I look forward greatly to these videos. The music, and Ben's soothing voice, bring me joy and serenity. Thank you.

@trainsupporter9088

4 ай бұрын

Same here!

Jesu, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly was sung by 3,000 people in the Welsh valleys after the Aberfan colliery disaster. An organist who played for as long as Widor and a donation from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie make Nunton special. And Ben’s playing of Bach’s Chorale Prelude and Elgar’s Nimrod was divine.

@jilliemc

4 ай бұрын

Yes, I saw a programme about that. Happened within my lifetime, and now comes to mind whenever I play or sing it.

@mafakefoot

4 ай бұрын

After your post here I spent time learning and feeling and praying with the pain of this tragic event I vaguely Remembered, Blessings sent from me in USA

Eleven stars out of ten. An organ that some would have dismissed as an Ugly Duckling was transformed into the most beautiful Swan by Ben's magical touch and his belief that perfection is to be found in imperfection. Thank you, Ben!

@amergin2005

4 ай бұрын

Cannot agree more with you on this point! What a wonderful attitude and approach.

Bach’s music is so good the organ doesn’t have to be in tune! What a wonderful sentiment.

When I was a music student we performed many concerts in churches. Out of tune pianos and harpsichords were our biggest problem due to cold spaces, which were then warmed by lots of people. Once the eletricity went off and we had to finish the concert by candlelight 😃 These videos remind me of those times, and bring back many happy memories for me.

@anntankersley2468

4 ай бұрын

21:26 21:26 😊 ak

Such a work of grace and labor of love you are giving to us. I pray the Lord provides your every need to continue this wonderful work

American viewers of your videos are going to LOVE this one, Ben! The organ was largely paid for by Andrew Carnegie in 1909 - the richest man in the world at that time, way ahead of the Rockefellers! Two decades earlier he had also gifted $2 million to build what is now called 'Carnegie Hall' in New York. It appears that the organist Ernest Fray must have been instrumental in this, given that he was appointed in 1908, the year before Nunton even had an organ. Carnegie was born in a 1-room weaver's cottage in Dunfermline, Scotland. The family emigrated to Pittsburgh when he was 12 years old - and he made his subsequent fortune from steel. His philosophy became to share his wealth for good causes (he funded 7,000 organs in total!) - he said "You should spend a third of your life learning - a third making money - and a third giving it all away". By the time he had died he had given away the equivalent of $5.98 billion in today's money. 😂 Thanks again, Ben. Michaelx

@edifice2773

4 ай бұрын

Wow. I've read about Andrew Carnegie's organ donations, but I have never before heard of one still extant. Do you know of any other Carnegie organs still around?

@califdad4

4 ай бұрын

A library was built in our town in northern California with Carnegie funds obtained by the local Woman's Improvement Club

What a beautiful church. I hope this video raises enough awareness to enable funds for a restoration of this organ.

Thank you for great music during Lent.

You are quite an extraordinary young man. I love your respect for liturgical terminology (and Bach!). Thank you!

Ben , you let us taste the Joy for organmusic and historical old churches.thank you!HF

Old, sick, with sore eyes, I listened to this presentation and was inspired. Thank you Ben from 🦘🌏

@sarahrowe9661

4 ай бұрын

Hope you feel better soon and will keep in good health, amen.

Thank you Ben. This has been a long hard winter personally while climatically being almost average. You asked us to bring to mind those that we have lost. A month ago I lost, one of my two best friends of 35 years, followed by my brother in law within 2 days, and in that conversation discovered his father died 3 years ago. A week ago we said goodbye to one of our dogs. I can hear why this piece is popular for the purpose. Spring is around the corner and my neighbors are expecting a baby so life goes on, the cycle continues. Keep making these superb videos. They are worth the effort.

Moving and lovely. That organ blossomed under such sensitive playing. Thank you!

Thank you so much, Ben. I lost my beloved younger sister to Covid in January 2021 and your lovely music certainly did resonate with me. Bless you.

