As always, the combination of settings and music is simply awe-inspiring. All a witness to a "Faith" that arches back millennia, and streams straight into the supernal. His blessings upon your endeavours, Ben!!!
Of all my travels to the U.K. the one thing that really stand out, apart from the rain and the numerous, picturesque towns and villages, is that beautiful, lush green grass. If it's November, July, March, August or October, sunny, cloudy or cold, it's always green. Love it. Love your podcasts. Cheers.
You have such a high quality channel. You teach us about beautiful churches, their varied organs, and precious organ music by famous composers. Thank you, Ben for all your efforts.
One of the joys of your films is getting access to the interiors of churches. Sadly, but understandably, they are not always open…but I shall try to visit Damerham. Thank you, Jinxy
Forty days and forty nights thou wast fasting in the wild. Damerham’s bell is lucky to have survived war plague and fire to hear the great Lent hymn and Handel’s glorious Sarabande. Perhaps even Ben doesn’t fully realise how much he benefits these beautiful ancient churches and the happiness he brings to us all in a troubled world.
Ben, thank you! After a hectic few days, it was lovely to accompany you (via RU-vid) to St George's...especially in the rain!Appreciate your thoughtful reflections and excellent musicianship. The Lord bless and keep you.
Hi Ben, Thank you for taking the time to come to Damerham, the snowdrops and Church are worth a visit even in this weather. Sorry about the rain. But at least Church Lane wasn't flooded (yet), your trolley would have had to turn into a canoe. That's the Allen River you crossed, it's source is just before Martin, a previous Church visit of yours, down through the valley to the Avon.
Incredible church, countryside, organ and organist. What a combination. Your self deprecating humour adds so much to the presentation, and our laughter.
Dear Ben, in a fast-paced world I've come to really appreciate your form of content so much. My grandma is an organist in Oxfordshire and she recently told me I should learn it, because she fears the art is dying. I assured her that though I can't promise I'd learn organ (as I'd already failed piano), there is a new generation of people who love the Organ. I truly love your content and it makes me miss the simplicities of English life. Greetings from Berlin, Germany, where it's not nearly as quiet. :)
I love the sound of this organ very much. And the benefit of having you give us a tour in the soggy England weather, where millions of snowdrop decorate the church grounds, is a great benefit. I grew up in Hamburg and am very familiar with such weather. In your video it adds to the atmosphere of what I love so much about northern European landscape. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent, Ben.
Ben, you’ve done it again.. such an evocative and beautiful portrayal of a small, ancient English village church. A particularly lovely organ too. I count as one of my greatest blessings that I know & visit many places such as this throughout England & Wales.
Ben your channel is an almost never-ending source of delight, thank you so much for the effort you expend, the expertise you apply, and the enthusiasm you so vibrantly communicate!
A great video. I too produce videos and love constructive feedback, please take these comments in that light. Visiting these wonderful beacons of the past is very special. Your organ music knowledge is amazing. Mine is zero. It would help me with a few words before you play a piece along with the year, so I can imagine all those people who would have listened and joined in the hyms/music. Also a few words about the composer, remembering my zero knowledge. Thank you superb video. James Rattray.
Ben, I wonder if your name originates in France. Maton said in the French way sounds right. Were your ancestors Huguenot refugees maybe? I might be way off but just curious. Love your work and have supported with $s from Texas. Keep up your unique
lovely video. Enjoy all your videos from over here "across the pond". Would enjoy more technical info about the different stops and their sounds on some of these smaller organs....
These organ effusions are all very delightful but a little parochial if you don't mind my saying so and one must eventually grow weary. There are other counties and other churches in England!
Ben, your channel is our favorite on all of You Tube! You are make church organ music look and sound “cool” and inspiring young people to want to play! We enjoy each and every episode! Thank you for the education about the history of these beautiful old churches, England’s national treasures, and about the organs! Your hard work in producing these episodes is so very much appreciated!!!
I was glad to see an end-credit given to the trolley. Thank you for another positively therapeutic visit to place soaked in history -- as well as rain.
A wonderful series of videos about quaint English churches and the organs there! It’s amazing that in the 21st century, we have young people devoting their time and energies to helping viewers with the histories of places. What comes out subtly, is a love for Christian worship through song and hymn by playing the organ. God bless you Ben and the music you produce! An avid follower from Bombay, India! Rosen John
Ben from another Ben here in Tennessee, USA at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. I am so glad that I found your channel. I have found relaxation and peace through your videos. One Sunday I came home from church thoroughly exhausted after preaching and teaching. You had posted another video, so even though I had work to do, I leaned back in my chair and watched your video and listened to you playing. You refreshed me enough that I could continue my work for the day. Thank you Ben from here is USA!!
You aren’t kidding, those snowdrops are gorgeous! That organ is indeed beautiful, both visually and tonally. It’s a perfect match for that wonderfully lit building. And I do love the Norman architecture! My own Norman surname stock hails from Holy Trinity Church in the village of Cuckfield. Parts of that Norman church even date to a previous structure from 900 AD! You are blessed to get to go and explore that which we Americans so rarely can. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I happened to visit Holy Trinity, Cuckfield, yesterday. No idea what it's like as a church but as a building it's lovely. The ceiling is unique and I love it. Sizeable organ too, with a few digital stops to add to the real pipes.
