St Andrew’s, Great Durnford. Download my Christmas Album here: benmaton-thesa... Donate to my channel: www.paypal.com... You can also donate to this church and the other churches in the Woodford Valley via this link… givealittle.co...
As a fellow organist in a church too poor to heat, I howled with laughter and empathy when you mentioned “suffering for your art”! Your videos are wonderful and I marvel at these small country organs - what love and dedication to keep them in good working order. May your Advent be peacefully beautiful!
It's the pipe organ that suffers in unheated buildings. I worked for a pipe organ builder in the 80s. The company also did maintenance and tuning. Some churches just didn't understand the importance of temperature control for pipe organs.
I used to sing in the choir of the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove New Jersey. Love organ music. You are so talented. Thank you, I actually felt cold watching you in this beautiful church.
I am a soprano today and Third Order in the Society of Saint Pius X in Manchester UK and we sing pray in the Masses Gregorian Chant in Latin written between 500 AD and maybe up to AD 1480. The choir has a pianist who is studying at Grade 5 at present a young person, and because of the many miles between each house, we teach ourself weekly at home from the SSPX UK website Gregorian propers. I was raised atheist and I am currently the only Catholic in my entire family. This church bui and all church buildings in Great Britain that were founded before 1534 are built by the Church and not by the 'church of England'. The church of England did not exist until King Henry VIII made it exist. Glory be to God, To God be the glory. Amen
I'm a Catholic also, and I'm absolutely thrilled to find this channel! May we all be blessed by the Most Holy Trinity with peace and joy this Advent 💖🙏🏻
From an old expat English poet living out his days in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, thank you young man! …Wonderful music - and marvelously presented with suitable enthusiasm for an exceptional old place of God Eternal. Please keep presenting these important films - and God Bless all in the old country, and far beyond wherever you are - we are all one family now 🏴🙏
If you get down to Surrey, there is a little church in Chaldon with a spectacular medieval painting on the rear wall. St. Peter and St. Paul. It’s a lovely church that was my Grandmother’s parish when she was a child (and her ancestors) I’d love to hear its organ again. It’s been 20 years since I visited it.
Ben, you are a man of many talents. One could exhaust the space allotted here in listing these gifts. On this occasion I will limited myself to mentioning just one. You have a real gift to tell a story in a compelling manner that draws the listener into the web you are weaving in words. It is a joy to behold. Thank you!
You, kind sir, are the epitome of the British person I've sought who understands and reveres the history and soul of traditional English churches and sacred music. I loved every millisecond of this video, and felt I was right there with you. The choice of the Bach and Brahms particularly, warmed my heart; they are two of my very favorite organ pieces. Over two trips to England I saw many small churches like this, touring them in their lovely, mostly wooded surroundings, often open and unlocked with not a soul around. I've added St. Andrews, Great Durnford to my must-see list! ❤
I was raised in the Episcopal chrurc and sang in choirs all my life. Thank you for this beautiful advent surprise. I pray God continue to bless you this day; and all your days.✝
Thanks so much for this wonderful respite from the hectic modern world. I can close my eyes and imagine all the believers in different centuries who have worshipped here. Won't Heaven be amazing????💖
Ben, I thank you for showing us these enchanting places in remote villages. I love your descriptions of the architecture and history of the churches and the organs. I am a devoted classical music listener for over 50 years and although I cannot play any instrument I can resonably guess the composer correctly after hearing just a few bars. I love all good music and admire rhe work of many composers but have to say that for me JSB is the greatest and is head and shoulders above them all. This is Mike in Johannesburg ex Londoner many years ago. I will be looking forward to many more of your entertaining discoveries.
Hey Ben - just discovered you today - you’re so knowledgeable about organs and history- very interesting. Over on the Pethericks channel they’re restoring and installing an old organ from Norwich Cathedral in a Convent in France - I think you’d be interested in what they’re doing …👌🏻
Ben - Your videos just get better and better. This is a most interesting Norman Church. The doorway decoration is superb too. The music and the organ are just so perfect (particularly in the hand of your good self). Carry on with your good work, suffer the cold if you have to!! You are a hero!! - From John
Lo, he comes with clouds descending, once for favoured sinners slain. Alleluia! Ben's tiny frozen hands treat us to another fascinating video with beautiful Advent music by Bach and Brahms previously unknown to me.
After many years of traveling just a few years ago I finally was able to go to the land of my ancestors. I felt that I was finally home. The first place I went to was Marhamchurch in Western Cornwall where my 3 times great grandparents came from. Walking up the towpath of the canal from Bude the spring air and daffodils to guide my way I past what was the “Box Foundry” then onto “Marhamchurch and village and village. Inside I felt the warmth of age timbers and the closeness time. After staying a week of exploring a few villages and finding “The Box’s Shop” I moved on to the village of “Box” on the London Road and a church again steeped in history. I’m hoping to return this year and again feel the connection with a place and time that means so much to me.