Elgar's Nimrod always tears at my heart, it is synonymous with the Great War and the loss of so many who gave their lives fighting for the freedoms which today we take for granted and which, sadly, so many abuse.

@SalisburyOrganist

4 ай бұрын

Thank you :)

@mafakefoot

4 ай бұрын

A lovely and emotional gift to us today Ben. My person in my heart, my True Love Spouse of Loving Memory, Gene. 1930-2013. Blessings and Love to you , my friend Ben

Ben, many, many thank yous for taking us to the places you do! Your gentle kindness in bringing us soul restoring sound is such a gift!

@SalisburyOrganist

4 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!! ❤️

@mikesoule1352

4 ай бұрын

Ben, thank you for playing Elgar's "Nimrod" so beautifully. I'll consider it in memoriam to my Auntie Mimi who passed due to COVID in 2022 at age 90. She was a pianist, and the organist at Berkshire Valley Presbyterian Church in N.J. USA. for decades. Peace to you. ☮️

@pbj1984

4 ай бұрын

@@SalisburyOrganist Will you be posting the pieces to your Shopify page, as you did with your Advent mini-recitals? I have all of your Shopify items, including your CD in both digital and physical form; I have them uploaded into an iTunes playlist and listening to them all is so restful and uplifting at once. I would love to be able to add any of your Lenten mini-recitals to it...? It's a way I can support your channel and get something back as well. (I am unaware if adding more items would result in a charge to you; if so, I understand if you decline for that reason.) Thank you for your music, your travelogues, your history and music lessons

Jesu, lover of my soul and Nimrod - so many funerals, so many remembered, thank you. Especially with the bird song.

Your videos are so beautifully done. I don’t get out to church much anymore, but you help me satisfy my lifelong love of organ music. There is no instrument like it. Thank you-from Chicago, Illinois.

@rclose23

4 ай бұрын

There are so many organs in the Chicago area, I hope this tempts you to go to church to listen.

@mafakefoot

4 ай бұрын

Kathy Agree and everything about Ben is beautiful. Perhaps you "don't get out to church" due to transportation same as I. Wheelchair won't fit in most cars. I "go to my (Anglican) church" on my cell phone by video evertime door is open, and same with fine concerts. Every city church and denomination offers video services. I'm in Dallas. Texas

Is there any more evocative site and sound than a beautiful English village Church on a beautiful Spring day with blue sky and the crows calling, building their nests. Then the sound of Bach on the organ during lent with the Church adorned in purple livery. Where would we be without our Faith? Thank you Ben for another lovely journey.

An exceptional time spent with Ben and another village organ. This was also mixed in with delightful scenery and brief history of the church. To top it off, there was a sensitive and insightful narration by Ben. Keep smiling!

Every video a masterclass! Please keep them coming!

I am really enjoying your channel with my kids while we homeschool! Thank you for keeping such beautiful music and history of our people alive.

Ben, today's choice of venue, organ and music excelled........the combination of your narrative and voice alongside stunning performances does indeed transport my thoughts and emotions as you quite rightly suggest......... a most spiritually reflective period of time spent with you this afternoon. Thanks ever wo much. Chris

I always have a reflective experience when I listen to Nimrod, and especially so after viewing your latest video, Ben. I had it played at my mother's funeral six years ago. She was a WAAF during the second world war and was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service in 1945. With your playing, the beautiful church, and perfectly lovely village surroundings, how could I not help shedding a tear. Thank you Ben, for commemorating my mother Jean, this day.

I love your analogy that we can find beauty in that which is imperfect. This old instrument is still useful and you made it sound lovely.

Thanks! They just get better and better, Thanks from Texas.

Thank you for another excellent episode.

@PortsladeBySea

4 ай бұрын

Totally agree 👍

Oh, there are SO many things I could say about your genius and this highly-evocative episode! Saint Andrew (I was born on his feast day); "Jesu, Lover of My Soul" (a beloved, soul-stirring hymn); Elgar (reaching the depths and heights of dignity); capturing visual perspective par excellence!! I know my dear husband (who departed for Heaven 3 years ago) would be especially pleased that you dedicated this to all those who have gone before!!

