I think you are right. Beautiful nature, music and information about organs, old architecture, old churches, poetry, information about history. What more do I need?
Thanks for posting this poetic reference. Snow had fallen, snow on snow....I put the lyrics in a separate comment. My heart reaches out to yours from St Augustine FL dear lady.
How disappointing that such a stunning looking organ wasn’t playable. Billy to the rescue, such a lovely rendition with beautiful scenery as a backdrop.
Dear Ben and Billy, I’m not disappointed that the organ had a cipher, because that duet was just delightful! Beautiful!! 💕 You both are very gifted! God bless you both, Royden
For any American friends who might be watching, Bens's reference to gunshots would be farmers who need to manage pigeons, foxes, etc. and not neighbourly disputes or police on the rampage. Thank you, Mr Salisbury Organist, for a beautifully constructed video which captured the essence of a winter's day in a small English village and the heartwarming support of a brother to rescue what might have been a wasted journey.
@ You welcome. Having spent some time in America and in a neighbourhood where gunshots were not uncommon, I sort of figured that Ben would not be familiar with the difference between gunshot sounds in England and gunshot sounds in America.
I love your intro, walking through snow, cows in the snow, then matched up to Vivaldi's Winter. (Yay! Billy!) Thanks for exploring the strangeness and difficulty of this organ.
I love hearing Billy's talent as well. Hope he makes more appearances on this channel. And the snowy scenery was just beautiful. Thanks for braving the cold for us.
to do with the bells, most bells go off of a wheel that let the bells ring through the whole circle, giving precise timing control to the ringers, in this case, they have what is called elacombe chimes, which is a system that strikes a hammer inside the bell and can be installed on existing full circle rings. this is usually because of a lack of ringers or safety concerns regarding full circle ringing. it is generally not uncommon though. :)
Ben: I am in Toronto Canada. I have always appreciated organ music you play so wonderfully, but on top of that, the scenery of the countryside, your descriptions of the local, the reading of the historical background of the church, the poetry readings and the way you express yourself and lastly the reverence you have for these places of worship make this an edifying experience. Thanks!
Once again my Monday morning (Australian Eastern Summer Time) is started with 23 minutes of calm delight; Ben walking through the snow, keeping a guarded distance from the cows, finding another traitorous organ, and rescuing the situation at the last minute, Billy and his nimble fingers! Christmas come early! Thank you.
I enjoy Ben’s music also on a Monday in Oz. It’s a lovely way to start the day. I also watch the live program of Beauty in Sound with Richard McVeigh usually at 6.30am (AET). My week ahead is always off on a great note. 🎶🎹
You're as talented a videographer as you are a musician. There's a number of organ channels on RUclips. Most are interesting; I find only your combination of images and music to be consistently moving, sometimes to tears. The future of your art is safe with you. I wish I was young enough to see it and hear it in, say, 30 years!
No absence of variety on your channel, Ben! Could this video be any more different from last week's (wonderful) one? With the golden autumnal countryside proving such a perfect setting for your synthesizer-harmonium duet then, and this lovely, snowy environment for a taste of Christmas now. Being able to make use of what you're given in both situations? That's called creativity. Those Victorian renovation folks... interesting, weren't they? Whereas stained glass windows used to be "theology in glass" for the illiterate, these (at least the one you highlighted) have features like banners with the Beatitudes written on them flowing diagonally across a colorful surface. And the organ -- lovely to look at but full of mysteries. I have to wonder whether it was designed by people who chose to wear exotic "oriental" robes while lounging at home, drinking absinthe. Billy's loom is so wonderful. Fortunate indeed will be the recipients of gifts from him this Christmas. Those will be like your videos --- priceless works of art...collector's items! Christmas in England seems so perfect. No herds of people trampling down the doors of big box stores, "coveting their neighbors bargain" (11th commandment)! Whereas this video (like life itself, full of more questions than answers) is calming rather than agitating. Your duet with Billy fit the tone and environment beautifully. Thank you both for freezing your fingers to give us that gift! Meanwhile, we can recall the lyrics of "Away In A Manger" as you walk past the pastures where "the cattle are lowing..." causing the baby to wake and light up another year. Blessings!
In the midst of Storm Bert, Ben and Billy make music both earthy and ethereal and a bit magical. Thank you, chaps. That was wonderful, despite everything!
Loved the Vivaldi (gave me chills), and "See Amid the Winter's Snow" brought tears to my eyes (one I enjoyed singing in choir)! Thank you! Also love the scenery and commentary, as usual.