You speak to all Christians as C.S. Lewis implored us to with his "Mere Christianity," speaking in the universal tongue of angels: pure music. I sang in the Glee Club in college, "Lo How a Rose E're Blooming" being my favorite hymn. Sublime. Christ bless you. Your music soared high in this the great and holy season of Advent, celebrating the awesome Incarnation of Christ Jesus in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary ... the Theotokos or "God-Bearer" in the Orthodox Church, she being the new Ark of the Covenant. Thank you with all my heart for keeping alive great religious Tradition and bringing us such joy!!!
Growing up my parents took me to a modern church where traditional hymns weren't sung very often and no organ. However, I have always loved traditional hymns, I remember as a child, My mother used to sing hymns while playing her piano. Discovering British hymns was a very special experience for me, this melody like so many others feels so familiar and yet so foreign. One can hear the passage of time and the echo of timeless voices that have cherished and sung these beautiful songs throughout the centuries. A truly magical experience.😊❤ As an American, I can feel my ancestors' gifts when I hear this music. Thanks, Ben, I really love all your videos. 😊🙏 You look adorable in the hat btw 😉
Your videos are wonderful! I have been a church organist for nearly 50 years starting when I was in high school. My ancestors came from England and Scotland and my heart is there. Organ is my passion even though I also play flute, oboe, mandolin, and piano. Advent is a time of inspiration and expectation. The church year is all so beautiful and hymns ancient and modern our treasures.
Hi Ben, Greetings from Montreal. And on this first Sunday of Advent, it snowed for the first time this season. What a beautiful way to begin the Advent Season. I was hoping to see people sitting in the pews below you admiring your playing.
Meant to add the architecture is fantastic and how wonderful the community took such great care of this little church.......the benefit of living in a wonderfully close knit homogenous community.
I’m in Heaven. Although an Episcopalian, the music speaks to all of us. I love sacred music. Many times it brings me to tears any Sunday. Love and Merry Christmas from VA in America. Your talent is amazing. I’m in awe of organists. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Thank you for this beautiful recital. The Brahms is one of my favorite organ pieces. My uncle was church organist where I grew up, and I first heard it when he played it. I later learned and played it on the same organ. I am not a great organist, but it is my favorite instrument. I also arranged the Brahms for string quartet for an advent service. It surprised the players, but they played it very nicely. I hope they appreciated this beautiful chorale prelude. I hope you had a good Christmas and look forward to your offerings for the new year.
How wonderful Ben. So glad I found your channel. Thankyou for bringing to life these beautiful places - and yes I shed a tear listening to the Brahms. Best wishes to you and yours from the other side of the world - Tasmania
In a world that has gone, increasingly more insane by the day. It makes me beyond thrilled to go through RU-vid and see all these young people who are playing church organs, or singing in gorgeous choirs, ancient pieces of music that bring such joy to one’s soul. I can’t tell you how much it gives me. Thank you for suffering for your art to bring us, but so many people suffered to write because of the Lord they loved.
I attend a small Parish Church in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. My miniature long haired dachshund, along with other dogs, often came to church and behaved beautifully until one Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service. Our regular organist couldn’t be there so his Mother filled in. I’m not sure what happened but she hit a loud obviously wrong Note. Greeley looked at her sternly and let out one bark. Luckily the Priest loves dogs.
Ben, I love England, always homesick, so I would have loved this except I needed music right now to finish my Christmas work. I'll be back but this self taught expat Chapel organist will seek MUSIC elsewhere for now. But I hope a decent TV producer will pick this up and do a series because you're a good presenter and these are beautiful, historic churches, but right now...the "ears" need feeding. Hugs from USA!
Tomorrow I am taking the Midnight Mass at at a small village Church in Norfolk UK. As an old non stipendiary Priest, ordained in later life. I too will feel that I am exactly where I need to be
Dude where did you come from!! I opened up my phone and there you were the first on my RU-vid app. I am from across the pond. I am an amateur historian and musician. I subscribe instantly ! When you started talking. Two of my obsessions in one plus. The setting just blew me away We spent a week in Chipping Camden a few years ago I found my second home I roamed the fields and churches in blissful summer there. I feel this was an incredible gift I just received from a complete stranger. Thank you and God bless you For what you do spreading Beautiful, music and sharing humankind’s history With the world Keep it up!!!
I wish that today’s church wasn’t moving away from the music and musicians that love the great musical traditions (including their continuance in the classical music of today). Artistry is leaving the building. Sorry, not sorry…
As an Australian, these videos create a nostalgic visit back to England after forty lovely years there before returning to Oz in retirement. I have a great love of both countries, and these simple wanderings in the English countryside visiting old churches fills me with a longing for my former life there. Although I am very happy indeed here in Australia, I realise you cannot live in two places at the same time. Perhaps I do achieve that when watching these charming videos. Thank you Ben.
I love watching your videos. I find them so relaxing! I'm also an organist based in Wiltshire, in a small village near Calne and play on a tiny 1 manual, 8 stop organ. I find that what makes your videos unique is that you showcase the smaller, perhaps somewhat forgotten organs which no one really thinks about, instead of the large 3 or 4 manual organs! Small organs can be equally as fun as big organs!! Thank you for creating these videos.
These videos are proof that the size of the instrument is less important than (a) the stops available, (b) the instrument's state of upkeep, (c) the suitability of the repertoire and (d) the performer. This is a lovely beast. I was previously and organist in a church with a small, 19th century 2-manual tracker action organ. It was joy to play. I now play a recently restored 3-manual Harrison & Harrison but, despite regular tuning and expert maintenance, I approach it each Sunday with trepidation as it always manifests some unexpected quirk.
I too have had the joy of playing a beautiful old 2 manual tracker action organ for some years. However, I can relate to your experience in regards to quirks. Nothing like jumping off the organ bench to remove a pedal bourdon pipe that loved to cipher at all the wrong moments during the service at random intervals! Loved the organ ,but you never knew what surprises you were going to get each service!
I can almost hear the echoes of conversations of the thousands of Christians who have passed through here. This is like stepping back in time 1000 years.
I lived 40 years of my life with no church or religion, my parents have always been so amazing and loving, they did and still do teach me good values. Iv been going to to a Catholic church for a month now, and I just feel so welcome and over Joy I almost tear every time I walk in. I feel I am exactly where I need to be.
@@sammicopor following God IS religion..the two aren't mutually exclusive. It's a new age mumbo jumbo mentality that's causing you to spout such (,for the lack of a better word) nonsense
Amen Brother, as a convert to the one holy catholic faith, God has given us the grace to hear his voice and answer his call.❤and the cathedrals and organs and choirs are Beautiful.
You won me over within the first 20 seconds of this video, as you encouraged your audience to "relish" seeing a man suffer for his art. With that sense of humor, you will go far in life, and may you ENJOY the journey!! 👍 Blessings to you this Christmas season. 🎄 💚 Best wishes from the San Diego, California area. 🌞
For international viewers.. the 'pop of gunfire' aludes to the Army Ranges, which cover large areas of Salisbury Plain, rather than some local gangland feud !
I wish I'd been there to see you enter the church and play so beautifully. I'd have crept in behind you and sat as quietly as a church mouse, soaking up every lovely note and enjoying that timeless atmosphere of an old country church. But your video came a very close second. Thank you!
Thank you from 🇳🇿 Getting to see England without visiting but so enjoy every video you put out so much. Your care in relating the heritage of all areas with dignity and love just makes them even more special to us listeners. Thank you.
How very beautiful and touching this video is. Thank you for bringing us warmth (even with the coldness you endured🎶🎶). You also give us such wonderful historic information as well. The glow of the church as darkness came - what feelings it evoked! I hope so many more see this video! A blessed Advent season to you🙏✨
Hello from Southern California. I'm a former church organist who played for over 40 years. I love to see the old organs played. One of my churches had an 1890's Jardine tracker. I loved seeing the keys go down when the couplers were engaged. That was over 50 years ago, organ still in use. Its in Brooklyn, NY. So I know cold organ lofts Thank you for highlighting the playing of hymns instead of brilliant recital pieces. I still love to play them on the piano. Please keep up these videos, I love them. Bob from Santa Barbara
Thanks for this truly magnificent video! So peaceful and magical. Your explanations added to the special Advent atmosphere. 🌟- cheers from wintery Lake Zurich, Switzerland.
Dear Ben, thanks für taking uns in this wonderful church. Veneration grasped me! Thanks for playing greatest music for us. "Bach, perfect like nature" - I've never heared this comparison. Wonderful! I've played the same pieve this morning. BWV 599 as the prelude and BWV 659 as the postlude of the service. The Buxtehude-prelude in the service for the hymn. Please take us to more hidden places of your wonderful country, which is rich of wonderful musicians, composers and the best vocal ensembles. Greetings from southern Germany, Stephan
In old buildings, it really sparks my imagination to wonder at how much life was lived within the walls of such structures. The people who lived , worshipped, got married, etc within these old buildings left their mark, and it can be felt. Beautiful video. Thank you.
Thank you, Ben for another entrancing visit to a country village church and its organ. Your Videos always bring some light to the day and recognition of the wonderful heritage we have in this country.