@@jacobsaxby9468 apparently the Victorians added a lower ugly ceiling which killed acoustics. But it was ripped out and the original restored after not too long a time. I’m anxious to see it and find out more. Apparently I have 600 years of ancestors in the churchyard and even inside the building itself, dating all the way back to when William gave the family Cuckfield and Hayward’s Heath with surrounding lands, and the title of Sir.
@@jamesdonahue4084 I believe that it works two ways - yes built intentionally in an idyllic setting outside of town, and also the placement of some towns kind of shifted and migrated away over the centuries. But being venerated space and grounds, the church and cemetery locations remained in place.
what a pleasure. I'm from rural Texas, and our church music was far different from this. I love these small organs and your enthusiasm for great music played upon them. Thanks Ben for keeping this music and these instruments alive! What a joy!
I too call from Texas. I am glad to know I have a fellow Texan admiring the grandeur of sacred music, the hymns of the ageless Faith, as played wonderfully in such a marvelous instrument: the Organ.
Thank you for the lovely video! The snowdrops, the poem, and the church all enhanced the presentation of the music. I'm away from my home parish this Lent, so I really appreciated hearing an Anglican Lenten staple!
"Dam(p)heram" - love it, Ben! Then you kept us in the water 'Courante', followed immediately by '40 days & 40 nights' (a nod to St Swithun's rain forecast at nearby Winchester). But you then kept it going with a piece from the ultimate water music man, Handel! Your clean-cut playing of these simple instruments is a little revelation - very clear cut keyboard technique. simple organ indeed, with an incredible case. Many thanks, as ever - Michael.
The 'shed' on top of the tower has raised some questions. It is the current version of the original wooden cover installed in 1665 to protect the remaining 3 bells, which had been melted down from the original 5 bells, which had cracked with age and weather exposure (as Ben would appreciate!). Today the bells are actually inside the tower, but the cover remains. Michael
Totally agree with these comments. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see inside this wonderful church and hear Ben play that fine little instrument. Credit also to those local folks who look after this building and maintain the organ and furnishings. Thanks and greetings from Northern Ireland.🙂
Marvellous, this conjures up so many happy memories from childhood and the assemblies of God in Teignmouth. Listening to this I just close my eyes and the hymns transport me back to a very happy time. Thanks so much.
"You are invited to join us for church, that is, IF you can get here on foot !!" because getting here by car is an impossibility. Personal scooters are welcome !! I think it is a blessing to play for the dearly departed, for they are closer to God, yes ?? You did not pass a living human on the walk up, but the horses did come over to say hello. I am always amazed at the fact that gaining entrance to an old parish church is just a "turn of a metal ring and the clasp on the door." A wonderful Lenten musical presentation.
@@PaulFellows3430 DUH !! I knew that. I don't think that sign was there either !! It is a recent addition, hence my funny comment. Ye have no sense of humor !! Boooo
Another dose of balm for the soul. So evocative of over 60 years sitting by the organ and singing in the choir, particularly for my favourite Evensong service. Alas these are no more - a sad loss for the (older) people of St Oswald's, Fulford, York.
The Snowdrops are beautiful!! Really enjoyed this Vlog- the Organ has a beautiful sound for being so small. Great Playing as always!!! Thanks so much for all your Research and taking us along on these Tours of England's Country Churches. Cheers - from Canada!🎶🎶🎶🇬🇧🇨🇦
So appreciate your refreshing videos! The ancient churches and views of the authentic countryside are marvelous! The music inspiring! Thank you for your sensitivities to details!❤
Dear Ben, Many thanks for a very special video, made with love and patience. It is difficult to describe the sense of enjoyment in being inside this amazing church. You bring these buildings to life, coupled with the beautiful sound that you extract from these old organs. I trust that more and more visitors will find out about your channel so that they may too enjoy the beauty that you capture so naturally. Kind regards from from your friends in South Africa, Dawie and Werner.
What a splendid church visit again, you are a real artist. Thank you Mr Maton. 🇫🇮♥️🇬🇧 And glory be to God our Father in Heaven for giving you that talent. ⚜️✝️⚜️
A simple organ maybe, but the sweetest tone of all the organs you are likely to visit. Beautiful too, but so nicely tuned and the keyboard itself looks fairly modern. Then, sit an expert like Ben in front of it, then it really comes to life!! Well done Ben!! John
To be your own master to discover the sanctuary of an 11th century church with added centuries to the modern world.How awesome to be included in the atmospheric silence of the church.Discovering the village pipe organ and playing divine graceful music that echoes the presence of internal peace and self discovery of how English village life has progressed from age to age. Poetic snowdrops fill one with fresh abundance to new life itself during Lent time. Thankyou for the visual church of Saint George's and the welcoming presence in a landscape of English beauty.One feels at home. Look forward to the next historical outing..........
Couldn't agree more at 0:31 that we organists are a hardy bunch. I remembered being constantly frustrated when I first started practicing the piano in 2006. I would be angry at not getting it, leave it for days or weeks, but I'd have to start all over again because if you leave the keys for a day, it may leave you for a week. Great video as always. ❤
What a lovely tone that organ has - belated congratulations to whoever picked it for that church. Thanks too for your choice of music, which was a perfect fit for the church and the weather. Looking forward to you next video, wondering where you'll go next!
Thank you for all your time and effort expended on composing these delightful videos. The tune "Rockingham" will always (in our mind) be associated with Isaac Watts' magnificent hymn, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross". The combination of tune and words are very evocative and touching. Thanks again.
Love your series on music in the churches. Have you played in the oldest wooden church in Britain/Europe at Greensted ,Essex ? I visited there umpteen years ago . Blessings !
Es digno de admiración, que un joven como Ben se preocupe de dar a conocer estas bellas y antiguas iglesias y el encanto de sus instrumentos que embellecen la liturgia de las que aún cuentan con feligreses que dan vida a estos bellos lugares campestres. Saludos Ben.
@@federicoprice2687 Gracias Federico. Saludos, y un abrazo virtual desde Vila-real en la Comunitat Valenciana, mis mejores deseos para ti allá en la lejanía del Reino Unido. 🫂👍
@@jacoboVE_Cultura Gràcies de nou Jacobo! És fantàstic saber que ets a València, un lloc que conec força bé. Sóc de Balears, però actualment aquí al reino unido, la terra de la cervesa calenta i la pluja, i trobo a faltar una bona paella valenciana!! Abraços!
Another great dose of the lovely English countryside, a dash of history and architecture, and some soothing organ music - a great tonic after a cold Winter’s day. Thanks Ben.
Indeed we are hardy bunch. I play for the Friday Mass at my church and there was one occasion where it was pouring down rain. But I said to myself I have a duty to accomplish, therefore I walked. Since I am University Student I don’t have a car and therefore decided to take the University Transportation as far as they would take me, they dropped me off and I had to walk a long parking lot to get to the street and then cross it as it was pouring. A station near by provided me with shelter until I crossed it and had to cross another street, just to play the organ. And soaking wet, I played.
Thank you again Ben, Damerham and Martin are such beautiful villages and what a fascinating church. The snowdrops are magical this time of year; I recall another beautiful drift of them in the Woodford valley to the north of Salisbury. You are right about the different weather changing how these ancient buildings appear but they are part of the landscape. Your videos are a treat really, people now wait for them to escape into a magical world of beauty and stunning music for a few minutes. 🙏🙏🙏
This really was one for the team! Thank you for taking the trip to this beautiful church organ although the weather was horrible. The carpets of snowdrops are gorgeous! And so is the organ. What a lovely sound even without any pedal. Thank you for taking the time and effort to record and edit this video. It's highly appreciated!❤ And a special thanks to the Salisbury Organist trolley. What should we do without it?🙏🏻
Hello Ben-What an absolutely beautiful church and thoughtful program so perfect for this Lenten season. This church is being added to my ever increasing bucket list. Thanks to your show, I will have to live to a jolly ripe old age to be able to cover all of the bucket list places I need to go! Have a wonderful week! -Nancy F.
Wonderfully presented, as always Mr. Maton. Thanks, and God be with you. P.S. You mentioned Cambridge and showed a quick shot of the beautiful organ in the King's College Chapel... My late mom and I attended an afternoon recital there in 1977. Cheers!
Your efforts are greatly appreciated Ben, and trolley! We are blessed with having so many gorgeous ancient churches throughout England. It’s fantastic that so many are still open, servicing the local community, providing pleasure and support. I am a longstanding member of the Sussex Historic Churches Trust, who financially support old churches, especially when essential repairs are required. I love watching your vlogs…long may they continue. To support your work I have arranged for PayPal to send you a small donation each month.
Thank you again Ben. Such a privilege to journey with you to these beautiful country churches. Thank you too for the Handel Sarabande - so fitting. I sang 40 days and 40 nights along with you.💙
This is such a great channel! Full of information, history and wonderful music. Thank you Ben for sharing your music and your enthusiasm for our historic rural churches. If you ever travel north you'd be very welcome at St Aidan's Church, Bamburgh - one of few churches established by the Saint it is named after. Thanks again.
once again thanks for such a blessing to an Englishman so far from such scenery. Beautiful organ playing and a great church to have seen... So many thanks young man - from central Mexico.
A cheerful way t and a dank and wet day! The orgsn is a little gem, hard to think it nearly 170 years old. The unforced voicing is a reminder of a simpler period of English organ building. As you mention the church has had sympathetic restoration - the plaster ceiling a have survived which must help make the acoustic so good for this instrument. All too often the Victorian restorers tore down the plaster to expose the roof beams. This was usually not a good idea as it deaden sound.
