It is one thing to admire an earthly man to compose it and it is another thing to admire an earthly man who can play this at ease as if it is nothing. This earthly man is you!
Highlighting village churches is a niche no other organist on You Tube has done (to my knowledge). You performing the music and showing the landscape and church history is much appreciated and much enjoyable. Love your trills!
Ben, I don’t possibly know what more I could contribute to the many deserved and earned compliments here by your followers. No doubt, some of them are accomplished musicians, if not beginners and intermediates too. What you have accomplished in life so far as evidenced by these films, your thought, your filmography, your editing and most of all, your genuine spirit that is shown here is simply astonishing. At age 70, having lived through all the things I have as a trial lawyer, I feel dwarfed in accomplishment to what you have only begun to achieve in your young life so far. I did donate, and I encourage all others of us out there to support, as much as we can, this young mans incredible work. William Fleming (USA)
Hello Ben. That was one of the best renditions of the Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 I have heard. Very musical and relaxed, not rushed, excellent phrasing, effective registration and manual changes. If possible, can you include a shot of the stop jambs in your videos so we can know the specifications of each organ? Keep up the good work! 👍
Thank you Ben! I know this may sound a bit crazy but being raised in an 100 yr old church and sitting in the choir loft... I have loved every squeak, and klunk that plays with the pipes! Lol it's part of their charm. Our church organ was built in a huge gothic niche. With the choir loft between the organ and the pipes. The largest of the pipes ran under the floor boards of the loft. In the summer when it was hot, us girls would slip off our shoes because you could feel the breeze of the pipes through the wooden floor boards lol. Singing there you were completely surrounded by it's music. Thanks for sharing this. What memories those organs have!
As one who used to perform, I agree completely with you that musicians are vastly unappreciated regarding the amount if practice and preparation needed to give a great live performance. If they were asked to pay an hourly wage for all the time it took to learn and then perfect the pieces you perform, they would not be able to afford the ticket.
@@thomasking9221 the "Arts" have always been that way, in every century; only a 'few' exceptions. Those that enter that field know that way ahead of time! Back in the 50's, 60's & 70's in America, excellence in arts was held in much higher esteem than in recent Society's history.
It is especially nice that you bring these videos to those of us who may not be able to travel abroad. My family heritage is from Ireland. So appreciated the hymn tune Slane at the end. Also did I hear, Going Home ? Love your work and passion.
It’s so interesting hearing the history of these country churches and seeing them in their beautiful setting. Combined with your music it is perfection. Thank you Ben.
I left England many years ago but England has never left me. I have returned often for visits but as I slip into old age my longing for a ful return grows stronger. Many factors, not least of which are family ties around my current home, make such a move impossible. Your videos, music, and commentary are the salve to my longing. Many thanks for these delighful moments.
As soon as that notification comes up we know a treat is in store. A stunning location, beautiful music and a fascinating story. Honestly Ben, your smile, your enthusiasm, your genuine respect and passion for these gems left to us from our ancestors light up these Winter days. In my view one of the most life affirming channels on RUclips
So true! My daughter is an organist and I can picture her wanting to do this-playing these organs-not being in or editing videos-and it has always been life affirming!!
Ben, you made me rediscover this well known piece of music, D minor Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. it was really different played by you. Thank you very much. I’m from Quebec, Canada and my name is Ben too - Benoit in French.
Poor Joshua Scamp may have lost all hopefulness but must have been mesmerised by Ben’s Toccata and Fugue, as was I when my father took me to see Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas. Captain Nemo playing Bach’s Toccata and Fugue on the organ of the submarine Nautilus was the beginning of my addiction to organ music.
Wow! This is also my story too: I've discovered this wonderful piece decades ago when my Father took me to the cinema to see "20000 Leagues under the sea"
I can't tell you how important your weekly videos are Ben... Seeing these magnificent rural churches and listening to your extraordinary playing reminds me of the England of my childhood, a time and place long since lost to those of us who have to endure living in our once fine Capital City..
@@FFS704so called. Yes my childhood was nothing like today. I can’t remember any stresses. We lived in Surrey. We played on the Downs. We put pennies on the Oxted train tracks at the level crossing to see if they got squashed - big copper pennies. So long as our mother didn’t find out!
@@ianpeddle6818 If you truly believed that it was 'cultural enrichment' then you would not sound so hypocritically sarcastic in your comment. It is just a cover for your sublimated racism, why not just admit it.
That’s a beautiful video Ben, I enjoyed every moment. As a recently retired piano tuner in Hertfordshire I’ve spent many hours, usually alone, in churches big and small. I feel very privileged to have had so many opportunities to wander around these historic buildings, just observing whatever feelings come to mind. Many thanks Ben,I’ll be looking forward to more of your videos.