Dear Ben, Your video was beautiful. My dear English mum died one year ago. She loved organs and churches. Elgar's Nimrod was special for me. Your music helps me celebrate this Lenten Season.

Yet another inspiring and educating story of a village church. I do love these videos. Thank you Ben.

Thank you. Such gorgeous music and very interesting history. I love these churches. Bless you, 😊🙏💕🇺🇸

That was a really lovely performance of Nimrod - not an easy thing on such an instrument!

Outstanding all the best art transcends limitations.

Thanks!

@SalisburyOrganist

4 ай бұрын

Very very kind. Thank you ❤️

@PortsladeBySea

4 ай бұрын

Very generous ❤

Absolutely beautiful! It DID resonate with me as a reminder of my father. Love your videos, the exploring, the stories, the colour commentary and of course the music.

Brilliant Ben, just brilliant. Thank you so very much.

NImrod, as they say nowadays, gets me right in the "feels".

In case it isn't clear: the "Andrew Carnegie of Skibo Castle" had to have been Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-American industrialist & philanthropist. The Wikipedia article on him says he generally avoided religious causes, so it might be interesting to look into why he graced this parish with a gift.

@michaelpatterson5811

4 ай бұрын

Andrew Carnegie was very 'into' music; his wife was a member of the main New York women's choir; and he funded the 'Carnegie Music Hall' outright, to the tune of $2million. He paid for about 7,000 organs in total . . . . and this funding request came from St. Andrew's church. How could he refuse? 😇😇

@professorlove5541

4 ай бұрын

@@michaelpatterson5811 Plausible conjectures!

"Nimrod" without doubt the best piece ever written for band or organ - and you, Ben, did it credit! Proper job!!

Ben thank you for these videos. When i was a young man living in England, exploring ancient churches was my hobby. Now i am old and crippled but your videos bring back the sights and smells and feelings i had long ago. A future you will be so glad you did this.

@user-eb4tk5tv7m

3 ай бұрын

hello, Dan (I'm assuming that's your name). As an elderly English lover and occasional player of the organ, now living in New Zealand. I'd love to know where you live. Best wishes, Clive

Thank you, Ben, for yet another thoughtful, sympathetic and excellent choice of music, beautifully played, so that the organ's imperfections did not seem to exist . Lets hope we can increase your subscribers to get it to be a much visited channel! Donation made!

@SalisburyOrganist

4 ай бұрын

Thank you :)

A lovely stroll through beautiful countryside and superbly played music. T.his was lovely to listen to and the history is evocative of times gone by. Peace and tranquility is what you shared thank you so much. Greetings from Cape Town

Absolutely beautiful and so very moving. Thank you, Ben!

What a lovely video, full of emotion and understanding. I'm been an organist for 50 years so appreciate your music.

So beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talent and love for the village church organs.

JS Bach signed each piece he wrote: to God’s glory.

Mr Maton, thank you very much for this beautiful video. The churches, their history, the scenery where you take us and your music , all give me very, very nice moments. Danielle, from Montréal, Québec.

Once again, thank you for playing beautiful music on another village church. You are a blessing, Ben!

I’m so glad you persevered with this “quirky” organ. If you hadn’t pointed out the problems with this organ I never would have guessed as your playing sounded so beautiful. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and am happy to financially support your efforts. Thanks Ben! Hope you have a good week too.

Elgar's Nimrod was played divinely. Thank you so much Ben. Your videos are superb. A wonderful way to begin Lent.

Beautiful! Yes, ‘emotional resonance’ experienced here!Thank you, Ben.

My absolute dream come true video-organ, hymns, beautiful church, Lenten devotion, and a handsome Englishman

@mafakefoot

4 ай бұрын

rclose23 Certainly just as you stated, Bens videos are each a dream come true- This handsome Englishman's Love of God, His Church, and all that is beautiful stirs my soul and all who view. Every time.

@trainsupporter9088

4 ай бұрын

I add an amen to all you said!

