Thank you for being friend to "friendless churches", filling them with beautiful music and sharing with the world. So good to see your brother Billy, too. I am so glad I've discovered this channel.
I’m lost for words. You and Billy completely transformed my day. The acoustics were amazing given you set up with what you had, and your improvised piece was simply perfect. There are a few of those harmoniums around Norfolk in deconsecrated churches and they are fun to play. Your videos are so full of information and so far I’ve learned something new from every one. Thanks Ben and Billy.
We've brought our society to a sorry end because we lost connection with our old church's. I grieve when I see them being demolished or turned into strange uses , I think it should be part of curriculum ,in schools to not only know our family trees but we should know our local architecture too ,❤nz
There are a number of Maton children and I was privileged to teach some of them when they were about 10. All talented. All lovely. Indeed their modest parents and grandpaprents should be very very proud. Perhaps Ben could introduce them sometime?
@sarahbeswick6310 You know none of this surprises me, and I don't know Ben and live a fair distance from Salisbury This is one of the most pleasant channels I've come across Often music runs in families as it does in mine although I am nowhere near Ben's standard Also it involves a lot of hard work, looking back to when I was doing the ABRSM in theory, piano and viola it was something like 95% perspiration and the rest inspiration!!! Perhaps you can even discount the inspiration!!😊
Ben, this is a reed organ - it works on suction (same as a pianola). The bellows create a vacuum, and when a key is played air is sucked in from the atmosphere to vibrate the reed. So the problem with these things are two fold: the bellows wear, lose there air tightness and can’t sustain the vacuum, and 100 years plus of dust from a draughty church has lodged in the works, especially the reeds. I have restored several. When dismantled the reeds slide out of their compartments and a good blow will remove the dust and make them sound properly again. Rebuilding the bellows takes a little more time (mainly in getting the old rubberised cloth off)
I’m 79 and now beyond opening up my harmonium that I overhauled ~30 years ago. As a cat owner my house is dusty from the litter box, so many of the higher-pitched reeds are now mute. Sadly there’s not much of a market for these instruments. Mine was in storage at a convent for decades because, with 21 stops, the sisters found it indecorous to madly pump away at it. Cosmetically speaking, it’s in new condition. I’d love to find a new home for it at a reasonable sale price but in this day and age, having strangers traipsing through my home, not all of whom might be seriously interested, some using the chance to size up my home for later burglary, is too frightening to risk.
It's so sad these Churches are deemed "Redundant" but great that People set up Societies to care for them. You made the best of sad situation - with your collaboration with Billy here. All turned out well- probably the most music this little Chapel has heard in many years.
@@raymondmiller5098 And it is a good thing after all, superstition loosing its grip on people. But I also feel sad for these instruments and beautiful buildings, that should be repurposed.
Such a haunting piece of music. Perfect for the setting. Such a shame all these unused "friendless" churches. So many people could benefit from the peace and space they provide. So sad. Grateful to the volunteers that care for them. "
Even though the organ sounded like a barking dog and asthmatic together, the music "ode to a friendless church" sounded amazing!❤ Thank you, Billy, for your amazing musical touch!
Ben, my whole family and I save whatever video you have made for the week and gather around every Sunday evening to watch it together. We were so happy to see that you made a tune to work with the broken organ this week, rather than simply walk away. This is what makes your channel so fun to watch, and we are so glad you are talented enough to pull it off! I am the only one with a PayPal account anymore, but I will be donating on behalf of us all very soon. (My Dad wants to mention that your video is the only thing worth postponing his shower for). Thank you for an enjoyable weekend ritual with my family. Much love from the USA.
You never admit defeat. How inventive you are! Your composition is beautiful. And Billy played it beautifully. I guess it was inevitable that a Maton would play guitar.
Even though this small organ is in a church, it was never meant to be a church or chapel organ. Church and chapel organs had three, four, or more ranks of reeds plus an octave of Sub Bass. This is what is called a Parlor Organ and has only two ranks of reeds and was made for home use. Although small, it can still make wonderful music. As a reed organ restorer (here in the United States) I wish I could get my hands of that organ and make it brand new again. You'd be amazed at what even a small organ can do. The Story & Clark Organ Co. made good quality instruments. This was another really great video you made and your talent could still make that little decrepit organ sing. One of these fine days, I hope you can find a good restored reed organ and then show us what you can do with it. I enjoy ALL your videos and look forward to them. I wish I had just one forth of your talent. You are a joy to listen to.
WOW !! Ben, you and your brother have done a marvelous service in creating music, using this sadly derelict reed organ -- with guitar, a perfect combination -- and a perfect partnership. Hearty thanks ! P.S. your "postlude" was pure delight.
God bless the Friends of the Friendless Churches for preserving and caretaking these beautiful, historic edifices, and God bless the Maton family for using their talents to bless us.
I’ve donated twice so far (and I hope most other subscribers and viewers have done so too). I like the way you politely - but directly - explain why this channel cannot survive if people just watch the videos and assume that it can all be created “for free”. Good luck in building the success of the channel even further!
Excellent job lad's. Improvisations finest hour. When I was a Journeyman Organ builder in America, hardly a week went by when someone would phone up and ask if we repaired or would buy their Harmonium. Personally, I'm no huge fan of the instrument but America used to churn them out by the bucket load. Ornate and often made from the Jewel of American Timbers, Black Walnut. They actually operate on vacuum instead of pressure but invariably with age the rubber cloth/ leather breaks down and they cannot hold enough vacuum to keep up. You can buy an old Harmonium for peanuts now at an antique shop. Chances are it needs the bellows restoring to get playing again. If you can find someone who knows how to do it properly.
Well done for pointing out that 'American Organs' 'suck' rather than 'blow', which can give a more refined sound. I imagine this one has the two knee swells. All the very best, Peter Almond.
@@wurlitzer895 Ha, a theatre organ Dude ! Did you ever go to Pizza and pipes in Seattle ? It's quite a set up. I wonder if it's still there. Cheers Peter. 🍻.
Visiting small parish churches was one of the joys of my years living in England. So glad you bring them to us all over the world and fill them with music once again. Thank you.
Ben: I am in the airline business here in the United States. I travel to the UK quite a bit. Although I don't play, I'm fascinated by the mechanics of a pipe organ. I've known Maestro John Rutter for about 12 years and fly to his annual Christmas concert at The RAH and visit with him and his wife afterwards. I noted that you are a student of Dr. Stephen Farr. I met Dr. Farr last year at All Saints' Margaret Street at a recital organized by Martin Randall Travel and reacquainted with Matthew Joyrsz whom I met at Westminster Abbey. Dr. Farr has put me in touch with the musical director at St. Paul's London and I will visit them soon. I follow your RU-vid channel along with that of Richard McVeigh. Both of you do an excellent job of bringing organ music to the general public in two different ways and both are very enjoyable. I'll be meeting with Richard on one of my trips to the UK. Thanks for the great channel and you will note a donation was made with my real name from America.
Hello Ben and bllly lovely 😊to hear you both play together 😊 ode to a friendless church your parents must be very proud of you both and thank you for another amazing video look forward to the next one take care both of you
So sad to see a "redundant" church, but very glad for the "Friends of the friendless churches". Here in the US, many older churches are replaced by shiny, new buildings. They may allow congregations more room to grow, but my heart still belongs to the small old church I grew up in. All the churches you have visited and played in, I think of all that beautiful stone being soaked in the prayers of the ages....
How wonderful to imagine Variations on a Theme of Purcell being played at Long Crichel. A gynaecologist friend claims he can make a grand piano give birth. Ben has a similar talent making lifeless organs in friendless churches play music. Fantastic that Ben has Billy as assistant as heavenly music will now be the result of brotherly love.
Thank you, Ben, for another informative and enriching program and welcome to your talented brother who actually shared a smile with us this week! Hope that means he will stick around and play more of his guitar with you! It was lovely! Your program starts my week off on the right foot! Thank you! Sincerely, Nancy F.
Oh that poor Reed organ... as you sought to produce some heavenly music it sounded like it was being tortured by some hideous demonic being within. Then Billy, in the manner of David, brought some solace to its troubled soul. I loved the musical cooperation with Billy & look forward to more. Blessings!
It is gratifying Ben to know that so many people altruistically offer their time as the association that is dedicated to caring for these emblematic churches that, despite being without worship or spiritual life, keep alive the memory of a heritage that must be preserved in memory. historical, I am moved every time I see your well-prepared videos with the invaluable help of your brother, a sacrifice with these beautiful tours and with the exciting musical pieces that you interpret with feeling, living each moment with a passion of love for these unmatched instruments. A hug Ben from the far east of the Kingdom of Spain. 🌷 👌
"My Glenn Gould position"...hilarious. Beautiful brother duet. Welcome, Billy, and thank you, Ben, for sharing your gifts. It's midnight in Michigan with your music. 😊
It's hard to think of a more consistently intriguing and inspiring RU-vid channel. This video is another treasure. You two brothers worked magic - Billy's sensitive guitar was sublime. Thank you both!
I have my Great-Aunt's Storey and Clark reed organ. Rescued it from a derelict house and refinished it. Needs bellows repair but you have inspired me! Great job! I look forward to hearing your posts each week. I'm glad for Billy's contribution!
Can't wait to see you next time either! You and Billy are wonderful musicians, and really bring these beautiful churches and their "challenging" organs to life! Bravo, best wishes and once again, thank you!!! 😊😊
Great to see the Maton brothers on the road, and making music in such a beautiful old space. We loved the Ode to a Friendless Church… (my husband is the organist… I’m just a singer.). Thank you for your wonderful videos!
My mum called while listening. I told her about your channel. If she can figure out how to find you on line she will probably enjoy your channel. I have tried to teach her how but she forgets so fast. Glad to see you gaining numbers. Your work deserves to be well known. I'll also tell a friend of mine who once played organ.
From Ireland 👊☘️Thank you Ben and Billy for bringing ‘life’ back to these beautiful churches and organs. You are truly gifted. Love the olde English countryside and villages. Congrats also to the Friends of the Friendless churches for their wonderful work. Well done on the lovely piece you both played !
Happy Sunday, Ben and Billy. Nice to see you both collaborating on these fine presentations. Your parents must be very proud of their son's musical talents. Are there more of you? God bless you all and thanks for your work.
Small world! A few years ago, hubby and I took a trip and ended up at this location that was a reenactment of an old village. You know, where people wear the old clothes, houses are old, etc. There was a rebuild of the old, original church that was there. When we went in, there was an organ that was almost identical to the one in the video here. But it was in pretty good condition. All the keys where there and no holes in the bellows. So of course, I just had to sit down and play something. LOL My song of choice that day was Hallelujah, followed by a couple of old-time church hymns. I'm not a church person, but it was still fun to play that old organ and those around seemed to enjoy it. LOL Life is so short. We just have to have fun!
Hi my granny had one of these organs and I taught myself at the age of 7 I play by ear all my life but on a piano now I am now 85 love music mostly hymns the sound just takes me back when I was 7 x
Getting on for thirty years ago I stopped at I think it was Capel y Fin where there is a tiny chapel. I went inside and there was a guy who was perplexed. The organ was alike the one you show there, and the guy was worried because it had some bum notes and there was a wedding in the offing. He asked me if I knew anything about these things. As it happened I did, I told him how to take the back off and access the reeds in case they had become dusted up. I also gave him the name of someone I thought who could repair it if that did not work. Yes I have one myself in my living room.
Another wonderful film. I only wish I had learned to play a musical instrument. Now with failingeyesight I can listen to a master of his craft. I'm amazed no one has employed you. It is very hard to find church organists where I live.
Thank you again Ben, and so nice to have Billy as part of your music ... I agree you must have very proud parents ... I mentioned to you in an earlier message about Titus Grenyer (Sydney Town Hall organist), and this week I went to another one of his recitals, and told him about you and your music and composition ... I mentioned it would be wonderful to hear you play the Town Hall organ, and after telling him about you, he said you would be most welcome ... I would love to hear you play the composition that introduces each of your videos on our beautiful organ - especiall with the 64 foot pedal ...!! I wish I had loads of money to bring you out here ...!! As a 75 year old, I am not all together up with the various new methods of communication, and Telegram is new to me, mainly using my email address as contact ... Thank you again ... your work is a blessing to so many all over the world ... Susan Robinson (Sydney, Australia)
This friendless church is full of love and warmth again. Hooray to you and to Billy. What a creative and beautiful way to bring life to the instrument. The acoustic is so live for music. Thank you for this video, and for all you do for church music.
So very thrilled to find you recently on Utube. Thankyou for what you are doing in the beautiful English countryside. Here in NZ there is no comparison. Seeing the villages and the churches and then hearing you play is inspirational. Thankyou
Wow!! I absolutely LOVED the collaboration with your brother. You’re both incredibly talented musicians. Is your whole family musical? Looking forward as always to the next video 😊
It is so interesting to see how the keys of the upper manual are coupled with the lower. I played an old Pump organ that belonged to a friend. Her name was Maggie and I must say she was very tiny. I had to bend in her home as I couldn't stand up straight but when I sat down at the pump organ I had a lot of fun and the coupled keys were to me the most amazing thing. Thanks for your lovely work.
Beautiful guys. Like the sound of that guitar Billy. Ben, you did a great job on the broken organ. Both you and Billy made it all sound beautiful. Thank you both.
Thank you, maestro. Waiting on weekly installment of Strangers a cop drama from years ago. Came on The Salisbury Organist & went on several magical tours along wee paths mid graves into .. ah! salaams & wonders & joy. Other day, attended organ recital of wholly dry intellectual xlnt music - but scorched a being sitting listening : + no human engagement. Delight to have yr engagement & serenity : + all yr generously presented skill, knowledge, ability, love of/in/with the music. In mad world with so many ghastly hollerings, thank you, maestro & yr bro, for yr fine films & sounds & speakings. As some tap - restoration - ta! oh! + big appreciation of yr musicalness. So, I just tapped 50 quid. + every so often will again, as I listen + watch along. Rather lovely it's in the season of the full moon. True pure illumination. Reverence, too. Yes
Absolutely love your dedication to reviving these old instruments and the stories that unfold in these serene settings. Your journey adds such a personal touch to the history and music of these churches. Can't wait to see what you uncover next!
Thank you to you and Billy. So touching to share the Ode to the Unplayable Organ and found myself grieving for this poor unplayable organ and hearing its creaks and groans. You both are a joy.
What a beautiful church. Hats off to the “Friends” for contributing the substantial sum needed for restoration. Sad to say that it probably would not happen here in the U.S. Interesting to see an American-made instrument in this church and your innovative approach to playing it. The piece with Billy on guitar is haunting and makes me think of Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”. One of your best episodes! P.S. The beard looks great.
I had to chuckle at your making a "Vivaldi"-esque pattern. It really captured the effect. At first I thought Billy's motif sounded like the famous Italian Baroque guitar concerto whose slow movement is often played, but then it took a turn and seemed more plaintive. In any case it was beautiful. From the USA. I grew up 45 miles from Chicago. When I was a boy a wealthy famer and his wife occasionally invited my family to Sunday night dinner. After the large meal served with fresh baking powder biscuits, butter and honey I would entertain myself playing hymns on the "reed organ" in the living room while the adults talked.
Yes, so very much to view in this offering. I greatly appreciate your collaboration with your brother since it was such a divining ode to beautify played musical pieces by respecting & using old & tired instruments that should never be discarded nor dismissed in value! This was special to me. Like ships, organs have "SOULS"! Gladly, I will support your channel as best I can & sincerely thank you for sharing your wonderful musical/tutorial offerings!!!! This is Peter; out!
The B&B Brothers create a bespoke piece for that poor old harmonium. I don’t know how you manage to make each film better and better but you do! So thankful for the 1,000 new subscribers! Let’s do it again this week friends! 😊
I've loved all the videos I've seen thus far on Ben's channel. To echo others, I can imagine how these brothers gladden their parents' hearts. This video is a beautiful example of seeing beauty in what our world would label as a lost cause. Seeing it was perfectly timed for me, too - it's been an especially challenging week, and I also miss England terribly, after having traveled there with my family only a few weeks ago (the sudden rainstorm reminded me of getting caught in a terrific storm in Oxford!). Thank you for sharing your talents, Ben and Billy!
@@SalisburyOrganist Thanks for your response. There are some larger reed organs here in America that actually operate on wind pressure but usually from a blower. I can see how the terminology gets blurred once in other parts of the world. Keep up the great work!
