Donate to my channel here: www.paypal.com... Thank you! 😊 And remember to click ‘subscribe’ so that you can watch my videos as soon as they become available!
Thank you Ben I asked you to do our church and you did. I cannot thank you enough it’s a very important and much loved building cared for entirely but the village. Your bringing it to life with your playing and that walk across the fields made me so proud to call this village home. Truly a place to spend your life in. I’ve been advertising you throughout the village recently. Once again my gratitude 🙏🙏
I am across the pond, but I certainly enjoy the delightful way you present the villages, churches, stories, organs, and music. You are a blessed old soul, and I'm complimenting you, in a young man's body. Thanks!
In case my first reply didn't get through, I hope your village will give Ben's channel a very good donation. Ben is exceptionally good at what he does and he has given Bowerchalke Church worldwide publicity. Time for a village whip-round!
Three things in my life I can’t live without: the sound of beautiful organ music in an English country church; the sound of church bells ringing and the sound of water gently flowing in an English stream. Thank you Ben, I really enjoyed this.
I am German and a great admirer of England especially of the countryside and the old english churches who were Saxon before the Norman's came..... thank you very much for your impressions of this old church... and your wonderful organ music... Every time when I listening to "I vow to thee my country" it reminds me on this terrible wars and the great sacrifices english soldiers have done for their country... I am very sorry that Germans fought against their own family their own english cousins.... sorry for all that harm.... 😢for all the evil things caused by Germans... May England will have a prosper future comfort and the protection of our lord Jesus Christ... ❤🌹🙏🇩🇪
I vow to thee my country - always gives me chills and tears. Thank you for focusing the camera in the plaque bearing the names of the villagers who died in WW1. Gave me time to read their names. It is important to not ignore or forget the sacrifices these men made, and the lasses to their communities. . And the next cut, the Crucifixion of Christ was just perfect. You really are an artist in many ways.
@@pamelafrancis4476 Apparently by Joseph of Arimathea, in whose tomb Jesus' body was laid.Joseph was a trader and, in his youth, it is said Jesus (the boy) went along for a ride. Also, it is said, a spear of one of the spears of a solder involved in the crucifixion (prob, the spear used to pierce His side was put in the ground and it sprouted. The tree close to Glastonbury Abbey is a cutting from the original tree. I like to think Jesus did Walk upon England's mountains green: And was the holy Lamb of God, on England's pleasant pastures seen...Yep I'm sure of it....
With respect and honour to your fallen soldiers.... from Germany.... 🙏You shall remember them with pride they protected you against the Nazis...... they are the fundamental roots of the freedom of your wonderful country England..... and I am ashamed that Saxons and Anglo-Saxons had this war of brothers😔
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. Fantastic to hear Mrs Alexander’s famous hymn played at Bowerchalke. Mendelssohn and Prince Albert played the organ together, maybe music from Elijah? These enchanting road trips have made Ben Maton one of the best-known young organists of his generation. Bravo Ben!
England-- ancient, green, timeless, lovely. Your videos are like an escape from today... and yet filmed today. Your talent is remarkable. Enjoying your channel very much-- photography, commentary, scenery, history, music. It is clear you love your beautiful country.
Got it! The Open Diapason! - thanks, Ben, as always - another perfect presentation of another Chalke Valley village church. If I may offer my usual local input for your overseas viewers: the expression 'As different as chalk & cheese' originates here in Wiltshire. It's a large English county, and in the Chalke Valley sheep predominated historically, and the wool trade made many of the locals very rich. Sheep farming was perfect for the 'water meadows' in the many valleys that radiate out from Salisbury: they could be flooded under control in winter, to protect the grass from frost - and the sheep had rich feeding in the very early Spring. But up in the north of the county, it was cattle country. Their milk made cheese. Hence the expression which highlighted the difference between one Wiltshire farmer and another 'Chalk(e) [ie. lamb] and Cheese [ie. cows]'. Best wishes, Ben, Michael xx 😏
My wife and I are Episcopalians and she was a church organist for years. Thank you for giving us a look into our church history. Living in Northern California we enjoy seeing the churches and countryside of England. The love and care that the church members have expressed over the years to take care of these churches is very moving. Now it's off to Paypal.
Someone I love very much died within hours of my listening to this. You captured something of what I imagine to be the beauty of our Eternal Home in this video. Thank you and a special thank you to the Trinity we honor for reminding us of God's everlasting love. You have helped me to rest in the Lord. Bless you and your work always and all of your viewers whom you touch so deeply.
@@marilynbridges8697 thank you so very much for taking the time to write. It means the world to me. The person who died was my second mom and biological mom to my very best friend. Both of us have cerebral palsy and we have almost 35 years of helping each other to meet the challenges life throws at us. My friend's mom was our cheering section and my best friend's last blood relative. I know I probably shouldn't write that much but I really want you to know how and why your reaching out means so much to me and to my friend. If there were more people in the world like you, it would definitely be a much better place. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you.
I'm sitting in a pizzeria waiting for a lasagne to take away. When I get home I'll watch the video and subscribe. Promise. (An Englishman away from home). Edit: made a donation. I do so enjoy this channel.
I have no words to adequately express how much your channel means to me. I am now too old to ever return to England,, but your sharing of your travels throughout the Salisbury Plain, along with your sensitive playing more than compensates for that loss. Gratefully yours from the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Once again your talented playing of and respect for these ancient church organs strikes our heartstrings. Thank you so much for bringing this beautiful worshipful music into our homes in the Midwest USA.
It has been decades since my husband's job took us to the U.K., where my daughter was born, and my son fell in love with Cambridge (we returned to the U.S. in 1988), and yet your playing makes my memories fresh and vibrant! I am a piano player, and never mastered the "queen of instruments," but I learn something new every time I enjoy one of your videos. PLEASE keep playing! It is truly my PRIVILEGE to send you a small donation!
The last time I was in England I visited my grandfather's cousin, who was like an aunt to me. It was a beautiful summer day and she really wanted me to go on a walk with her to go see their village church in Backwell, outside Bristol. I remember her telling me all the history of the building and showing me the pillar that remained from Norman times. Her health was very poor and we both knew it was the last time I would see her, and sure enough she passed away shortly after my visit. Every time I watch one of these videos I remember that afternoon
When Ben said there was a grave of a famous author in the churchyard, I was thinking it might be of Terry Pratchett (Discworld books), who lived and died at Broad Chalke, the next village. TP was very well known in the area and Salisbury, going around in his black hat. His series of children's books about Tiffany Aching are all based on this area and you can see "the Chalk" rising up behind the church.
I love to hear you say...."Now I'm going to do what I do BEST" You are such a gifted tour guide and Fabulous Organist! You are a developing LEGEND my friend! Godspeed and thanks
Thank you Ben for all your videos. They are a perfect vehicle for quiet and meditation in this harried world. I grew up in Salisbury and am an old woman now and have lived in the South Pacific for years, your beautiful walks and visits to these lovely churches and your wonderful playing make me nostalgic (and a little sad) for the beautiful home of my youth . Both my brothers went to Bishop’s too !
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ Gilbert Keith Chesterton “A pleasure is not full grown until it is remembered.” ~ C.S. Lewis Thank you for fostering gratitude in our remembrances...
O what joy you bring through the hymns such nostalgia for times when the world was more peaceful and simple. My heart breaks for the children of today who it seem they will never know this. Tablets in all forms rule them now. Tragic. Thank you for bringing peace and joy to those of us who follow you. Blessings from Cape Town South Africa
Wow, im so blessed by what you do! I am an American guild of organists member (Chattanooga TN chapter) and have been playing the organ for four years now. I moved around in the states and even lived in Canada. I grew up with great organ music as a girl but when i married and moved to the South as they say, I lost connection with the organ... To sum up, eventually, after going to a church without organ for nearly two decades, I realized missed organ music like i hadn't been home in 20yrs, so i was determined to learn how to play one. Im now playing for a conservative Lutheran Church. I knew a thousand hymns before, (i was raised Dutch Calvinist, thats my heritage)) but im now learning hymn tunes much closer to the reformation plus the modes and playing canticles. I also lived in South Dakota, (northern prairie) and i loved driving the remote countryside and finding all these old borderline ghost town churches. Id explore them and "tootle around" (Southern expression) on the piano but didn't think i would ever play the organ. Anyway, One day, i want to go visit the UK, where my husband originates and the Netherlands where my family both sides originates. No building here where i live is over 200 yrs old. Maybe one day the Lord will allow my family to visit!
I agree Ben - this is England to me too! Living overseas for a period I often thought of country churches nestling in quiet villages with towers and steeples visible across the fields. A sight that will always say England to me.
Hey Ben, Here in New Mexico. Astounding blend of your reverent,poetic voice together with the glorious green landscape and topped off with that nostalgic music. Awesome! As we go to ruin its a much appreciated reminder of our roots.
I keep wishing for locals to enter one of these quiet village chapels while you are playing - summoned by the sound of the organ being beautifully played again. ❤❤❤
Please hurry and keep on playing Ben...we truly anticipate the posting of your every video. Each makes quite a musical gem! In days of apparent prosperity and advances, yet filled with uncertainty, wars, hidden perils, dehumanizing trends and vices, your music is both spiritually inspiring and refreshing for the soul.
Ben I enjoy your videos and I thought I'd buy you a cuppa. I'm from Florida and we drink our tea sweetened and iced so I don't really know what cuppa means. Anyway, google says afternoon tea at the Red Lion Hotel is £18.95 so I've paypalled it to you. Bon Appétit from Florida!
Thank you Ben. What a joy when your videos drop. Placing clips of your village scenes whilst playing classic hymns and anthems is beautiful; the rustic wooden village cricket pavilion is one such which warmed my heart. Bless you and your work!
Just what I needed to go w/this very snowy day in TX, USA. Wanted to let u know how very much I appreciate ur videos of the beautiful country side, the wonderful churches, and the amazing old organs that help u make music that is a comfort to my heart and soul!!! THANK YOU, and God Bless and Keep you. A grateful Texan, Clovia
I never knew someone had set lyrics to that bit of Holst's Jupiter. That's my four-year-old daughter's favorite piece of music, something she recognizes immediately thanks to an episode of the Australian TV cartoon "Bluey." Such are the precious ingredients called for in a very special recipe - the recipe for a lifetime of learning and loving music. Thank you so much for what you do.
Those Yew trees could be a thousand years old. I grew up in the parish of Chilcomb, near Winchester. The tiny Saxon church, built a few years before the Norman Conquest, has a churchyard in which my parents, paternal grandparents, an aunt and two cousins are buried. Midnight Mass there on Christmas Eve. by candlelight, was always magical. There were two ancient Yew trees in the Churchyard which these reminded me of.
Thank you so much for sharing your adoration for these old churches and their organs. I’m afraid that so many country side churches have been and will be forgotten to time to larger and fancier churches. The history you share and the details of the buildings and organs are so interesting and appreciated. As you move through life establishing your legacy, remember your heritage - those who came before and left a mark for us to enjoy. From South Carolina, USA, much love and thanks! ❤
I recently discovered your channel. I have always been fascinated by organs of all types, but especially pipe organs. In the early 1950s, as a young child, I saw my first reed organ and was intrigued by its remarkable sound and how it operated by pumping air with your feet. I didn't see nor hear a pipe organ until the early 1960s, which thrilled me as I not only heard the power but also felt the vibration of the mighty pipes as the music resonated through my soul. I live in the US in the Arizona desert and just a few years ago, I managed to visit your beautiful lush green country. I wish I could have stayed longer! I am really enjoying touring with you , seeing the beautiful peaceful scenery, the very old churches and ancient organs. I can feel your enthusiasm as you explore those ancient churches and instruments and your love of each organ and its unique sounds and the music you manage to bring out of it. I wish I could be there in person with you on your journey.!
Thank you Ben for your passion for churches ,for music ,but above all,for paying homage and reverance to those whose scrifice for their country you never forget to mention .I am deeply touched and grateful to know that young people like you exist.It means that not everything is lost !❤🙏May God help you !
Ben, you have captured my attention (not easy to do) and I look forward to more great videos from you with your excellent sense of humor. Wonderful! While we live in the States it makes one want to travel to Great Britain and walk these paths in the greater English countryside. The church I attend has a fascinating story about how the entire church was destroyed by a tornado EXCEPT the pipe organ and alter and how the organ company came to the rescue to save it. This organ is a coveted place for local college students taking music who want to come to play it. Blessings!
Yes...the English countryside, architecture, churches and music is why we look forward to each new episode. Interesting information regarding William Golding. My wife and I, as many high school students in the US, read "Lord of the Flies". Thank you, Ben! Cheers!
Your'e Vlogs are better with each Week! We learn so much through your Travels...Canada here... and this is a real treat in seeing the English Country Side. Keep up the Excellent Work!🇬🇧👑🇨🇦🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Thank you so very much. Your programme is an unmissable treat especially in this somber dank February. Thank you profoundly for bringing to me the beauty and calm of our ancient countryside and intimate churches. The bliss and delight of your your music warms the heart of this old man who can no longer travel even to take evensong. Bless you ML
Thumbs up Ben from an old church organist. Love your playing old hymns which immediately take me back to the old days when I played church organ for extra $ while in college. You are a great organist and I wish I played 1/2 as well as you do.
Thanks for another beautifully documented visit to a treasure of the English countryside. And for helping preserve a sense of history and worth for those lucky enough to see these videos.
Hey Ben…the extent to which you research local history in general and the history of the churches and their organs really add to viewers’ experience. Thank you for your diligence and devotion to the tasks you undertake! - Gord, Winnipeg Canada
This world is a better place because of you ben. This video is lovely - the scenery, the music and all else. I will always be grateful for YT recommending your channel to me. Thank you and Godspeed.
Another sensitive display of a delightful village church and its organ, with some truly appropriate music. Thank you, Ben - you are making my Sunday Evenings and giving me some childhood and teen memories of a small Parish church, choir and organ, (and bells!")
Very seldom do I read the comments and all within 1 day. The recurring theme is your beautiful videos. They really are so peaceful. Your commentary is so thoughtful and intentional. I would buy several DVDs if your videos were made available. The art of editing is done, so duplication is the next step. Simple cover showing scenes from countryside, churches, organs, etc. Hearing the crunch of your feet on the stones beneath transports me to your space so readily. Shipping might vary but that could be calculated at checkout. The anticipation of where you are taking us seems personal. You have the artist's eye in your production. DVDs would fly into eager hands. You have a veritable library already. Take this next step, Ben. We all would love it! Linda in Tennessee
Thank you for showing us these beautiful organs. I know it takes a lot of time and effort to film and edit these videos, so I appreciate your work tremendously!❤
Again, I must compliment you on your videos. You have a gift for presenting these lovely locales, churches and fascinating organs. Thank you for sharing that gift through video.
Hi Ben. You mentioned Shaftsbury. Many years ago, my Great Aunt, Nellie Primmer, helped run 'The Knowles Arms' in Salisbury Street'. I have very fond memories of going there as a child. They had a HUGE Airedale Terrier , almost taller than the bar, but it kept order in the premises ! Thank you for finding these beautiful Churches and your Organ playing. You make these videos so interesting. Take care 🙂
Another fascinating, captivating presentation. Your interest and passion for exploring history, heritage, and preservation of same are most admirable. Thank you.
Hello, Ben-- Could you visit St Patrick's in Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland sometime? I was a music student there many years ago in 1977 (one of its early coeds). The great organ of St Patrick's was being rebuilt then, so i didn't hear it while there. Would love to hear you play it today. I know your focus is England; perhaps you'd consider including Ireland in your travels. (and if BBC isn't paying attention, it's a good bet RTE will!) Thank you.
Modern organ builders go to extremes to make the wind and blower sound vanish, it's a wind instrument, the sounds don't bother me at all. My company makes swell boxes out of THREE layers of MDF, and the wood windlines and reservoirs have accoustic board inside, and even the quietest smoothest blower- made by Laukhuff that you cant hear 6 feet away goes into a box made of two thick layers of MDF plus 3/4" thick accoustic board!
A perfect watch for me on this Sunday morning in North Carolina, USA. In my camper, no less. Your love of what you are doing. Just comes across so well.
"Goin' home" Dvorak. My Nana, first 15 years of my like, b.1876 Uttoxeter. She said her most favorite memories were 'walking miles and miles into the English countryside, with all the wildflowers.' Cows. Grandma also was used to fresh milk from the farm, and would have to take it out of the refrigerator to let it warm up. Very active. She used to make minced meat pies for all the neighbors at Christmas.
Thank you from Canada for your videos! Some of my family is from the UK and I love getting to hear all of these beautiful instruments, I play on a lot of electronic organs where I am. If you ever head north of London, be sure to stop by St. Oswald's Church in Ashbourne, Derbyshire - it's one of my favourite organs!
Thanks for yet another marvelous visit to one of Salisbury's neighboring village churches, and the music you perform on their lovely organs. Your videos just keep getting better and better, and your deep feeling for their music, for faith, and the associated literary and architectural heritage is indeed infectious. Yes, the experience was nostalgic, both of my sojourn in the UK, and of the many years I served as pastor and choirmaster of a village church in Vermont (USA). Though much newer (1836) than most of the churches you visit, it sits on the brow of a high hill, overlooking surrounding farmland, and eastward across the Connecticut River to New Hampshire's White Mountains. Your tour today truly made my Sunday reverently special. With a British and American heritage, your playing of "I Vow to Thee, My Country" in that reverently majestic setting is always heartwarming. And the Mendelssohn, which I've sung and conducted numerous times was the delicious frosting on a very rich cake. Thanks!
I teared up a bit at 14:35 when "I Vow to Thee, My Country" started playing. I'm from Texas, but I imagine this is as "quintessential England" as it gets playing such a glorious piece in such an idyllic setting. Great video!
I greatly appreciate your videos, Ben !! As I have lived for four years in England, it brings me sweet nostalgia of these enchanting churches in the countryside. Keep on with your beatiful work bringing us such delight! My best wishes throught your life! Gisela, from Brasília, Brazil
What a nice sounding little organ. I particularly enjoyed the Mendelsohn piece, I tried to play it when I was learning, but never managed to make it sound like that!
Another lovely episode. Wonderful to relax for a few minutes before work this morning to "All Things Bright and Beautiful," "Jerusalem," and the music from Elijah. And all in a beautiful setting.
Thanks! Thank you, Ben, for another beautifully produced video that is uplifting and full of great information! I feel a little bit closer to Heaven listening to the music and seeing these beautiful churches that for centuries played an integral part in the lives of the local Christians. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and personal love for this incredible area!
A little post script, Ben, please remind me of the name of the lovely tune with which you begin and end this seriously moving video. I used to sing a made-up lullaby (with my own made-up lyrics) to my newborn son who is probably your age now. This may be why your video affected me so much.
"Going Home" is the hymn. The melody is from Antonin Dvorak's New World Symphony, second movement.@@nancyfalciani5499 Goin' home. Goin' home. I'm a-goin' home. Quiet-like some still day, I'm just goin' home. It's not far, just close by, through an open door. Work all done, cares laid by, goin' to roam no more; Mother's there 'xpecting me, father's waiting, too, Lots of folks gathered there, all the friends I knew. Morning star lights the way, restless dream all done. Shadows gone, break of day, real life just begun. There's no break, there's no end, just a-living on; Wide awake, with a smile, going on and on. Going home. Going home, I'm just going home. It's not far, just close by, through an open door. William Ames penned the words.
I vow to thee my country- I first heard this beautiful hymn at the funeral service of Princess Diana, that day on it became on my personal favorite hymn
Thank you Ben I asked you to do our church and you did. I cannot thank you enough it’s a very important and much loved building cared for entirely but the village. Your bringing it to life with your playing and that walk across the fields made me so proud to call this village home. Truly a place to spend your life in. I’ve been advertising you throughout the village recently. Once again my gratitude 🙏🙏
Thank you for the suggestion. Perfect.
I am across the pond, but I certainly enjoy the delightful way you present the villages, churches, stories, organs, and music. You are a blessed old soul, and I'm complimenting you, in a young man's body. Thanks!
Well done, Ian - there is such a huge choice facing Ben across the rivers & downs of Wiltshire! Michael x
My Sunday afternoonI again sought you and was graced by this most lovely addition edition to feed my soul. Thank you.
I love you, Ben.
In case my first reply didn't get through, I hope your village will give Ben's channel a very good donation. Ben is exceptionally good at what he does and he has given Bowerchalke Church worldwide publicity. Time for a village whip-round!
Three things in my life I can’t live without: the sound of beautiful organ music in an English country church; the sound of church bells ringing and the sound of water gently flowing in an English stream. Thank you Ben, I really enjoyed this.
What a lovely scene you depict!
I donated $20.00 from the USA--Keep up the Great Work
Thank you!
I am German and a great admirer of England especially of the countryside and the old english churches who were Saxon before the Norman's came..... thank you very much for your impressions of this old church... and your wonderful organ music... Every time when I listening to "I vow to thee my country" it reminds me on this terrible wars and the great sacrifices english soldiers have done for their country... I am very sorry that Germans fought against their own family their own english cousins.... sorry for all that harm.... 😢for all the evil things caused by Germans...
May England will have a prosper future comfort and the protection of our lord Jesus Christ... ❤🌹🙏🇩🇪
I vow to thee my country - always gives me chills and tears. Thank you for focusing the camera in the plaque bearing the names of the villagers who died in WW1. Gave me time to read their names. It is important to not ignore or forget the sacrifices these men made, and the lasses to their communities. . And the next cut, the Crucifixion of Christ was just perfect. You really are an artist in many ways.
There is a theory that Jesus came to Glastonbury (see Mr Mythos).
Likewise, as a Veteran, I read the names and regiments of those fallen heroes. RIP
@@pamelafrancis4476 Apparently by Joseph of Arimathea, in whose tomb Jesus' body was laid.Joseph was a trader and, in his youth, it is said Jesus (the boy) went along for a ride. Also, it is said, a spear of one of the spears of a solder involved in the crucifixion (prob, the spear used to pierce His side was put in the ground and it sprouted. The tree close to Glastonbury Abbey is a cutting from the original tree. I like to think Jesus did Walk upon England's mountains green: And was the holy Lamb of God, on England's pleasant pastures seen...Yep I'm sure of it....
With respect and honour to your fallen soldiers.... from Germany.... 🙏You shall remember them with pride they protected you against the Nazis...... they are the fundamental roots of the freedom of your wonderful country England..... and I am ashamed that Saxons and Anglo-Saxons had this war of brothers😔
Gustav Holst - The Planets - 'Jupiter'
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. Fantastic to hear Mrs Alexander’s famous hymn played at Bowerchalke. Mendelssohn and Prince Albert played the organ together, maybe music from Elijah? These enchanting road trips have made Ben Maton one of the best-known young organists of his generation. Bravo Ben!
Yes, the Mendelssohn piece is an excerpt from Elijah. I have sung and conducted it numerous times.
Ben Maton - The Poetic Salisbury Organist
England-- ancient, green, timeless, lovely. Your videos are like an escape from today... and yet filmed today. Your talent is remarkable. Enjoying your channel very much-- photography, commentary, scenery, history, music. It is clear you love your beautiful country.
And many of us in other countries love all of that, too. I am in Brownsville, Texas, USA, but my roots go back to the British Isles.
Got it! The Open Diapason! - thanks, Ben, as always - another perfect presentation of another Chalke Valley village church. If I may offer my usual local input for your overseas viewers: the expression 'As different as chalk & cheese' originates here in Wiltshire. It's a large English county, and in the Chalke Valley sheep predominated historically, and the wool trade made many of the locals very rich. Sheep farming was perfect for the 'water meadows' in the many valleys that radiate out from Salisbury: they could be flooded under control in winter, to protect the grass from frost - and the sheep had rich feeding in the very early Spring. But up in the north of the county, it was cattle country. Their milk made cheese. Hence the expression which highlighted the difference between one Wiltshire farmer and another 'Chalk(e) [ie. lamb] and Cheese [ie. cows]'. Best wishes, Ben, Michael xx 😏
I have heard that expression all my life, but never knew the origin. Thanks, from Texas, USA.
And now I know how to spell it.
These videos are a fine relief from the madness of today's world. And I also like watching them because Ben is quite a handsome bloke!
😊. Yup!
Yes, very easy on the eye!
I’m in the USA and I thoroughly enjoy watching you travel the English countryside and listening to you play the village organs.
My wife and I are Episcopalians and she was a church organist for years. Thank you for giving us a look into our church history. Living in Northern California we enjoy seeing the churches and countryside of England. The love and care that the church members have expressed over the years to take care of these churches is very moving. Now it's off to Paypal.
I'm also in the diocese of Northern California. Near Sacramento
We attend St. John's Episcopal Church in Roseville.@@califdad4
Someone I love very much died within hours of my listening to this. You captured something of what I imagine to be the beauty of our Eternal Home in this video. Thank you and a special thank you to the Trinity we honor for reminding us of God's everlasting love. You have helped me to rest in the Lord. Bless you and your work always and all of your viewers whom you touch so deeply.
So sorry for your loss. May God give you His peace.
@@marilynbridges8697 thank you so very much for taking the time to write. It means the world to me. The person who died was my second mom and biological mom to my very best friend. Both of us have cerebral palsy and we have almost 35 years of helping each other to meet the challenges life throws at us. My friend's mom was our cheering section and my best friend's last blood relative. I know I probably shouldn't write that much but I really want you to know how and why your reaching out means so much to me and to my friend. If there were more people in the world like you, it would definitely be a much better place. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you.
RIP from Germany to you.... May he/she has eternal life in heaven.. 🌹🙏
God be with you.
@@kesmarn thank you so very much. I wish you a joyous and blessed Easter season.
Beautiful Church, wonderful music and presentation. I enjoy your videos immensely. Thank you Ben.
I'm sitting in a pizzeria waiting for a lasagne to take away. When I get home I'll watch the video and subscribe. Promise. (An Englishman away from home). Edit: made a donation. I do so enjoy this channel.
Cherio ! To You old Chap ! 😊 You are so talented Ben
I have no words to adequately express how much your channel means to me. I am now too old to ever return to England,, but your sharing of your travels throughout the Salisbury Plain, along with your sensitive playing more than compensates for that loss. Gratefully yours from the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Beautifully done! The world could use more of this.
Indeed.
The BBC needs to hire you. You would make a great presenter 😊
Absolutely! I made this suggestion, too, a few videos ago; agree completely. BBC, are you listening? Here's your next big successful series 🏆👏😃
Sadly they would ruin his authenticity.
@@2Hearts3the BBC should be gone. Along with the CBC. Ben doesn’t need government propaganda.
How to ruin a young man’s independence.
No they would make a huge mess. Better to do your own thing.
Once again your talented playing of and respect for these ancient church organs strikes our heartstrings. Thank you so much for bringing this beautiful worshipful music into our homes in the Midwest USA.
It has been decades since my husband's job took us to the U.K., where my daughter was born, and my son fell in love with Cambridge (we returned to the U.S. in 1988), and yet your playing makes my memories fresh and vibrant! I am a piano player, and never mastered the "queen of instruments," but I learn something new every time I enjoy one of your videos. PLEASE keep playing! It is truly my PRIVILEGE to send you a small donation!
The last time I was in England I visited my grandfather's cousin, who was like an aunt to me. It was a beautiful summer day and she really wanted me to go on a walk with her to go see their village church in Backwell, outside Bristol. I remember her telling me all the history of the building and showing me the pillar that remained from Norman times. Her health was very poor and we both knew it was the last time I would see her, and sure enough she passed away shortly after my visit. Every time I watch one of these videos I remember that afternoon
When Ben said there was a grave of a famous author in the churchyard, I was thinking it might be of Terry Pratchett (Discworld books), who lived and died at Broad Chalke, the next village.
TP was very well known in the area and Salisbury, going around in his black hat.
His series of children's books about Tiffany Aching are all based on this area and you can see "the Chalk" rising up behind the church.
I love to hear you say...."Now I'm going to do what I do BEST" You are such a gifted tour guide and Fabulous Organist! You are a developing LEGEND my friend! Godspeed and thanks
Thank you Ben for all your videos. They are a perfect vehicle for quiet and meditation in this harried world. I grew up in Salisbury and am an old woman now and have lived in the South Pacific for years, your beautiful walks and visits to these lovely churches and your wonderful playing make me nostalgic (and a little sad) for the beautiful home of my youth . Both my brothers went to Bishop’s too !
Thank you for sharing your passion of historical churches and the lovely countryside and of course the love for 🎵🎶 and beautifully decorated organs
I tune in to see the little village churches with their organs that you play majestically. Plus, you are quiet easy on the eye.
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ Gilbert Keith Chesterton
“A pleasure is not full grown until it is remembered.” ~ C.S. Lewis
Thank you for fostering gratitude in our remembrances...
O what joy you bring through the hymns such nostalgia for times when the world was more peaceful and simple. My heart breaks for the children of today who it seem they will never know this. Tablets in all forms rule them now. Tragic. Thank you for bringing peace and joy to those of us who follow you. Blessings from Cape Town South Africa
Your love and respect for these churches and their instruments is humbling and overwhelming. True love ❤
Wow, im so blessed by what you do! I am an American guild of organists member (Chattanooga TN chapter) and have been playing the organ for four years now. I moved around in the states and even lived in Canada. I grew up with great organ music as a girl but when i married and moved to the South as they say, I lost connection with the organ... To sum up, eventually, after going to a church without organ for nearly two decades, I realized missed organ music like i hadn't been home in 20yrs, so i was determined to learn how to play one. Im now playing for a conservative Lutheran Church. I knew a thousand hymns before, (i was raised Dutch Calvinist, thats my heritage)) but im now learning hymn tunes much closer to the reformation plus the modes and playing canticles. I also lived in South Dakota, (northern prairie) and i loved driving the remote countryside and finding all these old borderline ghost town churches. Id explore them and "tootle around" (Southern expression) on the piano but didn't think i would ever play the organ. Anyway, One day, i want to go visit the UK, where my husband originates and the Netherlands where my family both sides originates. No building here where i live is over 200 yrs old. Maybe one day the Lord will allow my family to visit!
I agree Ben - this is England to me too! Living overseas for a period I often thought of country churches nestling in quiet villages with towers and steeples visible across the fields. A sight that will always say England to me.
Hey Ben, Here in New Mexico. Astounding blend of your reverent,poetic voice together with the glorious green landscape and topped off with that nostalgic music. Awesome! As we go to ruin its a much appreciated reminder of our roots.
I keep wishing for locals to enter one of these quiet village chapels while you are playing - summoned by the sound of the organ being beautifully played again. ❤❤❤
Please hurry and keep on playing Ben...we truly anticipate the posting of your every video. Each makes quite a musical gem! In days of apparent prosperity and advances, yet filled with uncertainty, wars, hidden perils, dehumanizing trends and vices, your music is both spiritually inspiring and refreshing for the soul.
Lovely comment and quite true. Thank you
Ben I enjoy your videos and I thought I'd buy you a cuppa. I'm from Florida and we drink our tea sweetened and iced so I don't really know what cuppa means. Anyway, google says afternoon tea at the Red Lion Hotel is £18.95 so I've paypalled it to you. Bon Appétit from Florida!
When I started school at the age of four the first hymn I heard played EVER in assembly was 'All Things Bright & Beautiful'.
Thank you, All Things Bright and Beautiful was very beautiful!
Thank you Ben. What a joy when your videos drop. Placing clips of your village scenes whilst playing classic hymns and anthems is beautiful; the rustic wooden village cricket pavilion is one such which warmed my heart. Bless you and your work!
Just what I needed to go w/this very snowy day in TX, USA.
Wanted to let u know how very much I appreciate ur videos of the beautiful country side, the wonderful churches, and the amazing old organs that help u make music that is a comfort to my heart and soul!!! THANK YOU, and God Bless and Keep you.
A grateful Texan, Clovia
I never knew someone had set lyrics to that bit of Holst's Jupiter. That's my four-year-old daughter's favorite piece of music, something she recognizes immediately thanks to an episode of the Australian TV cartoon "Bluey." Such are the precious ingredients called for in a very special recipe - the recipe for a lifetime of learning and loving music. Thank you so much for what you do.
I am a bell ringer and broad chalke is a beautiful church with a lovely set of bells.
Those Yew trees could be a thousand years old. I grew up in the parish of Chilcomb, near Winchester. The tiny Saxon church, built a few years before the Norman Conquest, has a churchyard in which my parents, paternal grandparents, an aunt and two cousins are buried. Midnight Mass there on Christmas Eve. by candlelight, was always magical. There were two ancient Yew trees in the Churchyard which these reminded me of.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy these videos and look forward to seeing them every week! ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your adoration for these old churches and their organs. I’m afraid that so many country side churches have been and will be forgotten to time to larger and fancier churches. The history you share and the details of the buildings and organs are so interesting and appreciated. As you move through life establishing your legacy, remember your heritage - those who came before and left a mark for us to enjoy. From South Carolina, USA, much love and thanks! ❤
Great old hymn all things bright & beautiful also I vow to thee mt country ❤❤❤
I recently discovered your channel. I have always been fascinated by organs of all types, but especially pipe organs. In the early 1950s, as a young child, I saw my first reed organ and was intrigued by its remarkable sound and how it operated by pumping air with your feet. I didn't see nor hear a pipe organ until the early 1960s, which thrilled me as I not only heard the power but also felt the vibration of the mighty pipes as the music resonated through my soul. I live in the US in the Arizona desert and just a few years ago, I managed to visit your beautiful lush green country. I wish I could have stayed longer! I am really enjoying touring with you , seeing the beautiful peaceful scenery, the very old churches and ancient organs. I can feel your enthusiasm as you explore those ancient churches and instruments and your love of each organ and its unique sounds and the music you manage to bring out of it. I wish I could be there in person with you on your journey.!
Thank you Ben for your passion for churches ,for music ,but above all,for paying homage and reverance to those whose scrifice for their country you never forget to mention .I am deeply touched and grateful to know that young people like you exist.It means that not everything is lost !❤🙏May God help you !
Thank you Ben. You play so beautifully that I am once again moved to tears.
Martin South Wales.
I love the atmosphere of these eccentric old organs. Your editing is very sensitive and captures these wonderful places perfectly. Thank you.
Ben, you have captured my attention (not easy to do) and I look forward to more great videos from you with your excellent sense of humor. Wonderful! While we live in the States it makes one want to travel to Great Britain and walk these paths in the greater English countryside. The church I attend has a fascinating story about how the entire church was destroyed by a tornado EXCEPT the pipe organ and alter and how the organ company came to the rescue to save it. This organ is a coveted place for local college students taking music who want to come to play it. Blessings!
Your videos are much more enjoyable and fulfilling to watch on a Sunday than the BBC’s nauseating happy-clappy woke-fest of “Songs of Praise” 👍 👍 👍.
❤oh rest in the Lord sung it with my church choir ❤
God Bless England and all you do
Yes...the English countryside, architecture, churches and music is why we look forward to each new episode. Interesting information regarding William Golding. My wife and I, as many high school students in the US, read "Lord of the Flies". Thank you, Ben! Cheers!
Your'e Vlogs are better with each Week! We learn so much through your Travels...Canada here... and this is a real treat in seeing the English Country Side. Keep up the Excellent Work!🇬🇧👑🇨🇦🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Love this ! I am always fascinated how villages got their names too ! Thank you !
Another lovely walk with Ben. I so enjoy these excursions and learn so much. This time, when in doubt, Open Diapason! Thank you Ben and God Bless.
Thank you so very much.
Your programme is an unmissable treat especially in this somber dank February.
Thank you profoundly for bringing to me the beauty and calm of our ancient countryside and intimate churches.
The bliss and delight of your your music warms the heart of this old man who can no longer travel even to take evensong.
Bless you
ML
Thumbs up Ben from an old church organist. Love your playing old hymns which immediately take me back to the old days when I played church organ for extra $ while in college. You are a great organist and I wish I played 1/2 as well as you do.
Reminders of home... to see the beautiful countryside and churches and to hear you play of course. From BC, Canada
Too beautiful for words! Thank you!
Thanks for another beautifully documented visit to a treasure of the English countryside. And for helping preserve a sense of history and worth for those lucky enough to see these videos.
Hey Ben…the extent to which you research local history in general and the history of the churches and their organs really add to viewers’ experience. Thank you for your diligence and devotion to the tasks you undertake! - Gord, Winnipeg Canada
This world is a better place because of you ben. This video is lovely - the scenery, the music and all else. I will always be grateful for YT recommending your channel to me. Thank you and Godspeed.
My brother, a Cathedral Chorister, went to Bishop's Wordsworth - 'Scruff' Golding was one of his teachers...
I am not from an England village but from sunny South afrika, and i enjoy your program very much.
Thank you.
Another sensitive display of a delightful village church and its organ, with some truly appropriate music. Thank you, Ben - you are making my Sunday Evenings and giving me some childhood and teen memories of a small Parish church, choir and organ, (and bells!")
My only words are, thank you, Ben.
What melancholy nostalgia it evokes...
Beautiful countryside and church! Beautiful sounding little organ indeed! Thanks & Blessings from Silver Spring, Maryland, USA!😊🎹🎼🎵🙋
Very seldom do I read the comments and all within 1 day. The recurring theme is your beautiful videos. They really are so peaceful. Your commentary is so thoughtful and intentional. I would buy several DVDs if your videos were made available. The art of editing is done, so duplication is the next step. Simple cover showing scenes from countryside, churches, organs, etc. Hearing the crunch of your feet on the stones beneath transports me to your space so readily. Shipping might vary but that could be calculated at checkout. The anticipation of where you are taking us seems personal. You have the artist's eye in your production. DVDs would fly into eager hands. You have a veritable library already. Take this next step, Ben. We all would love it! Linda in Tennessee
I enjoyed this church visit so much. The music was wonderful...thank you for keeping hymns alive thru your travels.
You are wonderful. Thank you.
Thank you for showing us these beautiful organs.
I know it takes a lot of time and effort to film and edit these videos, so I appreciate your work tremendously!❤
Again, I must compliment you on your videos. You have a gift for presenting these lovely locales, churches and fascinating organs. Thank you for sharing that gift through video.
Now that I have discovered you, I can't not watch you! I love your channel!
Hi Ben. You mentioned Shaftsbury. Many years ago, my Great Aunt, Nellie Primmer, helped run 'The Knowles Arms' in Salisbury Street'. I have very fond memories of going there as a child. They had a HUGE Airedale Terrier , almost taller than the bar, but it kept order in the premises ! Thank you for finding these beautiful Churches and your Organ playing. You make these videos so interesting. Take care 🙂
Another fascinating, captivating presentation. Your interest and passion for exploring history, heritage, and preservation of same are most admirable. Thank you.
I am not a Christian but I enjoy your videos immensely. In this crazy world, music is a balm to the soul.
Hello, Ben-- Could you visit St Patrick's in Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland sometime? I was a music student there many years ago in 1977 (one of its early coeds). The great organ of St Patrick's was being rebuilt then, so i didn't hear it while there. Would love to hear you play it today. I know your focus is England; perhaps you'd consider including Ireland in your travels. (and if BBC isn't paying attention, it's a good bet RTE will!) Thank you.
Ben, thanks again for a lovely moment in your company and leading us in the dicovery of rural England from Canada...
Modern organ builders go to extremes to make the wind and blower sound vanish, it's a wind instrument, the sounds don't bother me at all. My company makes swell boxes out of THREE layers of MDF, and the wood windlines and reservoirs have accoustic board inside, and even the quietest smoothest blower- made by Laukhuff that you cant hear 6 feet away goes into a box made of two thick layers of MDF plus 3/4" thick accoustic board!
Thank you Ben. There is nothing more beautiful than the sounds of an organ.
A perfect watch for me on this Sunday morning in North Carolina, USA. In my camper, no less. Your love of what you are doing. Just comes across so well.
Thank you for a beautiful peaceful visit to another country church. It is a joy to watch. God bless.
Such a brilliant young man, musician and may I say ORGANIST! Cheers to you!
Beautiful boy; beautiful music. Spoiled by commercials interrupting. Damn greedy RUclips.
"Goin' home" Dvorak. My Nana, first 15 years of my like, b.1876 Uttoxeter. She said her most favorite memories were 'walking miles and miles into the English countryside, with all the wildflowers.' Cows. Grandma also was used to fresh milk from the farm, and would have to take it out of the refrigerator to let it warm up. Very active. She used to make minced meat pies for all the neighbors at Christmas.
Thank you from Canada for your videos! Some of my family is from the UK and I love getting to hear all of these beautiful instruments, I play on a lot of electronic organs where I am. If you ever head north of London, be sure to stop by St. Oswald's Church in Ashbourne, Derbyshire - it's one of my favourite organs!
Dear Ben, your entire presentation warms my heart. I spent Christmas Eve alone and came across your videos and they added so much to the evening.
Thanks for yet another marvelous visit to one of Salisbury's neighboring village churches, and the music you perform on their lovely organs. Your videos just keep getting better and better, and your deep feeling for their music, for faith, and the associated literary and architectural heritage is indeed infectious.
Yes, the experience was nostalgic, both of my sojourn in the UK, and of the many years I served as pastor and choirmaster of a village church in Vermont (USA). Though much newer (1836) than most of the churches you visit, it sits on the brow of a high hill, overlooking surrounding farmland, and eastward across the Connecticut River to New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Your tour today truly made my Sunday reverently special. With a British and American heritage, your playing of "I Vow to Thee, My Country" in that reverently majestic setting is always heartwarming. And the Mendelssohn, which I've sung and conducted numerous times was the delicious frosting on a very rich cake.
Thanks!
I teared up a bit at 14:35 when "I Vow to Thee, My Country" started playing. I'm from Texas, but I imagine this is as "quintessential England" as it gets playing such a glorious piece in such an idyllic setting. Great video!
I believe this was Princess Diana’s favourite hymn.
I greatly appreciate your videos, Ben !! As I have lived for four years in England, it brings me sweet nostalgia of these enchanting churches in the countryside. Keep on with your beatiful work bringing us such delight! My best wishes throught your life! Gisela, from Brasília, Brazil
What a nice sounding little organ. I particularly enjoyed the Mendelsohn piece, I tried to play it when I was learning, but never managed to make it sound like that!
Another lovely episode. Wonderful to relax for a few minutes before work this morning to "All Things Bright and Beautiful," "Jerusalem," and the music from Elijah. And all in a beautiful setting.
My heart definitely is warmed! THANK YOU!
I tune in because the UK (England, Scotland and Wales) is my ancestral homeland. Thanks for showing me places I'll nevefr be able to visit.
Thanks! Thank you, Ben, for another beautifully produced video that is uplifting and full of great information! I feel a little bit closer to Heaven listening to the music and seeing these beautiful churches that for centuries played an integral part in the lives of the local Christians. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and personal love for this incredible area!
A little post script, Ben, please remind me of the name of the lovely tune with which you begin and end this seriously moving video. I used to sing a made-up lullaby (with my own made-up lyrics) to my newborn son who is probably your age now. This may be why your video affected me so much.
"Going Home" is the hymn. The melody is from Antonin Dvorak's New World Symphony, second movement.@@nancyfalciani5499
Goin' home. Goin' home. I'm a-goin' home.
Quiet-like some still day, I'm just goin' home.
It's not far, just close by, through an open door.
Work all done, cares laid by, goin' to roam no more;
Mother's there 'xpecting me, father's waiting, too,
Lots of folks gathered there, all the friends I knew.
Morning star lights the way, restless dream all done.
Shadows gone, break of day, real life just begun.
There's no break, there's no end, just a-living on;
Wide awake, with a smile, going on and on.
Going home. Going home, I'm just going home.
It's not far, just close by, through an open door.
William Ames penned the words.
Thank you, Ben. My heart goes back to England. I wish I could return.❤
YAY !!! Ben is back 🎉👏👏
I vow to thee my country- I first heard this beautiful hymn at the funeral service of Princess Diana, that day on it became on my personal favorite hymn