@christinegray2414

4 ай бұрын

​⁹@@mafakefoot

Greetings from the middle of Kansas USA. Love your videos, especially Bach and Handel pieces. Thank you and God bless you.

60 + years ago our high school choir sang Bach Corral, Sleepers Wake in 8 part harmony every class for a warm up song. JS Bach brings back fond memories to this day! Lovely music! Can’t get enough of your videos! ❤

@edcew8236

4 ай бұрын

Corral is for animals; chorale is for singers.

@marie-annecody83

4 ай бұрын

Probably autocorrection on the phone anyway ​@@edcew8236

@mafakefoot

4 ай бұрын

Hello Heart Messenger Ben . Your music, voice, thoughts, love of God and all that is beautiful, accompanied my Morning Prayer today. Third repeat this video Blessings

@mafakefoot

4 ай бұрын

@@edcew8236 Sometimes in Texas we must corral rowdy chorale singing animals of varying species

Dear Ben, Once again you've restored my soul with another of your high quality videos. They're brilliant and precious. Blessings, Deborah.

@SalisburyOrganist

4 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

A timely watch for me. I have a clear memory of my father, a Pastor, singing ‘Jesu Lover of my soul’. It had such a striking melody to me as a child listening . Thank you for your suggestion to dedicate Nimrod to a loved one as in 4 days it will be the second anniversary of his passing. He lived for his faith and was well loved by all.

Dear Ben, thank you for another fine video. In it you speak of the tranquility of the surroundings. I find a lot of tranquility in the way you speak to us listeners and explain the things you come across in these churches.

Thank you Ben! 🇨🇦 ❤️💒🎶

Many thanks Ben, your visits to these churches is always a welcome treat, this one in particular as St Andrew’s Nunton seemed so pretty in its sunny springtime setting and glorious interior and so well-kept. To think Andrew Carnegie donated to install the organ was curious. As a Scot and American philanthropist he donated so very far and wide. Amongst a huge benefaction, he built and stocked educational libraries and institutions throughout colonial Australia for the education of working people as he benefited from such as a boy. Your playing was quite sublime, and your choice of Charles Wesley’s hymn for Lent perfect.

Charles Wesley wrote the words to Jesu Lover of My Soul while he was hiding in a haystack, fleeing from a mob that wanted to kill him. I forget what tune it was first sung to, but it was not so good a fit as Aberswyth, but then how could it be? Thanks for another great video. Brilliant Nimrod, btw, imho.

The Bach BWV 639 was beautiful and sounded wonderful on the ‘out of tune’ organ - we didn’t notice! Thanks very much for sharing this with us.

Thanks, Ben.

Lovely video again Ben and enjoyed the short walk. Outside the pub in Nunton there's a milk vending machine in a little shed (you buy a refillable glass milk bottle, pay by card and fill up the bottle). You walked past some of the cows who supply the milk, they graze all along the valley there. It's worth mentioning not only because the milk is really fresh but it allows farmers to sell direct to the public. There's another one outside the pub in Downton, (so you can buy your milk after staggering out of the pubs ready for a restoring and sobering cup of tea in the morning).

@SalisburyOrganist

4 ай бұрын

I’m going to Odstock tomorrow so will look forward to to investing that 😉

@PortsladeBySea

4 ай бұрын

Sounds a great idea 🐄🥛🧑‍🌾🌾

Stunning penitential altar frontal - ravishing (like the music)

1908 - 1970? Wow! Mr. Fray was on the bench for a very long time. And he was probably in his teens when he started playing in church. The photo looks to have been taken near the end of his service. I would say the late 1960s or possibly even his final Sunday.

@moonloversheila8238

4 ай бұрын

Yes, I agree. Looks like the 60s to me.

@michaelpatterson5811

4 ай бұрын

Interestingly, Jillie, the brass plaque records that the organ wasn't installed untill 1909, a year after his appointment. You may be interested in my comments above about the generosity of Andrew Carnegie . . . .

Yes, I got the emotional resonance. