stationed on one of the U.S. 8th Air Force bases in England, was the organist for Sunday Masses on base.
Hi Ben. I was an organist in my youth. I began on a single level organ, and eventually graduated to a massive Double Decker, Foot Pedals and Wurlitzer speakers. It was huge. I'm sure it had its own mortgage payment. I played from grade school through college. The good thing was, that I had private lessons, AND, piano in school, throughout. The shop I had lessons at had yearly shows, showcasing their students abilities. By the end I was almost at the top of the stack, but not quite. There were two other young men who could really CRANK on the massive organ they would bring in for the real "Show Stopper - Bring Down the House" performances. Truly intimidating !!!
You coax a very traditional sound from this organ! I liked the family history and photos. My father joined the Australian army in World War Two and stayed in for the ret of his working life. I find the navy hymn particularly beautiful.
I so much enjoy your channel. The history and the music are wonderful and you are very charming. I’m wondering if you will ever have your music on physical CD’s as I am not a digital person and do not purchase music that way. Will be happy to pay a little extra. If that does not/cannot happen then I will at some point make a donation to support your music and you. Anyway, thank you so much for such a wonderful channel!
It just so happens that Johannus (?)continues to make excellent "virtual organs." This was an outstanding tutorial dipping into your rich family heritage. It blows my mind the age of these structures. It is odd, but very pleasant, to watch you play in such a rugged attire. I imagine you will leave the church and indulge yourself in chopping some wood for the fireplace. (lol)
As a pipe organ builder I'm triggered beyond belief ! No, not really. Still, it's not the same as peering in to the pedal ranks at St Paul's Cathedral. Up in the Gallery there is a 64ft open wood pipe ! Insane. I worked on it when I was an apprentice at NP Mander. Happy days. Ground shaking Organ. Horizontal trumpets on 50 inches of pressure .Grrrrr. You just don't get that level of ooomph from speakers. Excellent work as usual Ben. At least you don't need to lube the blower before you leave. Cheers.
IDK Ben. The new and improved Ben seems much more relatable ... at least we know you eat sandwiches and don't hate cats. I love the background of the churches and the various instruments along the way. I'm going to have to look up that #1 road trip.
My father trained on Salisbury Plain when he signed up for the army in 1939 before heading to Egypt and Libya and "into the bag" as a POW for three and a half years. Growing up near Salisbury Plain, the rumblings of guns on exercise were a constant accompanying noise and sometimes when driving around close to the military training area, you had to be ready to brake for tanks crossing the road.
Happy you've found some of the Dutch organ inheritance in England! Thank you for not skipping this church because of the organ, it's just full on part of modern church culture, although it's not the most beautiful nor interesting part..6 .
Excellent!!! And thank you, Ben, for driving it ever closer to Scottish lands. As I stated in a previous message, I look forward to your playing the organs in some of these old "kirks", or castles up there. And thank you for including Eternal Father, Strong to Save...both the Royal and US Navy hymns. I insist on suggesting that you consider, adding to your very special videography, nautical or mariners hymns such as Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me or Master the Tempest is Raging. There is a treasure trove of those nearly forgotten tunes awaiting you--and us as well! Frank from Conroe, Texas.
Wonderful job on that old Johannus. Amazing its still playing. I have the 3 manual opus 220 version with 3 swells. It was converted to use Hauptwerk. What a dream!
I LOVE this channel! It is balm for the soul….the buildings, the organs, the countryside. I was recently in Salisbury with the RSCMA National Choir, singing at the Salisbury Cathedral. How I would have love to have accompanied you on one of your investigations! But, as to this particular video, i must say that electric organs obviously do need tuning from time to time. Yes, I will donate!
Thank you for this moving visit to a fascinating church. Your videos are in a class by themselves. I especially appreciated how musical you made that old Johannus sound! I have a new one for practice and I'm still having trouble registering it effectively (though it sounds fine to me when other people play it 😏). 8' stops is a great tip.