I do love my reeds and mixtures, but you have presented us a beautiful jewel, so cleanly played. The fugue as a spider's web is truly insightful. Thank you.
Thank you for this. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is one of my all time favorites and your interpretation was very moving. You're right about the range of emotions expressed. It's one of those times when the tears are from joy.
Bravo as always. Earlier today listening to Sutherland and Pavarotti in Verdi’s il Trovatore and now the glory of Bach played by this exceedingly fine young musician. A very good day!
Wonderful hearing such a classic piece on a small church organ. It sounded amazing! The skill of the organist is on display playing an instrument with only a few stops, when the organist is able to give such a high quality performance. Bravo!
Indeed; and the simplicity of the instrument along with good acoustics makes the piece clearer and easier to follow than when played on a much larger instrument with longer echo. The piece thus played creates a quite different effect.
Your videos encompass the full range of human emotions as well. The visuals, the knowledge you pass on and of course your music. I am newly arrived in England from the US and now better appreciate all of the above. Thank you again. I share these with my 96 year old father, who played a Hammond organ most of his life. It helps bring him more into the complex but hauntingly beautiful traditions and history that I am now experiencing in person.
The medieval church has a darkness of time to its approach as well as inside but with the music you have been playing uplifts the presence of time and the place and punctures the essence of free will to do what you feel is really worth while and positive.A magical cobweb frees the threads of music to grace us in time.Thankyou so much Ben most appreciated.Enjoyment of your masterful organ music is superb.Relaxing to hear on a Sunday evening a blessing of creativity.
Thank you again for finding another lovely church and playing another organ...and with Bach, and this piece of Bach. It's what I needed this evening in Texas, as a bright day ends in clouds and possible storms.
Thank you for your beautiful playing of a favourite piece. I love viewing your organ playing on Sunday evening as it a wonderful end to my Sunday rest.
Ben, Many thanks for this very special video. I love the experience of learning about the building and its history. I very much appreciate your love of small instruments that inspire as well as force an organist's creativity. The toccata & fugue was a perfect example of exploring the organ's potential. I also appreciate the hymns. "Be thou my vision" is a special favourite. Again, many, many thanks. You are and will be further blessed.
I came to look for something on RUclips and I saw you had posted another video!! I left that other search and watched yours. Yes I am definitely someone who is a huge fan of your stories and music. I had never been a fan of organ music so I have to you to thank for my enthusiasm. You’re definitely special.
Splendid work, Ben. I can tell the significant work you put in to produce these videos. Well worth a donation. I appreciate your unhurried speaking cadence and personal commentary, with just the right amount of “B roll” to really give us a visual sense of these places. Cheers from Wisconsin, USA!
Love your explanation of the fugue. This fugue is especially beautiful in my opinion, and you play it beautifully. I could never get it to sound so pristine like you do. Great video as always❤
Thank you dear Ben and I enjoyed the history of this old parish church of Santa María with this video. Good sound from the organ and your masterful intervention. A virtual hug friend from the distance of the east of the Kingdom of Spain next to the Maditerraneo, take care of yourself.😊
I forward your videos to the young man who plays the organ, piano and guitar in our little church in Valparaiso, Indiana. He loves them as much as I do.
You never cease to amaze, Ben, both personally and professionally.Your observations on musicians/musical performances are quite shared by others, I'm told. Deservedly, it must give you great personal satisfaction that Our Lord blessed and instilled in you the desire and talent to share this music so wonderfully with us. An outstanding presentation, as always.Thanks and cheers!
I love all your posts. I am a classical music lover, alone in my world, where most of family and friends have no idea the beauty of Bach. You played it beautifully. Thank you❤
And it looks like there's still a rambling rose on his headstone. What a sad tale! I think it's great how you're exploring these old churches and making people aware of their ancient histories. Years ago I met a resident of a condominium in a converted convent right in the center of Firenze, italia, and as soon as we stepped through the door, all the noisiness on the street disappeared. I'm looking forward to listening to your Bach on that small instrument.
This is beautiful. Thank you Ben for taking us on yet another magical journey to find all the gems hiding in plain sight. "Poetry, Painting and Music are the ways that we can approach the sacred or the divine" said Iain McGilchist, and you do all three in this extraordinary journey. Thank you! Jon
Ben - your music playing is so magical to me and is so relaxing in the quiet of the evening. It is fantastic you spend so much time visiting the glorious different churches mainly in Wiltshire; We are so fortunate that we still have many village churches open and cared for usually by fewer people. I find it so refreshing as an 80 year old church organist that we have a young man bringing us the joys of the sounds of the various church organs. Please keep up your good work. Thank you Ben. From Roger in Cornwall.