It is sad to hear that real musicians are being replaced by machines. But I'm happy you are out here educating and entertaining us. May you never lack!
Thank you Ben for your love of music. It is so healing. I started to listen to organ music after my husband died. I attended a beautiful Bachathon today at a beautiful church in Sac, Ca. Wonderful organists❤
Having just returned to England after 33 years and not being computer literate, I know nothing of this new age or of pay pals or any other social media thing. However, I caught your eloquent broadcast whilst trying to obtain certain informations and to make it empathic, my home overseas was a 12th.cen. Knight Templar Commandery (authenticated) which I restored and opened to the public. I stray; your fabulously researched programmes are great but it is Billy's enchanting twanging of his washing line that brought me to comment on the wonderful wheeze of a ruptured organ. It took me, in an instant, to my dear friend Duncan Browne: a very accomplished musician and composer who died far too young: (see "Death of Neil). I have sat mesmerised, playing you and your brother over and over again to re-live a wonderfully misspent youth! Thankyou both!!!
Wow Ben and Billy, I'm a Friend of Friendless Churches and have been for a long time and want to thank you for this reminder of how important they are and for composing this wonderful Ode.
That was a beautifully emotive piece you composed for the friendless organ. I think all of us would enjoy hearing more of your compositions and duets with your brother.
Excellent. Pure genius. And indeed, the piece your wrote is perfect for this "redundant" and "friendless" church and the inclement weather. And Billy plays wonderfully. Keep making music. You two are wonderful!
I love the idea of preserving old churches. Many are quite beautiful, and preservation gives respect to those buried in the church yard. Also, whenever I see a derelict musical instrument I desperately want to fix it up to work as it once did. I want to clean away the dust, repair the keys and fix the bellows.
Again a remarkable film. I never heard about the Friends of the Friendless Churches. Thank you for introducing them to us. So there is always hope. And I was surprised how well the classical guitar sounded in that church, thanks be to Billy who could probably fill a "friendless" church with life on his own or together with you on the organ. Shocking what you told us about the crematorium. Sadly I have been to a number of funerals myself, where the music came from a tape. I felt sorry for my uncle even though he was dead. Especially in the face of death you want a living breathing sound not a song from the loudspeaker not much different from what you hear daily when visiting some drugstore.
I've played a reed organ similar to the featured one, sometime around 1968. My uncle in northern Alabama had rescued the instrument from an old country church that was being demolished for safety reasons before it collapsed. It was not uncommon to see such instruments in the churches of the USA "Old South" before 1900, but they don't age well. The one I played needed a lot of work to fix the reeds but it actually DID play a little bit. My uncle had patched the bellows so it could sustain notes but not all of the reeds were fully functional.
The eerie yelping of the organ's pipes as they beg for mercy, to be allowed to rest in pieces. A lovely musical selection for a dismal windy day. 👻☠️☮️
Story and Clark is an American brand of reed organ, all the reed organ in Canada and USA are pump to produce suction, taking the air out of the reservoir. When you play a note air is then re-introduce through the reed and it produce the sound. In Europe reed organ are pressure air and the reed are different but the same phenomenon as in Pipe organ, you play a note and air is "pushed" through to make the reed sound. Sorry for my bad English composition but I am french Canadian and doing my best to make you understand the difference. I have repaired a few of those in my life. Covering the bellows a new not quite like pipe organ bellow. It is a material that is also use in player piano which are also using suction (bass pressure of air) to play the note. I enjoy your program and thanks to your brother for landing his services as cameraman and musician. Somebody else explained it earlier much better than me. (vacuum) that is the word I was looking for.
I must commend you and your brother for a lovely compiled sound with the organ as it is not really playable but the music you both created was blissful. Thank you guys for this amazing compilation. It was wonderful.
We had two of these harmoniums in the family. There was one in my grandmother's house and another in my parents' living room. I remember that the instruments could store some air. You first pumped some air with the two pedals and were then able to play with a consistent tone. Not as sporadic as with the harmonium shown in the video. The rhythm of the pedaling had no noticeable effect on the sound. The “organs” continued to play for a few seconds, even without pedaling. It is possible that our instruments are from a more recent era or that the harmonium shown in the video is simply defective. Nice to see such instruments again. Thank you.