Some years ago I was involved in replacing an electric organ in a village church. The instrument we bought consisted, we were told, of recordings. Each stop was a recording of the full keyboard of that stop from a pipe organ in a large church or cathedral. True or false I don’t know, but most people thought it was a pipe organ!
I play a fairly old Johannus organ, very like the one featured here, for my local parish church choir. I rather like the sound from the Johannus and find playing with the choir very rewarding. The singers assure me that the satisfaction is mutual. I'm not a 'real' organist and don't touch the pedal board. I practice at home on my Yamaha keyboard and there's a very similar feel to the two of them. I had an opportunity to play an old pipe organ for the first time recently and needless to say, that was a very different experience. I've been following your channel of late and I'm glad to see that you appreciate what these electronic machines have to offer. Keep up the good work (donated !).
Give the pedals a go! They're not as intimidating as you might think. I've been learning casually for about a year as a long time piano player, and can now tackle hymns no problem, easier Bach, and sight-read easy music with pedals. It adds a heck of a lot to the satisfaction!
@@raywalsh5414 Even if you just add in tonic or dominant pedals at opportune times in hymns it can add a lot to the weight and depth of the sound. My electronic organ at home is rather more modern than the Johannus here and has an "autobass" feature, but I don't use it, preferring the learning process of proper pedalling. Incidentally it cost me £100 from a local charity shop, and it's in full working order! Pedalling also frees up the left hand (as it's typically only playing the tenor line now) to take right-hand notes as required to cover big stretches or awkward fingerings, for a considerably more legato presentation of hymns, which helps support the singers. It does take some effort to "unstick" the left hand and feet from each other though. There are lots of good tutorials on RUclips to get you started.
The organ I play has the 'manual bass' feature and I do use it to get a deep bass line every once in a while so I don't feel deprived by not using the pedals. However I will certainly try your suggestion on trying the bass pedals for one or two notes to begin with !
this might be one of my favourites, purely because of your enthusiasm, personal stories and the church history you share! I am catching up on all the videos I've missed, and its a treat, especially because I am sick and have to stay inside. thanks for your joy and hard work, Ben!
Thank you Ben. My small wooden church uses a 2004 two manual Allen organ with six surround speaker and a big subwoofer. It has very full, rich and sound and colors. They use an Allen organ in Saint Peter's at the Vatican.
Another treasure of a video, this really made my Saturday morning so much better. Surprising to see an electronic organ but Ben took the time to explain the instrument and turned it into something special. I hope he enjoyed that sandwich, though personally I think it could have used a bit of pickle.
thank You my Friend. Have You ever considered offering to return to play in a Sunday service at these locations? Your talent might be a welcomed gift to both the resident organist, IF there is indeed one, and to those who attend
No mayonnaise? Too bad! I wasn’t sure what this electronic organ was going to sound like, but it sounded pretty good. And the church was lovely inside. It is always startling and amazing to me, a Canadian, to see British architecture which is hundreds of years old. In Canada, we think buildings are ancient if they’ve reached a century.
Sounds like an old analog electronic instrument, that has something special, it doesn't sound like a pipe organ at all! Regardless of the discussion if we should call such an instrument an organ at all (Hammond fought that battle in court in the 1930s for their tone wheel organs, they won and were as such allowed to call their instrument "organ" - I got 2 of them here at home), I think they deserve a place of their own in music history. Thank you for showing it to us and playing it for us.
And I loved your reading of the "Vly be on the Turmid"- your switch into the Wiltshire accent immediately reminded me of Phil Harding from Time Team! As distinctive as our American 'Southern Drawl.'
Well recognised! Phil Harding is from Wiltshire and also lives in Salisbury (or I assume still does). Entertaining fact about the Wiltshire Regiment's march. The morning after a general election the successful candidate's first public duty as MP for Salisbury is to sing The Vly be on the Turmud from the balcony of the White Hart Hotel in the city. I don't think it's as melodious as Ben!
Another great video . My Great Uncle Sergeant Alex Young,Royal Field Artillery was stationed at Bulford camp in 1915. Like millions alas he did not survive the war.
Ben , each film is a gem of research and filmography, it is like being there. I have researched my family military history with my grandfather in the Royal Sussex in WW1 and my fathers brother KIA in Normandy in 1944. Some say that the funeral hatchments were hung outside the residence of the deceased for one year?
My grandfather was in the Royal Sussex Regiment, 2nd Battalion for 20 years which included the First World War. His brother also fought in the South African War and the Great War. They both survived, but not so 2 great uncles on the other side of the family who perished. They all were born in Canada. The 2 brothers returned to Canada.
❤ This was my family church when I was a child in the 1950s. I remember the old organ situated at the left of the ailse when waking from the door and also remember pumping the handle. I went to Sundy school here and sang the solo in 'Once in David's Royal City' here when I was at Bulford School when I was about 10, for which I remember being extremely nervous! 😊
Lovely story. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful.
How lovely you can see it here and hear the organ,😊
@@jonboz7585 Agreed, the memory of my son singing that solo is one of my favourite memories of all time. It includes my late wife bursting into tears and saying "He looks so little".
Thank you for answering the question I hadn't had a chance to ask: what preceded this electronic organ.
Sad to see the pipe organ is no longer.
Thank you for your tours. As a lady fighting cancer, I can not get out much,so it is my "outing" for the day. I also am a musician, my left arm is crippled by the cancer, so I can not play well. Love hearing you, dear boy. God bless you.
I am a church organist. I used to play for few services on Sunday mornings for many years. Now I am a cancer patient from last two and half years and I am unable to go to any church. My only trip is between home -church-home. I fingers are numb and I can't even hold a pen to sign even hospital forms. God is great. I worship Him. Praise God
For those in peril on the sea…..then the Wiltshire regimental March. Onto a Scottish ballad. A new take on this channel every time…. Now for that sandwich!
Please hit the like button everyone, if you have enjoyed Ben`s videos----its the least we can do to show our appreciation !!.
A captivating video. A perfect blend of reverence for the church and for the men who fought to protect it. Your great-grandfather looked so very young in that photo. Blessings.
So much poignancy in this video. Beautiful.
I am a navy veteran who played the Navy hymn after every Protestant service on base. Enjoy your videos Ben Thank you.
I also caught that.
tyronesills9423 Greetings Yes the Navy hymn in USA Episcopal Church 1940 hymnal the Navy Hymn we sang every Sunday during WWll. And it was played onboard ship at Peace Treaty. Original words did not include for those in peril "in the AIR"!
The freedom to express the beauty of playing on an electronic organ with the beauty of the church as an audience to all the soldiers of the Wiltshire Regiment.How befitting to all families to praise the memories of time gone by.
We shall remember them.
A place of peace 🙏
Once again you've given us a illuminating tour of your part of the world. Thank you for paying tribute to your grandfather and great-grandfather. Their generations sacrificed too much to keep Britain free.
Just donated from a Brit in Texas. I encourage others to chip in to support Ben. He earns every bit of it. He is a rare gem on RUclips. Now …. About that sandwich! I would love to knock out a big beauty of a sarnie for you but no way I can from Texas!
I was Senior Warden at our Episcopal church in 1990 when we built a new and final church space, The old space is now the great hall. We installed a 76 rank digital organ with festival trumpets. It’s incredible how accurate a digital organ is as each “pipe” is an exact digital recording of a real pipe with attack etc true to form. It’s now 33 years old and needs some work but still very good. I was 47 when we built the church. I am now 81. I attend every Sunday. But I do miss the English country churches nestled in the countryside.
Love the Kiwi on the hillside. Cheers to all Kiwis who stood with us in the wars.
Lovely historic churches in idyllic settings. Beautiful organic music and traditional hymns. How could one not appreciate these videos? Thank you.
Not to mention a whimsical sense of humor (or humour, as Salisbury might have it)!
Just wonderful and add my parish in Dallas chapel of St Charles l (Martyr) whom we pray for daily... he saved the church. This church in video is is wonderful with history ..... and your family!
Thank you, even on a 'retro' electronic organ Ben you can still evoke a moving rendition
Even if there is no pipe organ, the video is none the less very interesting! The age of the church, the accoustics etc. Keep up the good work Ben! Love from Canada!
Thank you Ben for honoring the Military. I play on the Organ in our Church the Naval Hymn "Eternal Father" for the funeral of people who served in the Navy. Let us not forget the Fallen ones for our freedom.
You prove its not only the organ, but the player that matters most
I enjoy all your videos but Today was outstanding for this older person who has no musical background. The music and the church history is outstanding.
You, Ben are so personable, handsome and your talents are noteworthy🤣
Patty, a native New Yorker ❤
What a blessing to have stumbled across this channel. Your videos truly are a tonic for the uneasy times we are living in. Thank you so much, Ben, and God bless you.
Agreed!
I was brought up in the bible belt in the Netherlands, surrounded by Johannes organs. The sound of which, and the hymns they played, are deeply embedded in my soul. My mother used to play an Eminent (competing brand) on Sunday evenings and we would all join to sing. Long gone are those days but will never forget.
Thank you for a true moment of peace and reflection in these trying times. I will donate and hope that your work will bring some much needed enlightenment to this world and its people.
God bless you
You’re the new Monty Python of RUclips. “Now for something completely different.” Love it!
As a clergyman and choirmaster in New England, I was deeply moved by your visit to this church, its,😅 sadly, electronic organ ( tho I believe you could make any instrument sound good!), and most of all your sharing this tribute, both musically and pictorial tribute to your grandfather and other male ancestors.
Your reverent passion for the music, history, and architecture of the churches you visit is infectious, and recalls my sojourns in the UK in my youth.
As pastor and subsequently long-time choirmaster in an ecumenical church in Vermont, I was instrumental in getting the pittifully inadequate electronic wheezebox of an "organ" replaced with a rebuilt 1850's Stevens and Jewett pipe organ -- even at the expense of adding an open alcove behind the chancel to accommodate the instrument. From then on, I was in musical heaven.
The music of the Church continues to inspire, tho in my mid 80's it's mostly vicarious through such wonderful videos as yours to which I enthusiastically subscribed.
Profound and heartfelt thanks !
Ben...greetings from Pittstown, New Jersey, USA (a rural part of northwest NJ). I am organist at my local Prebyterian Church. My ancestry is from Scotland, which I was able to visit a year ago. Visited many Churches and Cathedrals. I enjoy your videos. Your love of organs, organ music and churches is inspiring. I also appreciate your humor and talent in producing your videos. Please continue producing these videos. I look forward to viewing each one.
How interesting... Here I am watching a video from Salisbury GB and find a comment from Pittstown NJ, which is about 30 miles from me in Doylestown PA. I grew up about a mile outside of Quakertown. Small world!
Electronic organ tech here. Many analog electronic organs do need tuning, and ciphers are definitely a thing! Mice find them both comfortable and delicious. They certainly don’t require anything close to a pipe organ in terms of maintenance, but they do break, especially when nibbled and dribbled on.
I respect old organs( i am old myself...80 years ) But this organ, by far, is the best. Thank you, from South afrika
It was nice to hear "Eternal Father strong to save". The rector at my church was at one time stationed at the Episcopal Church in Bath, Maine, the historic shipyard's of the US Navy. In that church there was a model ship hanging over the nave, and every year on the Ships Day they would sing that hymn, with many old men in tears.
I just donated via PayPal. Thank you Ben Maton! Your videos are so unique. You take us to such interesting and beautiful locations explaining with enthusiasm and humor. the buildings, organs, and history and on top of that are able to choose the best sounds, and musical compositions on whatever instrument you happen to find. I do hope that many more will donate to support such a wonderful project.