Willam Fleming, you are so correct. Ben you defy description. A more incredible young man I have never heard of. Your recordings are in a class all their own. If you were my very own grandsonI could admire you more than I do. Relaxation is what I get everytime I watch and listen. Thank you for the joy you bring into my life. I am truly grateful and blessed! An old woman in the USA 🇺🇸 20:06
Thank you, Ben, your music is as valuable as is your contribution to the celebration of these delightful churches. Donation made - ~I do hope these are making a difference to ensure you keep making these videos, which have become a beacon in my weekends!
Well done Ben! It brings back memories of Christmas Day when I was a child. During the Christmas dinner, a record of the Tocata and Fugue was always put on. Very happy memories there. Of my parents and us 5 children listening to Bach's masterpiece.
The way your fingers deftly glided over the keys to expertly interpret the toccata and fugue would, I think, make Bach very proud. Your hymn at the end made me weep…it’s one of my favorites and I’m planning it for next week at my parish as an homage to St. Patrick (Be thou my vision, o Lord of my heart).
Ben, this parish is a wonderful and exhilarating space, and so reminiscent of its history and the legend! And when I saw the gorgeous beauty with her facade bourdons and diapasons in their glory, I was brought to delight to witness this nuanced gem spring to life. The story of St. Mary is fascinating and the door lock curse brings me back to all the tales of old I so love to hear. You so very beautifully have brought into perspective the nature of the depth and complexity of the fugue, both in terms of definitive terms and in the greater philosophically relevant sense. Fascinating I always have found the mind of J.S. Bach! You bring to the organist corner what has been prior missing, and we are grateful beyond words for it. Thank you, Ben! 🥺
I look forward to your videos, we get to visit a different historic church every week. A gypsy-cursed church bldg, cursed no more, how thrilling! ☺The hymn you played " Lord of all Hopefulness" I recognize the tune by another name,: "Be Thou my Vision". Upon research, I've discovered there are 6 other hymns set to that melody. A wildly popular melody indeed! 😊🙏
I'm always left wheezing, groaning and exhausted, in the pit of my stomach, when I hear this work of genius. It was just as moving here as it is when I hear it at full power at Liverpool Cathedral. Good choice Ben ! Onwards and Upwards........
Stations of the Cross to lord of all hopefulness is quite a weekend. Ben’s “Phrasal breath” is perfectly elegant. Thank you for producing this video! 😊
Dear Ben, I have always thought that this is really one giant toccata....The baroque toccata was usually in the form of a free form section, followed by an imitative section (fugue), ended by another free form section. I was sooooo gladdened by the way that you give such dramatic effect on the big deceptive cadence which -- I think -- ends the imitative section of this huge toccata and begins the final rhapsodic section. The almost-grave ending cadence that you interpret is -- I think -- the only way to bring this mammoth work to a fitting close. You are, indeed, a fine interpreter of this work. And, these videos are really Divine Services in themselves. You are such an amazing human being. Marc
I deeply appreciate your work on the wheezing, organs! Thank you for your sacrifice. Love the traditional English hymns. I don't hear them that often over in the "savage colonies"!
Hello, hello jolly good fellow. 🎩 So wonderful video again and rather magnificient interpretation of J.S.Bach. Thank you Mr Maton and praise to our God Almighty. ⚜️✝️⚜️ You lead us to give the sacrifice of praise. Greetings from Finland. 🇫🇮♥️🇬🇧 Cheerio!
Ben - We are Episcopalian and my wife is a church organist. We love what you are doing. Can you tell us what you are using for your music display and how you are flipping the pages?
He is most likely using an iPad Pro with an app called ForScore. He is flipping the pages by moving his lips to the left. Watch his lips VERY CLOSELY around 17:30 minutes.
Yes he’s using software called forScore where you can use face gestures to turn pages. You can either use move your mouth to the right or left to turn pages forward or back or you can wink with right or left eye to turn pages - winking has never worked for me!
I will always remember as a child watching my mother’s feet go at it. Your playing is beautiful and I particularly like your method of page turning. Lol😊
Thanks for the explanation of fugue. I first came across it in the 1970s when I was into prog rock, an amazing track called Carnival Fugue by Focus but I've never understood it. Spider's web starting with a single strand is a very good description.
This is your best video yet, Ben. I absolutely loved your rendition of the Toccata and Fugue and the hymn Lord of all hopefulness (Slane). Wonderful organ to find in such a small church. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Slane is one of my favorite hymn tunes, in fact, I have 4 covers of it on one of my hymn playlists. Thank you for you contributions to my musical life.
Dear Ben thank you for another great and wonderful video 😊 I always appreciate seeing when you are next playing and you make it so interesting telling us the history and one of my favourites the fugues by Bach I play videos often as they make me so relaxed ❤ god bless you and looking forward to seeing more when are we going to see the organ which will be hand pumped you mentioned a while ago take care till I hear from you again 😊
thankyou so much for your music and heartfulness of God i enjoyed the touch of His Holy Spirit as you played in St Marys church From 84 year old David Salisbury living in New Zealand from good English parents that loved God and their church Organ music It was lovely to listen too .
I was watching him play. @patty1517. You are right. I have been looking for a word to describe why I am so “addicted” to his channel. I’ve looked at other organ players on your tube and they are basically boring . Then I found the words. “captivating” “fascinating”. His music is captivating but also watching him play is captivating. The other organ players could be on a podcast. Ben is different. I kept telling my sister to watch him. She watched some - then she messaged me “oh now I get why you like him!” I asked her why and she said “I started watching him on my tv rather than my phone!” I don’t think he will ever run out of old churches. I hope he continues to make his beautiful music and tell his stories. We both live in Canada now. I’d like to go home again but I have family here - sons and grandchildren here and unless I win the lottery and take them all with me - it’s not going to happen. I will be satisfied by going on trips with Ben. Loved your comment. I feel the same.
Thank you for playing my favourite hymn tune - although I do love the words of Be Thou My Vision set to the same tune. I have recently returned to Australia from touring through England and Scotland and my enduring image of England is the beautiful village churches - the solid square towers - and the open doors. So many were still living, breathing places of worship too. Every video of yours I watch makes me want to go back again!
Maestro, Excellency -- Your walking tours are simply OUTSTANDING ! Greetings from Pennsylvania in the USA, where there are still some of us Tories, and where we still love the great music of the Church and of the Baroque composers. Be Well, Your Melodiousness ! ☺
I appreciate how articulate your fugue sounds. Most people seem to play the fugue in a very runny, inarticulate way, but here I can actually hear all the individual notes.
If you ever are in Washington State, USA, visit Rosario Resort on Orcas Island which has a 1913 Aeolian pipe organ and a 1900 Steinway grand piano. It would be so great to hear you play those inn a video. I jsut found your channel. So interesting to see and hear all these instrument. Your playing is wonderful to behold.
Hey Ben…just $$$$-thanked you. Love these videos for the varied content: music of course plus the visual and spoken history lessons of the places and churches.
Thank you Ben for the wonderful video from St Mary's Church Odstock and the glorious playing of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor AND the information about what a fugue is AND the hymn Lord of all hopefulness. It filled my soul with pleasure. Di Wright.Zimbabwe
Thanks for not racing through Bach. So many people play his stuff like they are late for work.
I keep returning to listen to this again. So beautiful and ends with such calming hopefulness.
It is one thing to admire an earthly man to compose it and it is another thing to admire an earthly man who can play this at ease as if it is nothing. This earthly man is you!
Highlighting village churches is a niche no other organist on You Tube has done (to my knowledge). You performing the music and showing the landscape and church history is much appreciated and much enjoyable. Love your trills!
Ben, I don’t possibly know what more I could contribute to the many deserved and earned compliments here by your followers. No doubt, some of them are accomplished musicians, if not beginners and intermediates too. What you have accomplished in life so far as evidenced by these films, your thought, your filmography, your editing and most of all, your genuine spirit that is shown here is simply astonishing. At age 70, having lived through all the things I have as a trial lawyer, I feel dwarfed in accomplishment to what you have only begun to achieve in your young life so far. I did donate, and I encourage all others of us out there to support, as much as we can, this young mans incredible work. William Fleming (USA)
Finally someone who plays the fugue at a reasonable tempo. I'm always impressed by your approach to music and the history of these parish churches.
Hello Ben. That was one of the best renditions of the Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 I have heard. Very musical and relaxed, not rushed, excellent phrasing, effective registration and manual changes. If possible, can you include a shot of the stop jambs in your videos so we can know the specifications of each organ? Keep up the good work! 👍
Thank you Ben! I know this may sound a bit crazy but being raised in an 100 yr old church and sitting in the choir loft... I have loved every squeak, and klunk that plays with the pipes! Lol it's part of their charm. Our church organ was built in a huge gothic niche. With the choir loft between the organ and the pipes. The largest of the pipes ran under the floor boards of the loft. In the summer when it was hot, us girls would slip off our shoes because you could feel the breeze of the pipes through the wooden floor boards lol. Singing there you were completely surrounded by it's music.
Thanks for sharing this. What memories those organs have!
Always a good day when Ben uploads…
Oh yeah…. He is good in presenting his videos 😊
As one who used to perform, I agree completely with you that musicians are vastly unappreciated regarding the amount if practice and preparation needed to give a great live performance. If they were asked to pay an hourly wage for all the time it took to learn and then perfect the pieces you perform, they would not be able to afford the ticket.
@@thomasking9221 the "Arts" have always been that way, in every century; only a 'few' exceptions. Those that enter that field know that way ahead of time! Back in the 50's, 60's & 70's in America, excellence in arts was held in much higher esteem than in recent Society's history.
It is especially nice that you bring these videos to those of us who may not be able to travel abroad. My family heritage is from Ireland. So appreciated the hymn tune Slane at the end. Also did I hear, Going Home ?
Love your work and passion.
😊
Beautiful playing, beautiful organ, delightful history lesson, spectacular vistas from the church! Don't need much else!
Thank you for playing this beautiful music on this beautiful instrument. 🙂
It’s so interesting hearing the history of these country churches and seeing them in their beautiful setting. Combined with your music it is perfection. Thank you Ben.
Your description of the fugue gave me chills. And then there's the music itself . . . the best yet. Thank you Ben.
I left England many years ago but England has never left me. I have returned often for visits but as I slip into old age my longing for a ful return grows stronger. Many factors, not least of which are family ties around my current home, make such a move impossible. Your videos, music, and commentary are the salve to my longing. Many thanks for these delighful moments.
A new video from you is like opening presents on Christmas morning. Thank you!
As soon as that notification comes up we know a treat is in store. A stunning location, beautiful music and a fascinating story. Honestly Ben, your smile, your enthusiasm, your genuine respect and passion for these gems left to us from our ancestors light up these Winter days. In my view one of the most life affirming channels on RUclips
So true! My daughter is an organist and I can picture her wanting to do this-playing these organs-not being in or editing videos-and it has always been life affirming!!
Ben, you made me rediscover this well known piece of music, D minor Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. it was really different played by you. Thank you very much. I’m from Quebec, Canada and my name is Ben too - Benoit in French.
Poor Joshua Scamp may have lost all hopefulness but must have been mesmerised by Ben’s Toccata and Fugue, as was I when my father took me to see Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas. Captain Nemo playing Bach’s Toccata and Fugue on the organ of the submarine Nautilus was the beginning of my addiction to organ music.
Wow!
This is also my story too: I've discovered this wonderful piece decades ago when my Father took me to the cinema to see "20000 Leagues under the sea"
Thanks Ben! 7:03 ... the anticipation and joy of discovering a new organ ... I can relate as _Organist-of-the-last-resort_ ... 😋
I not only love your organ playing but also the appreciation you give to the churches containing those organs!
I can't tell you how important your weekly videos are Ben... Seeing these magnificent rural churches and listening to your extraordinary playing reminds me of the England of my childhood, a time and place long since lost to those of us who have to endure living in our once fine Capital City..
I simply couldn’t have put it better myself. Ben opens a door to the England of my childhood before we were gifted with cultural enrichment
@@ianpeddle6818 yes, and before we were all deracinated by Progressive thinkers.
@@FFS704so called. Yes my childhood was nothing like today. I can’t remember any stresses. We lived in Surrey. We played on the Downs. We put pennies on the Oxted train tracks at the level crossing to see if they got squashed - big copper pennies. So long as our mother didn’t find out!
@@ianpeddle6818 If you truly believed that it was 'cultural enrichment' then you would not sound so hypocritically sarcastic in your comment. It is just a cover for your sublimated racism, why not just admit it.
@@ianpeddle6818
That’s a beautiful video Ben, I enjoyed every moment. As a recently retired piano tuner in Hertfordshire I’ve spent many hours, usually alone, in churches big and small. I feel very privileged to have had so many opportunities to wander around these historic buildings, just observing whatever feelings come to mind. Many thanks Ben,I’ll be looking forward to more of your videos.
My favorite Toccata, beautifully played. Thank you Ben.
I do love my reeds and mixtures, but you have presented us a beautiful jewel, so cleanly played. The fugue as a spider's web is truly insightful. Thank you.
Thank you for this. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor is one of my all time favorites and your interpretation was very moving. You're right about the range of emotions expressed. It's one of those times when the tears are from joy.
Ben you have outdone yourself with this posting! Thank you very much!
Thanks for another great video, beautiful countryside, historic Church and you're talented organ playing.
Bravo as always. Earlier today listening to Sutherland and Pavarotti in Verdi’s il Trovatore and now the glory of Bach played by this exceedingly fine young musician. A very good day!
Wonderful hearing such a classic piece on a small church organ. It sounded amazing! The skill of the organist is on display playing an instrument with only a few stops, when the organist is able to give such a high quality performance. Bravo!
Indeed; and the simplicity of the instrument along with good acoustics makes the piece clearer and easier to follow than when played on a much larger instrument with longer echo. The piece thus played creates a quite different effect.
Your videos encompass the full range of human emotions as well. The visuals, the knowledge you pass on and of course your music. I am newly arrived in England from the US and now better appreciate all of the above. Thank you again. I share these with my 96 year old father, who played a Hammond organ most of his life. It helps bring him more into the complex but hauntingly beautiful traditions and history that I am now experiencing in person.
The medieval church has a darkness of time to its approach as well as inside but with the music you have been playing uplifts the presence of time and the place and punctures the essence of free will to do what you feel is really worth while and positive.A magical cobweb frees the threads of music to grace us in time.Thankyou so much Ben most appreciated.Enjoyment of your masterful organ music is superb.Relaxing to hear on a Sunday evening a blessing of creativity.
Thank you again for finding another lovely church and playing another organ...and with Bach, and this piece of Bach. It's what I needed this evening in Texas, as a bright day ends in clouds and possible storms.
Brilliant Ben, just brilliant.
You make my day, infact you make my week. Thank you.
Can we do a hard reset of the internet and then just let it be built back with content like this?
AMEN!!!!
Thank you for your beautiful playing of a favourite piece. I love viewing your organ playing on Sunday evening as it a wonderful end to my Sunday rest.
Ben, Many thanks for this very special video. I love the experience of learning about the building and its history. I very much appreciate your love of small instruments that inspire as well as force an organist's creativity. The toccata & fugue was a perfect example of exploring the organ's potential. I also appreciate the hymns. "Be thou my vision" is a special favourite.
Again, many, many thanks. You are and will be further blessed.
I came to look for something on RUclips and I saw you had posted another video!! I left that other search and watched yours.
Yes I am definitely someone who is a huge fan of your stories and music. I had never been a fan of organ music so I have to you to thank for my enthusiasm. You’re definitely special.
Splendid work, Ben. I can tell the significant work you put in to produce these videos. Well worth a donation.
I appreciate your unhurried speaking cadence and personal commentary, with just the right amount of “B roll” to really give us a visual sense of these places.
Cheers from Wisconsin, USA!
Love your explanation of the fugue. This fugue is especially beautiful in my opinion, and you play it beautifully. I could never get it to sound so pristine like you do. Great video as always❤
Hear hear!!
Thank you dear Ben and I enjoyed the history of this old parish church of Santa María with this video. Good sound from the organ and your masterful intervention. A virtual hug friend from the distance of the east of the Kingdom of Spain next to the Maditerraneo, take care of yourself.😊
What a lovely message from beautiful Spain a country itself blessed with glorious churches
I forward your videos to the young man who plays the organ, piano and guitar in our little church in Valparaiso, Indiana. He loves them as much as I do.
You never cease to amaze, Ben, both personally and professionally.Your observations on musicians/musical performances are quite shared by others, I'm told. Deservedly, it must give you great personal satisfaction that Our Lord blessed and instilled in you the desire and talent to share this music so wonderfully with us. An outstanding presentation, as always.Thanks and cheers!
I love all your posts. I am a classical music lover, alone in my world, where most of family and friends have no idea the beauty of Bach. You played it beautifully. Thank you❤
Just stunningly beautiful, Ben. Thank you for sharing your incredible multi talents!
A fascinating story Ben. And then some wonderful music, and we always learn something from your comments. I love your “spider” explanation of a fugue!
And it looks like there's still a rambling rose on his headstone. What a sad tale! I think it's great how you're exploring these old churches and making people aware of their ancient histories. Years ago I met a resident of a condominium in a converted convent right in the center of Firenze, italia, and as soon as we stepped through the door, all the noisiness on the street disappeared. I'm looking forward to listening to your Bach on that small instrument.
This is beautiful. Thank you Ben for taking us on yet another magical journey to find all the gems hiding in plain sight. "Poetry, Painting and Music are the ways that we can approach the sacred or the divine" said Iain McGilchist, and you do all three in this extraordinary journey. Thank you! Jon
Ben - your music playing is so magical to me and is so relaxing in the quiet of the evening. It is fantastic you spend so much time visiting the glorious different churches mainly in Wiltshire; We are so fortunate that we still have many village churches open and cared for usually by fewer people. I find it so refreshing as an 80 year old church organist that we have a young man bringing us the joys of the sounds of the various church organs. Please keep up your good work. Thank you Ben. From Roger in Cornwall.
Willam Fleming, you are so correct. Ben you defy description. A more incredible young man I have never heard of. Your recordings are in a class all their own. If you were my very own grandsonI could admire you more than I do. Relaxation is what I get everytime I watch and listen. Thank you for the joy you bring into my life. I am truly grateful and blessed!
An old woman in the USA 🇺🇸 20:06
Absolutely fantastic video. So much human history. The church being a mainstay in so many lives. And, an incredible organ.
Thank you, Ben, your music is as valuable as is your contribution to the celebration of these delightful churches. Donation made - ~I do hope these are making a difference to ensure you keep making these videos, which have become a beacon in my weekends!
Well done Ben! It brings back memories of Christmas Day when I was a child. During the Christmas dinner, a record of the Tocata and Fugue was always put on. Very happy memories there. Of my parents and us 5 children listening to Bach's masterpiece.
The way your fingers deftly glided over the keys to expertly interpret the toccata and fugue would, I think, make Bach very proud. Your hymn at the end made me weep…it’s one of my favorites and I’m planning it for next week at my parish as an homage to St. Patrick (Be thou my vision, o Lord of my heart).
That was wonderful, from the story of the spider to the curse placed on it. The music of JS Bach brings in the spirit for all.
Ben, this parish is a wonderful and exhilarating space, and so reminiscent of its history and the legend! And when I saw the gorgeous beauty with her facade bourdons and diapasons in their glory, I was brought to delight to witness this nuanced gem spring to life. The story of St. Mary is fascinating and the door lock curse brings me back to all the tales of old I so love to hear. You so very beautifully have brought into perspective the nature of the depth and complexity of the fugue, both in terms of definitive terms and in the greater philosophically relevant sense. Fascinating I always have found the mind of J.S. Bach! You bring to the organist corner what has been prior missing, and we are grateful beyond words for it. Thank you, Ben! 🥺
I look forward to your videos, we get to visit a different historic church every week. A gypsy-cursed church bldg, cursed no more, how thrilling! ☺The hymn you played " Lord of all Hopefulness" I recognize the tune by another name,: "Be Thou my Vision". Upon research, I've discovered there are 6 other hymns set to that melody. A wildly popular melody indeed! 😊🙏
Thank you , Ben , for your love of music and the organ with your Christian Faith to bloom where you are .
Fascinating. Stunningly wonderful music and playing. Thank you Ben. A beautiful ending to the Lord's day.
I'm always left wheezing, groaning and exhausted, in the pit of my stomach, when I hear this work of genius.
It was just as moving here as it is when I hear it at full power at Liverpool Cathedral.
Good choice Ben !
Onwards and Upwards........
Thank you! Simply ... THANK YOU!
Stations of the Cross to lord of all hopefulness is quite a weekend. Ben’s “Phrasal breath” is perfectly elegant. Thank you for producing this video! 😊
Dear Ben, I have always thought that this is really one giant toccata....The baroque toccata was usually in the form of a free form section, followed by an imitative section (fugue), ended by another free form section. I was sooooo gladdened by the way that you give such dramatic effect on the big deceptive cadence which -- I think -- ends the imitative section of this huge toccata and begins the final rhapsodic section. The almost-grave ending cadence that you interpret is -- I think -- the only way to bring this mammoth work to a fitting close. You are, indeed, a fine interpreter of this work. And, these videos are really Divine Services in themselves. You are such an amazing human being. Marc
You're a musician but feel that you're doing equally good work as a historian. I enjoyed that very much, thanks Ben.
My favorite work for the organ. So majestic.
I deeply appreciate your work on the wheezing, organs! Thank you for your sacrifice. Love the traditional English hymns. I don't hear them that often over in the "savage colonies"!
Hello, hello jolly good fellow. 🎩 So wonderful video again and rather magnificient interpretation of J.S.Bach. Thank you Mr Maton and praise to our God Almighty. ⚜️✝️⚜️ You lead us to give the sacrifice of praise. Greetings from Finland. 🇫🇮♥️🇬🇧 Cheerio!
Quite simply wonderful and that on a relatively small organ. What talent you have and with cold fingers too!
Thank you from Ontario, Canada.
Excellent video, especially enjoy the history of the churches you visit.
Ben, you are fabulous!
Almost 4,000 views in 5hrs!! Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing your many amazing gifts.
Thank you.
From South afrika.
Thank you for an amazing program. You are an amazing talent.
Thank you so much Ben for this sacred moment of beautiful music. ❤
Wonderful, Thank you Ben, built for Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, so we can hear the Gospel - 1st Corinthians, chapter15, verses 1 - 4 🎚❤️🙏
Ben - We are Episcopalian and my wife is a church organist. We love what you are doing. Can you tell us what you are using for your music display and how you are flipping the pages?
He is most likely using an iPad Pro with an app called ForScore. He is flipping the pages by moving his lips to the left. Watch his lips VERY CLOSELY around 17:30 minutes.
Thanks@@MusicaAngela
Yes he’s using software called forScore where you can use face gestures to turn pages. You can either use move your mouth to the right or left to turn pages forward or back or you can wink with right or left eye to turn pages - winking has never worked for me!
Thank you Ben. One of your best😊
Loved the way you played the Bach. it sounded truly majestic.
Good job! Your introduction was creepy , in the best way and the dm Bach cleared the air wonderfully. Very clever lad you are.
I will always remember as a child watching my mother’s feet go at it. Your playing is beautiful and I particularly like your method of page turning. Lol😊
Thanks for the explanation of fugue. I first came across it in the 1970s when I was into prog rock, an amazing track called Carnival Fugue by Focus but I've never understood it. Spider's web starting with a single strand is a very good description.
Beautiful playing in the Tocatta and Fugue, and tailored perfectly to the instrument. You are a new favorite on RUclips !
This is your best video yet, Ben. I absolutely loved your rendition of the Toccata and Fugue and the hymn Lord of all hopefulness (Slane). Wonderful organ to find in such a small church. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you so much ❤️
Slane is one of my favorite hymn tunes, in fact, I have 4 covers of it on one of my hymn playlists. Thank you for you contributions to my musical life.
Dear Ben thank you for another great and wonderful video 😊 I always appreciate seeing when you are next playing and you make it so interesting telling us the history and one of my favourites the fugues by Bach I play videos often as they make me so relaxed ❤ god bless you and looking forward to seeing more when are we going to see the organ which will be hand pumped you mentioned a while ago take care till I hear from you again 😊
I was really cheesed off, thinking you had promised us all and delivered only half; but now my heart is filled with joy. Thank you.
thankyou so much for your music and heartfulness of God i enjoyed the touch of His Holy Spirit as you played in St Marys church From 84 year old David Salisbury living in New Zealand from good English parents that loved God and their church Organ music It was lovely to listen too .
"Slane" is the same tune for my favorite hymn, "Be Thou My Vision." You played it so beautifully!
I was watching him play. @patty1517. You are right. I have been looking for a word to describe why I am so “addicted” to his channel. I’ve looked at other organ players on your tube and they are basically boring .
Then I found the words. “captivating” “fascinating”. His music is captivating but also watching him play is captivating. The other organ players could be on a podcast. Ben is different. I kept telling my sister to watch him. She watched some - then she messaged me “oh now I get why you like him!” I asked her why and she said “I started watching him on my tv rather than my phone!” I don’t think he will ever run out of old churches. I hope he continues to make his beautiful music and tell his stories.
We both live in Canada now. I’d like to go home again but I have family here - sons and grandchildren here and unless I win the lottery and take them all with me - it’s not going to happen. I will be satisfied by going on trips with Ben.
Loved your comment. I feel the same.
My favourite piece of music in an amazing village church
The beginning of that piece always gives me goosebumps...And what a great talent this organist has
Thank you for playing my favourite hymn tune - although I do love the words of Be Thou My Vision set to the same tune.
I have recently returned to Australia from touring through England and Scotland and my enduring image of England is the beautiful village churches - the solid square towers - and the open doors. So many were still living, breathing places of worship too. Every video of yours I watch makes me want to go back again!
Maestro, Excellency -- Your walking tours are simply OUTSTANDING ! Greetings from Pennsylvania in the USA, where there are still some of us Tories, and where we still love the great music of the Church and of the Baroque composers. Be Well, Your Melodiousness ! ☺
An artist who synthesizes geography, the sky, history, stained glass, architecture, Bach and his music, to name a few. 29:34 😅
I appreciate how articulate your fugue sounds. Most people seem to play the fugue in a very runny, inarticulate way, but here I can actually hear all the individual notes.
What a marvelous piece Bach created. And you played it beautifully! Just sent you a donation!
Thank you very much!
If you ever are in Washington State, USA, visit Rosario Resort on Orcas Island which has a 1913 Aeolian pipe organ and a 1900 Steinway grand piano. It would be so great to hear you play those inn a video. I jsut found your channel. So interesting to see and hear all these instrument. Your playing is wonderful to behold.
The closing hymn is known as "Be Thou My Vision" in the U.S. It is a favorite of my parish.
Hey Ben…just $$$$-thanked you. Love these videos for the varied content: music of course plus the visual and spoken history lessons of the places and churches.
Thank you Ben for the wonderful video from St Mary's Church Odstock and the glorious playing of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor AND the information about what a fugue is AND the hymn Lord of all hopefulness. It filled my soul with pleasure. Di Wright.Zimbabwe