Love the channel. Question-how were these ancient churches heated in the winter or rather were they heated at all? Obviously I know very little about the beautiful English churches you so lovingly highlight. I was raised in the rural south in America and am old enough to remember the little country church I attended as a boy was heated by a large, wood burning (potbelly) stove that stood off to the side of the central alter in the sanctuary. That little church is now well over 100 years old, still active, and equipped with central heat and air.
I’m not sure why, but I can never get all the way through one of Ben’s extraordinary videos without shedding a tear of joy. There’s so much in this particular video to celebrate. The joy of music, which without doubt Ben and his brother exude every time they play together. The joy of the beautiful video which, on this occasional is to me, one of Ben’s all-time best. The remarkable transformation of the church and the adjacent mansion, made possible by the generosity of the current owner of the house. An inspirational touch at the end, the snow and the arrival of Advent leading to a beautiful carol, “See amid the winter’s snow”.
I really like the tembre between the modest harmonium and the guitar. Beautiful! Do more of this. It can be difficutl to match acoustic guitar with an instrument that doesn't overwhelm the guitar.
Thank you for persevering with your excellent video, despite the terrible weather. Your masterful filming makes me feel the cold but appreciative of the bleak beauty of a winter day in England.
Sublime, Ben and Billy! And what a magical setting! This video was doubly exciting, Ben, because you trod in the exact same footsteps I took many years ago when I visited Chettle with my parents and my husband, and I was only 10 days away from having my first baby - and in that condition, you definitely do remember every step!! I am glad to say that it was not snowing on that occasion, but a glorious day in June! Brilliant video, thank you, Ben - this is in my top 10!
Thank you for the "Humility" hymn of Goss, so beautiful and one of my very favorite hymns. I always programmed it for late Christmas Eve services. Thank you also for your lovely duet with Billy; always refreshing when you two play together like that. And third, thanks very much for taking us to Wells Cathedral, such a beautiful instrument, and I know you really enjoyed yourself as well. Hoping you (and Billy) have a warm and special Christmas! Keep up your wonderful work. I awakened a few days ago to several inches of snow in Michigan as well. I have to admit I love seeing it and being outside, although shoveling is not on my favorites list. Best wishes Ben!
Ben, this was a magnificent video. The snow, the church. Lovely. And Billy and you facing the camera was great to be able to look at you together. It was a exceptionally nice Sunday afternoon. Thank you.
Ben, you may have been cold and wet, but for me this was the most magical walk you have videoed... the crunch of snow, the soft sound of the falling. Thank you!
Well done Ben with brother Billy ! This has to be one of your most intriguing and entertaining presentations. Your resolution and intrepidity to bring us this performance in the freezing and bleak conditions has to be applauded. Thank you both!
That video gave us a perfect Christmas card view of an English village church. Could there be anything better in the world? It was delightful to see and hear Ben and Billy playing together .
In Advent last year, we sympathised with an ‘organist suffering for his art’. This year we suffer no more as Billy, Ray’s harmonium and Vivaldi came to the rescue with a frosty duet, following the simple expedient of phoning a friend. Ben must be a follower of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’?
Another easy winner Ben. Once again you show us your well rounded artistic ability to weave history, landscape, the built environment, even cows along with your music. Love your determination and resourcefulness too. Next week, another adventure.
Enchanting...snow, cows, and the brothers Maton making Vivaldi sublime...thanking you both for brightening the afternoon, in actuality, the entire season.
What an early beautiful snowfall. I simply cannot fathom how cold it must be inside those unused churches. I wonder if there is a small heat source just to keep the humidity down to prevent mold? Billy is multi-talented and an asset to your channel when he does accompany you.
I really loved this video. I live in Australia and a snowy winter is a wonderful thing to behold. Especially wonderful was to hear you and Billy playing Vivaldi’s WINTER. It was also great to see Billy’s little sideline 😊 Do please return and play that gorgeous organ in this beautiful church.
Chettle like Kettle such a strange Organ. How delightful strange sound more like noise even for me who has a tin ear when it comes to music. yet I delight in it all. You and Billy make a delightful sound together Thank you Charles
Hi Ben you look like you in wonderland it looks so nice with a White snow Around you going toSaint Mary’s Yes, you must be cold. I enjoy your videos. My friend Chris is an organist and we love to see a lot of pie Organ was the church permission we can go behind the scenes where all the pipes are. It’s interesting walking along cat walks and having pipes all around you. And yes, I would like to give you a donation to keep you going. So big Hi from New Zealand Wellington.
Thank you for another amazing video.. My Godparents lived near Salisbury and it was fantastic back in my childhood as I lived in Staffordshire. I now live in the Scottish Highlands.. You put so much work into these videos . Im in my 60s now but still love the vibes. 😀
Chettle is a huge rarity - one of the very few surviving 'feudal estates;' as we would think of it today. All of the cottages, houses, farms, land, and the 'big house' are owned by one family, who are responsible for running everything - and trying to make it pay it's way. The house was therefore divided up into flats, let only to people who worked on the estate; as are all of the cottages and farms. They pay only a 'peppercorn' rent, and the family maintains everything - this includes the church, which as Ben says, was rebuilt in 1849 by the owners. The Chafins owned the estate from 1572 to 1818, when it was bought by the Castelmans, who subsequently inter-married with the Bourkes. Most notably, it has always been the women who have carried out the necessary work running this unspoilt estate - while their husband's worked as railway builders, solicitors, etc. Chettle House was sold in 2015, and the new owners have spent a substantial sum bringing it (and it's gardens) back to good repair again.
Thank you, Michael for so much additional, important information about the Chettle Estate. It must take great commitment and dedication to invest in and work at restoring such a wonderful place. Char
Thank you for another interesting episode and the winter scenes of England. So picturesque even when wet and cold. Thanks also to Billy for stepping up to help. ❤
Thank you for this lovely video! Lovely hearing you both play ‘Winter.’ I played that for a guitar exam but I’m more of an organist really. And See amid is my favourite carol ! 😊
I was feeling very cold Ben watching you walking in the snow, but warm when you entered the Church. Very unusual Organ. I enjoyed listening to the harmonium and the guitar playing Vivaldi. Beautiful English scenery. Ben and Billy have a Blessed and Safe Week.
Interesting Star of David on the door handle! There are hand warmers available, you know. Gorgeous presentation on a wintery day. Is your lovely assistant taking a day off?
"This is the truth sent from above.." Wonderful! I first heard this on the 1960s recording of the choir of Guildford Cathedral, Barry Rose was the organist. Also on the same record was Victor Hely-Hutchinson's Carol Symphony. It brings back such intense memories.
Thank you dear Ben, thank you Billy. For the music, for the gentle and accurate kind of your presentation in word, music and picture. So many snow! More, than we had nowadays in Poland :) And really intrigue pictures of the winter cows :) And some hand works in a pause! I'm very happy to see (and hear) it all, really. But, one question: where all the local people are? Pastors, the church organists, parish clerks or simply, some of parishioners or residents? They have'nt interest to hear your music, or to know you personally? They don't await a short visit with cake&coffee? For me it would be very exciting to see personally such a known and talented person, which, besides, makes a good and free of charge (!) promotion for my place. Greetings from Poznan, Poland!
Billy!! So fun when he visits and plays for us! You are both truly beautiful souls! Thank you for sharing the picturesque snow, and welcome song to the Christmas season. Be still my beating heart... The scenery was so lovely in this video! 😘💕
Oh Ben you did look so cold 🥶 in last night’s video what a beautiful organ I hope one day you will get to play it you have a wonderful brother who came out in that cold weather to help you out billy it was lovely to hear you play along side Ben in winter seasons yes I enjoyed your carol in the bleak cold winters it set the seen thank you for going out in that dreadful weather for all of us who do enjoy your playing such in lovely old churches and the magnificent old organs when you cab of course you have the harmonica who that gentleman gave you he must be so pleased you have used it often and it sounds great 👍 take care 👵🏻🙏
Thank you for braving the cold and the wind, Ben. This was one of my favorite videos of all, with the lovely snow, the countryside with inquisitive cows, the beautiful church and village setting -- oh, England, so dear to this New Englander! It was heroic of Billy to come to the rescue. I thought the Winter duet was enchanting, together with the snowy scenes outside the church and even the red poppies in the background. I will definitely be watching this one again.
Folding out keyboard, like a folding out caravan! Never seen the like, but fabulous! Then a folding harmonium and peas in a pod, Billy with acoustic guitar too. Thank you both for the music, what a gift you both share. Wonderful!
How wonderful that your brother is also your friend. Beautiful music, playing together, and the scenery was lovely. I'd love to hear that organ once it is again playable.
OMG you have snow in Great Britain and I in the middle of Canada am still waiting! Winter in all it's icy cold and beauty. Hope to see you through the New Year. Thank you for your music.
Hey. Come to Regina. We had no snow last Monday. We have had two big dumps of snow. Thank goodness for snow tires. I made it to the grocery store. There were a dozen or so cars - people who had braved the mess. I posted a video on Instagram of my bsck door which is unable to open because that’s where the I blew snow - off the deck!
Wow, SUCH a GORGEOUS sound of your Harmonium against your brother's guitar. My thanks to him for braving the snowy weather, and to your frozen fingers so that both of you can play this beautiful piece for all of us! Looking forward to another video when this unique organ is fixed.
I was Christened at St. Marys Church, Longfleet, Poole - (I was born in Salisbury) where my cousins became Choristers later - I remember them ringing joyful peals on the occasion of our older relatives getting married - using bell ropes placed behind a door, exactly like this one! My recollection is that there were rather more than 3 though...
The yew tree was used for weapons in the past and the church was where they were found as an assembly place. Great to hear and see Billy he add that extra joy to your videos thank you for this pleasure the snow coved landscape added to the beautiful entertainment
Thank you for sharing this beautiful video! The scenery, music, and educational commentary were all greatly appreciated! And the final hymn is full of great memories for me! 😊
Isn't it a bit early for snow in southern England? Still, the snow helped to give this video a real Christmas feeling...and I can't believe that Advent will begin next Sunday...time seems to be flying faster the older I get. Great little duet, you and Billy, you both looked like you were, quite literally, chilling! Looking forward to your debut on the Wells Cathedral organ Ben. Best wishes and hasta la vista, dude.
"The truth from above" is such a beautiful tune, it fit the snowy scene so well. As to the strange organ... I think its unique appearance is because it was once a house organ built for an eccentric client who just happened to prefer the names "choir" and "solo" and the folding keyboard was for neatness, space-saving and maybe to protect from children or clumsy staff...
Oh Ben this was so wonderful. Thank you to you and Billy for trudging in the snow and cold to bring us this masterpiece, it was well worth it. You come from a very creative family for sure. In appreciation I sent you some funds via Paypal, hope you received it but unfortunately the exchange rate took half of it (I live in Australia). You might want to let people know that if they can manage to sit through the ads and not skip them, you should receive more ad revenue also. Thanks again for brightening my day xx
Curled up in my bed on this cold Sunday evening here in the Pacific Northwest, I felt tears well up in my eyes as you guys played the Largo. Thank youuuuuuuu ❤
Wow! Billy is a real champ ! Snow and all , he’s like a Canadian Mounty. Then you and he make beautiful music. Beyond beautiful.
How absolutely marvelous to hear you with your brother performing one of my favorite pieces of music for the cold season! Thank you to you both!
I finally bought my husband a vest that heats up to stay warm.
I remember well the English country winter. It's bone chilling.
I think realistically this is the most magical RUclips channel
I think you are right.
Beautiful nature, music and information about organs, old architecture, old churches, poetry, information about history.
What more do I need?
Totally!
Agreed!!
So agree
Couldn't agree more. How lucky I feel to have discovered Ben's channel!
Snow had fallen, snow on snow.... Nothing can stop the Salisbury organist. What a beautiful scenery
110% dedication to the cause 👍
Thanks for posting this poetic reference. Snow had fallen, snow on snow....I put the lyrics in a separate comment. My heart reaches out to yours from St Augustine FL dear lady.
The Hereford cattle looks so great in the smow
The brothers Maton. Always a treat to see and hear!
How disappointing that such a stunning looking organ wasn’t playable. Billy to the rescue, such a lovely rendition with beautiful scenery as a backdrop.
Your brother has a unique talent.
History, stunning views of the countryside, lovely church, a delightful duet by two brothers, and delightful entertainment! Another winner by Ben!
Dear Ben and Billy, I’m not disappointed that the organ had a cipher, because that duet was just delightful! Beautiful!! 💕
You both are very gifted! God bless you both, Royden
It had been a while since I last watched one of your videos, this brings me so much peace after a tiring day, thank you and God bless.
For any American friends who might be watching, Bens's reference to gunshots would be farmers who need to manage pigeons, foxes, etc. and not neighbourly disputes or police on the rampage. Thank you, Mr Salisbury Organist, for a beautifully constructed video which captured the essence of a winter's day in a small English village and the heartwarming support of a brother to rescue what might have been a wasted journey.
Thank you. I was wondering what he meant! 😂
@ You welcome. Having spent some time in America and in a neighbourhood where gunshots were not uncommon, I sort of figured that Ben would not be familiar with the difference between gunshot sounds in England and gunshot sounds in America.
And Salisbury Plain is home to the Defence Training Grounds as well. Although I'm not sure how far away that is.
Anarchy in the UK. You only get stabbings here. It's a civilised breakdown in the social order.
It could also be a game shoot, probably pheasant. It's the middle of the season.
This is magical, Ben, the snow, the church, all I can see with you! The English scenery!
Must admit I rather enjoyed this one too… despite the cold!!
@@SalisburyOrganist the cows don’t seem to mind! They looked interested and even curious haha!
The cows are friendly I wish I could pet one, in fact I have never ever done it...
@@2listening1I suspect that they were hoping to receive some extra grub 🤣🐂🌿
I love your intro, walking through snow, cows in the snow, then matched up to Vivaldi's Winter. (Yay! Billy!)
Thanks for exploring the strangeness and difficulty of this organ.
I’d LOVE to come back…
👍
I love hearing Billy's talent as well. Hope he makes more appearances on this channel. And the snowy scenery was just beautiful. Thanks for braving the cold for us.
to do with the bells, most bells go off of a wheel that let the bells ring through the whole circle, giving precise timing control to the ringers, in this case, they have what is called elacombe chimes, which is a system that strikes a hammer inside the bell and can be installed on existing full circle rings. this is usually because of a lack of ringers or safety concerns regarding full circle ringing. it is generally not uncommon though. :)
The red berry - the aril - is not poisonous, though the rest of the plant is. Yew trees were grown to provide wood for lng bows.
I have been watching your videos for ages, but this is one of my favourites. You and your brother playing are just pure gold, with the wintry scenes.
What an amazing old tree! 💛
Ben: I am in Toronto Canada. I have always appreciated organ music you play so wonderfully, but on top of that, the scenery of the countryside, your descriptions of the local, the reading of the historical background of the church, the poetry readings and the way you express yourself and lastly the reverence you have for these places of worship make this an edifying experience. Thanks!
Toronto here too--- what a beautiful Vlog.
Those instruments are lovely together...
Once again my Monday morning (Australian Eastern Summer Time) is started with 23 minutes of calm delight; Ben walking through the snow, keeping a guarded distance from the cows, finding another traitorous organ, and rescuing the situation at the last minute, Billy and his nimble fingers! Christmas come early! Thank you.
Likewise from another Aussie.
I enjoy Ben’s music also on a Monday in Oz. It’s a lovely way to start the day. I also watch the live program of Beauty in Sound with Richard McVeigh usually at 6.30am (AET). My week ahead is always off on a great note. 🎶🎹
You're as talented a videographer as you are a musician. There's a number of organ channels on RUclips. Most are interesting; I find only your combination of images and music to be consistently moving, sometimes to tears. The future of your art is safe with you. I wish I was young enough to see it and hear it in, say, 30 years!
Umm! A very different video! Many thanks, Billy, for helping to save the day! A wonderfully picturesque church in a snowy setting!
Thanks for braving the weather to film. The church in the snow would make a great Christmas card.
No absence of variety on your channel, Ben! Could this video be any more different from last week's (wonderful) one? With the golden autumnal countryside proving such a perfect setting for your synthesizer-harmonium duet then, and this lovely, snowy environment for a taste of Christmas now. Being able to make use of what you're given in both situations? That's called creativity.
Those Victorian renovation folks... interesting, weren't they? Whereas stained glass windows used to be "theology in glass" for the illiterate, these (at least the one you highlighted) have features like banners with the Beatitudes written on them flowing diagonally across a colorful surface. And the organ -- lovely to look at but full of mysteries. I have to wonder whether it was designed by people who chose to wear exotic "oriental" robes while lounging at home, drinking absinthe.
Billy's loom is so wonderful. Fortunate indeed will be the recipients of gifts from him this Christmas. Those will be like your videos --- priceless works of art...collector's items!
Christmas in England seems so perfect. No herds of people trampling down the doors of big box stores, "coveting their neighbors bargain" (11th commandment)! Whereas this video (like life itself, full of more questions than answers) is calming rather than agitating. Your duet with Billy fit the tone and environment beautifully. Thank you both for freezing your fingers to give us that gift! Meanwhile, we can recall the lyrics of "Away In A Manger" as you walk past the pastures where "the cattle are lowing..." causing the baby to wake and light up another year. Blessings!
I know you were glad to have a fence between yourself and those cows! ;)
I did mention that in the vid, but it was an outtake !!
In the midst of Storm Bert, Ben and Billy make music both earthy and ethereal and a bit magical. Thank you, chaps. That was wonderful, despite everything!
Loved the Vivaldi (gave me chills), and "See Amid the Winter's Snow" brought tears to my eyes (one I enjoyed singing in choir)! Thank you! Also love the scenery and commentary, as usual.
Love the channel. Question-how were these ancient churches heated in the winter or rather were they heated at all? Obviously I know very little about the beautiful English churches you so lovingly highlight. I was raised in the rural south in America and am old enough to remember the little country church I attended as a boy was heated by a large, wood burning (potbelly) stove that stood off to the side of the central alter in the sanctuary. That little church is now well over 100 years old, still active, and equipped with central heat and air.
Lovely Hereford cattle munching away...
Beautiful duet. Just beautiful.
I’m not sure why, but I can never get all the way through one of Ben’s extraordinary videos without shedding a tear of joy. There’s so much in this particular video to celebrate. The joy of music, which without doubt Ben and his brother exude every time they play together. The joy of the beautiful video which, on this occasional is to me, one of Ben’s all-time best. The remarkable transformation of the church and the adjacent mansion, made possible by the generosity of the current owner of the house. An inspirational touch at the end, the snow and the arrival of Advent leading to a beautiful carol, “See amid the winter’s snow”.
I admire your ability to adjust and go on! It's especially nice that your brother is there to help.
Have to say I love your videos.
The English countryside always blows me away.
All those little places from back of behind are magical.
I really like the tembre between the modest harmonium and the guitar. Beautiful! Do more of this. It can be difficutl to match acoustic guitar with an instrument that doesn't overwhelm the guitar.
Thank you for persevering with your excellent video, despite the terrible weather. Your masterful filming makes me feel the cold but appreciative of the bleak beauty of a winter day in England.
Thanks very much. 😊
Becoming a bit of a film director, Ben. Genius, pausing in that freshly constructed hut (and brave in the weather) to further set the scene!
Sublime, Ben and Billy! And what a magical setting!
This video was doubly exciting, Ben, because you trod in the exact same footsteps I took many years ago when I visited Chettle with my parents and my husband, and I was only 10 days away from having my first baby - and in that condition, you definitely do remember every step!! I am glad to say that it was not snowing on that occasion, but a glorious day in June! Brilliant video, thank you, Ben - this is in my top 10!
Thank you for the "Humility" hymn of Goss, so beautiful and one of my very favorite hymns. I always programmed it for late Christmas Eve services. Thank you also for your lovely duet with Billy; always refreshing when you two play together like that. And third, thanks very much for taking us to Wells Cathedral, such a beautiful instrument, and I know you really enjoyed yourself as well. Hoping you (and Billy) have a warm and special Christmas! Keep up your wonderful work. I awakened a few days ago to several inches of snow in Michigan as well. I have to admit I love seeing it and being outside, although shoveling is not on my favorites list. Best wishes Ben!
Ben, this was a magnificent video. The snow, the church. Lovely. And Billy and you facing the camera was great to be able to look at you together. It was a exceptionally nice Sunday afternoon. Thank you.
And the cows. So cute!
Ben, you may have been cold and wet, but for me this was the most magical walk you have videoed... the crunch of snow, the soft sound of the falling. Thank you!
Ah, didn’t realize that about Patreon. Thanks for telling us! I’ll switch my donation method. 👍
Well done Ben with brother Billy ! This has to be one of your most intriguing and entertaining presentations. Your resolution and intrepidity to bring us this performance in the freezing and bleak conditions has to be applauded. Thank you both!
That video gave us a perfect Christmas card view of an English village church. Could there be anything better in the world? It was delightful to see and hear Ben and Billy playing together .
In Advent last year, we sympathised with an ‘organist suffering for his art’. This year we suffer no more as Billy, Ray’s harmonium and Vivaldi came to the rescue with a frosty duet, following the simple expedient of phoning a friend. Ben must be a follower of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’?
Another easy winner Ben. Once again you show us your well rounded artistic ability to weave history, landscape, the built environment, even cows along with your music. Love your determination and resourcefulness too. Next week, another adventure.
Enchanting...snow, cows, and the brothers Maton making Vivaldi sublime...thanking you both for brightening the afternoon, in actuality, the entire season.
Love the video Ben. The landscape looks enchanting, the church beautiful. 😊
What an early beautiful snowfall. I simply cannot fathom how cold it must be inside those unused churches. I wonder if there is a small heat source just to keep the humidity down to prevent mold? Billy is multi-talented and an asset to your channel when he does accompany you.
I really loved this video. I live in Australia and a snowy winter is a wonderful thing to behold. Especially wonderful was to hear you and Billy playing Vivaldi’s WINTER. It was also great to see Billy’s little sideline 😊 Do please return and play that gorgeous organ in this beautiful church.
I noticed you wear carhartt hat , there products are excellent
Chettle like Kettle such a strange Organ. How delightful strange sound more like noise even for me who has a tin ear when it comes to music. yet I delight in it all. You and Billy make a delightful sound together Thank you Charles
Thank so much Charles I’ll let Billy know!
Hi Ben you look like you in wonderland it looks so nice with a White snow Around you going toSaint Mary’s Yes, you must be cold. I enjoy your videos. My friend Chris is an organist and we love to see a lot of pie Organ was the church permission we can go behind the scenes where all the pipes are. It’s interesting walking along cat walks and having pipes all around you.
And yes, I would like to give you a donation to keep you going. So big Hi from New Zealand Wellington.
Ellacombe chimes.... we have them at St Catharines Church, Baglan, Port Talbot. And you can ring them as a normal peal of bells.
Excellent- thanks
Beautiful scenery. Funny listening to the cows mooing in the background.
Thanks for joining so early!
“See, amid the winter’s snow” was absolutely beautiful. A perfect finish to the video. Thankyou Ben 😊
Beautiful duet - thank you both
Thank you for another amazing video.. My Godparents lived near Salisbury and it was fantastic back in my childhood as I lived in Staffordshire. I now live in the Scottish Highlands.. You put so much work into these videos . Im in my 60s now but still love the vibes. 😀
Chettle is a huge rarity - one of the very few surviving 'feudal estates;' as we would think of it today. All of the cottages, houses, farms, land, and the 'big house' are owned by one family, who are responsible for running everything - and trying to make it pay it's way. The house was therefore divided up into flats, let only to people who worked on the estate; as are all of the cottages and farms. They pay only a 'peppercorn' rent, and the family maintains everything - this includes the church, which as Ben says, was rebuilt in 1849 by the owners. The Chafins owned the estate from 1572 to 1818, when it was bought by the Castelmans, who subsequently inter-married with the Bourkes. Most notably, it has always been the women who have carried out the necessary work running this unspoilt estate - while their husband's worked as railway builders, solicitors, etc. Chettle House was sold in 2015, and the new owners have spent a substantial sum bringing it (and it's gardens) back to good repair again.
Thank you, Michael for so much additional, important information about the Chettle Estate. It must take great commitment and dedication to invest in and work at restoring such a wonderful place. Char
@@chaelwest I appreciate your comment - but I have not been able to solve the puzzle of where the organ came from!
Always good to hear you and brother Billy play together.
Ben this video show commitment in this weather. Thank you
Thank you for another interesting episode and the winter scenes of England. So picturesque even when wet and cold. Thanks also to Billy for stepping up to help. ❤
Thank you for this lovely video! Lovely hearing you both play ‘Winter.’ I played that for a guitar exam but I’m more of an organist really. And See amid is my favourite carol ! 😊
I was feeling very cold Ben watching you walking in the snow, but warm when you entered the Church. Very unusual Organ. I enjoyed listening to the harmonium and the guitar playing Vivaldi. Beautiful English scenery. Ben and Billy have a Blessed and Safe Week.
You too, thanks :)
Greetings England! We also had snow this week in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. ❄️
Greetings!
Interesting Star of David on the door handle! There are hand warmers available, you know. Gorgeous presentation on a wintery day. Is your lovely assistant taking a day off?
"This is the truth sent from above.." Wonderful! I first heard this on the 1960s recording of the choir of Guildford Cathedral, Barry Rose was the organist. Also on the same record was Victor Hely-Hutchinson's Carol Symphony. It brings back such intense memories.
Thank you dear Ben, thank you Billy. For the music, for the gentle and accurate kind of your presentation in word, music and picture. So many snow! More, than we had nowadays in Poland :) And really intrigue pictures of the winter cows :) And some hand works in a pause! I'm very happy to see (and hear) it all, really. But, one question: where all the local people are? Pastors, the church organists, parish clerks or simply, some of parishioners or residents? They have'nt interest to hear your music, or to know you personally? They don't await a short visit with cake&coffee? For me it would be very exciting to see personally such a known and talented person, which, besides, makes a good and free of charge (!) promotion for my place. Greetings from Poznan, Poland!
Billy!! So fun when he visits and plays for us! You are both truly beautiful souls! Thank you for sharing the picturesque snow, and welcome song to the Christmas season. Be still my beating heart... The scenery was so lovely in this video! 😘💕
Oh Ben you did look so cold 🥶 in last night’s video what a beautiful organ I hope one day you will get to play it you have a wonderful brother who came out in that cold weather to help you out billy it was lovely to hear you play along side Ben in winter seasons yes I enjoyed your carol in the bleak cold winters it set the seen thank you for going out in that dreadful weather for all of us who do enjoy your playing such in lovely old churches and the magnificent old organs when you cab of course you have the harmonica who that gentleman gave you he must be so pleased you have used it often and it sounds great 👍 take care 👵🏻🙏
Thank you for braving the cold and the wind, Ben. This was one of my favorite videos of all, with the lovely snow, the countryside with inquisitive cows, the beautiful church and village setting -- oh, England, so dear to this New Englander! It was heroic of Billy to come to the rescue. I thought the Winter duet was enchanting, together with the snowy scenes outside the church and even the red poppies in the background. I will definitely be watching this one again.
So beautiful!! I’m thoroughly captivated by the music. Thank you for sharing this!!
Folding out keyboard, like a folding out caravan! Never seen the like, but fabulous! Then a folding harmonium and peas in a pod, Billy with acoustic guitar too. Thank you both for the music, what a gift you both share. Wonderful!
Love the duet and the scenes of a wintertime church.
How wonderful that your brother is also your friend. Beautiful music, playing together, and the scenery was lovely. I'd love to hear that organ once it is again playable.
A beautiful treat of a video…thank you 🙏🏻.
OMG you have snow in Great Britain and I in the middle of Canada am still waiting! Winter in all it's icy cold and beauty. Hope to see you through the New Year. Thank you for your music.
Hey. Come to Regina. We had no snow last Monday. We have had two big dumps of snow. Thank goodness for snow tires. I made it to the grocery store. There were a dozen or so cars - people who had braved the mess. I posted a video on Instagram of my bsck door which is unable to open because that’s where the I blew snow - off the deck!
We must live very close together. I'm still waiting for snow here too.
Wow, SUCH a GORGEOUS sound of your Harmonium against your brother's guitar. My thanks to him for braving the snowy weather, and to your frozen fingers so that both of you can play this beautiful piece for all of us! Looking forward to another video when this unique organ is fixed.
@@philliphill3390 I agree, even though I usually deplore harmoniums.
Thanks Ben
I was Christened at St. Marys Church, Longfleet, Poole - (I was born in Salisbury) where my cousins became Choristers later - I remember them ringing joyful peals on the occasion of our older relatives getting married - using bell ropes placed behind a door, exactly like this one! My recollection is that there were rather more than 3 though...
I noticed the church was decorated for Rememberance Day to honor the fallen in WWI and WW2.
The yew tree was used for weapons in the past and the church was where they were found as an assembly place. Great to hear and see Billy he add that extra joy to your videos thank you for this pleasure the snow coved landscape added to the beautiful entertainment
Yew, particularly the two-toned "shaded yew", was also the wood of choice for lute backs
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Wow! Bravo, bravo! 👏🏼🎩 We all are happy and love to listening your jolly good playing. God bless you! 🇫🇮♥️🇬🇧
One of your best videos yet, Ben! And Billy’s talent adds so much! Thank you!
Love that hymn... thanks Ben.
Beautiful!! Love to hear ya'll play together ❤
Thank you!
Happy Blessed
Thanksgiving!!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful video! The scenery, music, and educational commentary were all greatly appreciated! And the final hymn is full of great memories for me! 😊
Isn't it a bit early for snow in southern England? Still, the snow helped to give this video a real Christmas feeling...and I can't believe that Advent will begin next Sunday...time seems to be flying faster the older I get. Great little duet, you and Billy, you both looked like you were, quite literally, chilling! Looking forward to your debut on the Wells Cathedral organ Ben. Best wishes and hasta la vista, dude.
"The truth from above" is such a beautiful tune, it fit the snowy scene so well. As to the strange organ... I think its unique appearance is because it was once a house organ built for an eccentric client who just happened to prefer the names "choir" and "solo" and the folding keyboard was for neatness, space-saving and maybe to protect from children or clumsy staff...
Lovely combo of pictures and the gentle Vivaldi. Lovely close to a 12 hour day of services and choral rehearsals on this Christ the King Sunday
Hurrah for Billy!
Great to see this, I know Chettle very well, we have family there. I'll tell them to get their organ fixed..! 😉
Oh Ben this was so wonderful. Thank you to you and Billy for trudging in the snow and cold to bring us this masterpiece, it was well worth it. You come from a very creative family for sure. In appreciation I sent you some funds via Paypal, hope you received it but unfortunately the exchange rate took half of it (I live in Australia). You might want to let people know that if they can manage to sit through the ads and not skip them, you should receive more ad revenue also. Thanks again for brightening my day xx
The extra donation is for the cold weather you had to put up with to provide this awesome video. Thank you, Ben and your brother
Curled up in my bed on this cold Sunday evening here in the Pacific Northwest, I felt tears well up in my eyes as you guys played the Largo.
Thank youuuuuuuu ❤
Thanks
Thanks!
Thank you, Ben and Billy for the picturesque video. I greatly enjoyed the Vivaldi piece, one of my favorites.