Your videos are my refuge and I look forward to each one. You in your camo coat and gloves look perfectly natural in that ancient corner on that modern organ, honoring the place and the people as only you can. Well done Ben!
Glad you like them!
Ben, the addition of the photos enhanced your storytelling at this beautiful little church. You are, after all, a storyteller and a good one.
Fitting tribute to your ancestors! Thanks for condescending to play such an instrument not unlike one that some of us play or listen to every week. (It's not terrible.) Blessings from West Michigan in the States!
I enjoy his videos very much. Greetings also from Michigan.
And, from my edge of West Michigan as well!
And from Mason Michigan!
Rockford, Michigan here! West Michigan is well represented!
Well done.. as every time - congrats to the 20k !!
You combine two of my favorite things: organs and old churches! I tried making a donation and not sure it worked (or may have donated twice! -- no matter). I really appreciated your nod to family military history and the choices of tunes. I'm a retired US Marine (whose father, ex-wife, and stepson were all Navy) so "Eternal Father" is firmly in my head. My grandfathers were both in WW1 as was your great-grandfather. While I am not a fan of electronic organs, this video is proof that they can be several steps above barely acceptable in the hands of a really good organist. Best wishes from Tennessee, USA
You need a link so we can send you a hot chocolate, Ben. You're rocking that red nose in the chill!
I love your stories. I love your organ music. You have lots of talents. The only complaint I have is that there aren’t more of your videos! I’ve watched them all numerous times. I hope you don’t mind that I made a ring tone out of your “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”.
I hope I can encourage people to support you financially. It’s hardly fair to listen and watch the videos without rewarding your talents and maybe we get more videos!
You just have to touch “more” people. It’s easy to figure out.
Thank you so much Liz!!
Another wonderful treat you give us. Thanks so much!
Thank you, loved the personal links and the choice of music. Really enjoying this series, thank you.
Beautifully done, and very touching. These videos bring back wistful memories of my many years in England before returning to my native Australia in retirement. Thank you Ben.
Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave. An electronic organ, military marches and Maton family history in both world wars inspire us all. William Whiting could not imagine in his wildest dreams that his famous naval hymn, aided by a vly, would help make a classical organist an idol in cyberspace.
How lovely that thanks to Ben, even the most commonplace and insignificant Englisch village organs are saved from oblivion ...
Ben, I just discovered your talent this morning and I'm very impressed. I've changed my plans today so I can listen to all of your content on RUclips. I'll be looking forward to your future posts. ☺
Thank you Ben. Well done! Greetings from Poland!
Intrigued to see the NZ connection as we are watching from Aotearoa NZ - thanks Ben!
Loved the intro, Ben. 😂
Bravo, Ben! This video has exceedingly high production values! The final 8 minutes or so are absolutely gorgeous. And you manage to hold up the electronic organ as a worthy instrument if approached appropriately and played with the Love that you clearly exude. Splendid!
An excellent moving tribute to your family and all those who served there.🌷
Hi Ben-This was your absolute best video yet! It was so much fun to watch, it had everything-humor, cuisine, divine music (loved the Naval Hymn), family history (thank you for sharing), feline fun, historical treasures and sharing an area with you that was new to you as well. Thank you so much for working so hard on these wonderful videos, it is obvious that you put countless hours in and we are so grateful to you for what you produce! Sincerely, Nancy F.
Awesome video! I wish all my teachers had been even half as good as you in the history AND music departments. Much love, Russ
Wow. I went to St. Leonards church in Bulford a few times in the 1970's when we stayed at my mother's aunts thatched cottage in Watergate Lane Bulford which was opposite a chapel. I'm sure St. Leonards had a pipe organ though, maybe not, I was little. I remember my mum singing that fly be on the turmut song. Thanks for bring back a memory. 😊
Once again you bring out the best of the organ by choosing just the right songs. Your music is a balm to one's soul in these troubled times. Thank you.
I live in Northern California and so enjoy your videos ! The Good Lord has blessed you with such a powerful gift. Someday I hope to see some of these Churches with my own eyes, but in the meantime, I’ll experience them through you !
Our organ console sits "unplugged" behind the chancel. Now we sing Praise Music with the music on screens on the wall. Having served for 30 yrs in choir, how I miss the choral anthems.
Big bird1ist How can you tolerate your grief brought by that kind of music now at your church.. Are you in USA? Please tune in some lovely church videos with Godly music ❤
Donated!
Quickly forwarded the video to the organ playing because this made me suspicious. Beautiful acoustics of the church comes to the rescue here! It doesn't sound that bad at all
I suspect you think that electronic organs in churches are the slippery slope ... but they are only as good as the player with a good "ear" and Ben is the best!
I'd really love a transcription of your improvisation at 8:18. That was just beautiful.
I am working on that. Thank you
I am so enjoying your beautiful videos, Ben. Thank you for bringing these beautiful places and your wonderful music to us. ❤
Wonderful video.. love the military history as well as the music! Thank you!
THANKS Ben ! :) !
for this - another, GREAT VIDEO,
of yours :) that I
greatly ENJOY watching & hearing, over here in Canada :)
.....but also thinking of my Grandparent's
(a Taylor & a Green), who came here,
from England, in
about 1905....
🇬🇧😊🇨🇦🙏🎶☝️🙏
....DarWin T.
It is thrilling. We never know where you will turn up next.
The jacket is in keeping but I fear with that light coloured hat you might get shot!
It is , I am sure, a tribute to your skills as a musician, that you can make the Bulford electronic organ, sound as beautiful as it does. Thank you
Love Johannus's. Their engineers heard my hybrid home-built sampler organ and loved it. But I'd rather buy one of theirs maxxed out.
This Johannes sounds like a pre-digital. The voices, while not all that pipe like, were beautiful in their own right, and the registrations you used in the video were quite lovely, and the natural reverb of the church warmed them up nicely. This video was especially poignant for me, as my great grandfather served in world war one, and my grandfather in world war two. Incidentally, my grandfather, stationed on one of the U.S. 8th Air Force bases in England, was the organist for Sunday Masses on base.
Hi Ben. I was an organist in my youth. I began on a single level organ, and eventually graduated to a massive Double Decker, Foot Pedals and Wurlitzer speakers. It was huge. I'm sure it had its own mortgage payment. I played from grade school through college. The good thing was, that I had private lessons, AND, piano in school, throughout. The shop I had lessons at had yearly shows, showcasing their students abilities. By the end I was almost at the top of the stack, but not quite. There were two other young men who could really CRANK on the massive organ they would bring in for the real "Show Stopper - Bring Down the House" performances. Truly intimidating !!!
You coax a very traditional sound from this organ! I liked the family history and photos. My father joined the Australian army in World War Two and stayed in for the ret of his working life. I find the navy hymn particularly beautiful.
I so much enjoy your channel. The history and the music are wonderful and you are very charming. I’m wondering if you will ever have your music on physical CD’s as I am not a digital person and do not purchase music that way. Will be happy to pay a little extra. If that does not/cannot happen then I will at some point make a donation to support your music and you. Anyway, thank you so much for such a wonderful channel!
Thank you so much! Yes, CD is at the forefront of my mind and back in February. I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s ready :)
It just so happens that Johannus (?)continues to make excellent "virtual organs." This was an outstanding tutorial dipping into your rich family heritage. It blows my mind the age of these structures. It is odd, but very pleasant, to watch you play in such a rugged attire. I imagine you will leave the church and indulge yourself in chopping some wood for the fireplace. (lol)
As a pipe organ builder I'm triggered beyond belief !
No, not really. Still, it's not the same as peering in to the pedal ranks at St Paul's Cathedral. Up in the Gallery there is a 64ft open wood pipe ! Insane. I worked on it when I was an apprentice at NP Mander. Happy days.
Ground shaking Organ. Horizontal trumpets on 50 inches of pressure .Grrrrr.
You just don't get that level of ooomph from speakers.
Excellent work as usual Ben. At least you don't need to lube the blower before you leave.
Cheers.
Glad you got some fingerless gloves. I always shiver when I see these cold churches 😀
Donated! Thanks from Italy! I love your videos!
IDK Ben. The new and improved Ben seems much more relatable ... at least we know you eat sandwiches and don't hate cats. I love the background of the churches and the various instruments along the way. I'm going to have to look up that #1 road trip.
Thank you for the lovely music
Sounds pretty good.
My father trained on Salisbury Plain when he signed up for the army in 1939 before heading to Egypt and Libya and "into the bag" as a POW for three and a half years. Growing up near Salisbury Plain, the rumblings of guns on exercise were a constant accompanying noise and sometimes when driving around close to the military training area, you had to be ready to brake for tanks crossing the road.
Happy you've found some of the Dutch organ inheritance in England! Thank you for not skipping this church because of the organ, it's just full on part of modern church culture, although it's not the most beautiful nor interesting part..6
.
Excellent!!! And thank you, Ben, for driving it ever closer to Scottish lands. As I stated in a previous message, I look forward to your playing the organs in some of these old "kirks", or castles up there. And thank you for including Eternal Father, Strong to Save...both the Royal and US Navy hymns. I insist on suggesting that you consider, adding to your very special videography, nautical or mariners hymns such as Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me or Master the Tempest is Raging. There is a treasure trove of those nearly forgotten tunes awaiting you--and us as well!
Frank from Conroe, Texas.
Wonderful job on that old Johannus. Amazing its still playing. I have the 3 manual opus 220 version with 3 swells. It was converted to use Hauptwerk. What a dream!
I LOVE this channel! It is balm for the soul….the buildings, the organs, the countryside. I was recently in Salisbury with the RSCMA National Choir, singing at the Salisbury Cathedral. How I would have love to have accompanied you on one of your investigations! But, as to this particular video, i must say that electric organs obviously do need tuning from time to time. Yes, I will donate!
Thank you for this moving visit to a fascinating church. Your videos are in a class by themselves. I especially appreciated how musical you made that old Johannus sound! I have a new one for practice and I'm still having trouble registering it effectively (though it sounds fine to me when other people play it 😏). 8' stops is a great tip.
Some years ago I was involved in replacing an electric organ in a village church. The instrument we bought consisted, we were told, of recordings. Each stop was a recording of the full keyboard of that stop from a pipe organ in a large church or cathedral. True or false I don’t know, but most people thought it was a pipe organ!
I play a fairly old Johannus organ, very like the one featured here, for my local parish church choir. I rather like the sound from the Johannus and find playing with the choir very rewarding. The singers assure me that the satisfaction is mutual. I'm not a 'real' organist and don't touch the pedal board. I practice at home on my Yamaha keyboard and there's a very similar feel to the two of them. I had an opportunity to play an old pipe organ for the first time recently and needless to say, that was a very different experience. I've been following your channel of late and I'm glad to see that you appreciate what these electronic machines have to offer. Keep up the good work (donated !).
Give the pedals a go! They're not as intimidating as you might think. I've been learning casually for about a year as a long time piano player, and can now tackle hymns no problem, easier Bach, and sight-read easy music with pedals. It adds a heck of a lot to the satisfaction!
Thanks for the encouragement Chris. Will bring that thought with me the next time I'm at the organ.
@@raywalsh5414 Even if you just add in tonic or dominant pedals at opportune times in hymns it can add a lot to the weight and depth of the sound. My electronic organ at home is rather more modern than the Johannus here and has an "autobass" feature, but I don't use it, preferring the learning process of proper pedalling. Incidentally it cost me £100 from a local charity shop, and it's in full working order! Pedalling also frees up the left hand (as it's typically only playing the tenor line now) to take right-hand notes as required to cover big stretches or awkward fingerings, for a considerably more legato presentation of hymns, which helps support the singers. It does take some effort to "unstick" the left hand and feet from each other though. There are lots of good tutorials on RUclips to get you started.
The organ I play has the 'manual bass' feature and I do use it to get a deep bass line every once in a while so I don't feel deprived by not using the pedals. However I will certainly try your suggestion on trying the bass pedals for one or two notes to begin with !
this might be one of my favourites, purely because of your enthusiasm, personal stories and the church history you share! I am catching up on all the videos I've missed, and its a treat, especially because I am sick and have to stay inside. thanks for your joy and hard work, Ben!
Thank you Ben for this lovely video.
Thank you Ben. My small wooden church uses a 2004 two manual Allen organ with six surround speaker and a big subwoofer. It has very full, rich and sound and colors. They use an Allen organ in Saint Peter's at the Vatican.
I love the word subwoofer. Sounds as if it should be a dog breed!
yes, a small hound that gets winded easily. @@lauralockwood1377
I think yours is the happiest face that comes up on my RUclips homepage. Good for you. Cheers.
Another treasure of a video, this really made my Saturday morning so much better. Surprising to see an electronic organ but Ben took the time to explain the instrument and turned it into something special. I hope he enjoyed that sandwich, though personally I think it could have used a bit of pickle.
thank You my Friend. Have You ever considered offering to return to play in a Sunday service at these locations? Your talent might be a welcomed gift to both the resident organist, IF there is indeed one, and to those who attend
No mayonnaise? Too bad! I wasn’t sure what this electronic organ was going to sound like, but it sounded pretty good. And the church was lovely inside. It is always startling and amazing to me, a Canadian, to see British architecture which is hundreds of years old. In Canada, we think buildings are ancient if they’ve reached a century.
Thank you Ben.
Sounds like an old analog electronic instrument, that has something special, it doesn't sound like a pipe organ at all! Regardless of the discussion if we should call such an instrument an organ at all (Hammond fought that battle in court in the 1930s for their tone wheel organs, they won and were as such allowed to call their instrument "organ" - I got 2 of them here at home), I think they deserve a place of their own in music history.
Thank you for showing it to us and playing it for us.
Your grandfather and great grandfather will be so so proud of you. Fantastic playing even with the dodgy pedal.
What an interesting Church building and a gorgeous stained glass East Window.
this is a beautifull church. also is the organ. i realley love hearing the irgan. as i am an organist and own a lowrey organ. here in the u.s.a.
Wow, that was a very nice Electronic Organ.
And I loved your reading of the "Vly be on the Turmid"- your switch into the Wiltshire accent immediately reminded me of Phil Harding from Time Team! As distinctive as our American 'Southern Drawl.'
Well recognised! Phil Harding is from Wiltshire and also lives in Salisbury (or I assume still does). Entertaining fact about the Wiltshire Regiment's march. The morning after a general election the successful candidate's first public duty as MP for Salisbury is to sing The Vly be on the Turmud from the balcony of the White Hart Hotel in the city. I don't think it's as melodious as Ben!
I love that piece of music you have composed Ben.
Beautiful Church.
Another great video . My Great Uncle Sergeant Alex Young,Royal Field Artillery was stationed at Bulford camp in 1915. Like millions alas he did not survive the war.
Greetings Ben, from Virginia! 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Ben , each film is a gem of research and filmography, it is like being there. I have researched my family military history with my grandfather in the Royal Sussex in WW1 and my fathers brother KIA in Normandy in 1944. Some say that the funeral hatchments were hung outside the residence of the deceased for one year?
My grandfather was in the Royal Sussex Regiment, 2nd Battalion for 20 years which included the First World War. His brother also fought in the South African War and the Great War. They both survived, but not so 2 great uncles on the other side of the family who perished. They all were born in Canada. The 2 brothers returned to Canada.
Very nice, Ben. Always look forward to your captivating videos of your local history and heritage. Thanks.
Fascinating episode!
First seven seconds are meme-worthy 💙. Please do enjoy your well earned ham and cheese sandwich, sir!
I play one of these instruments in a local village church, really good.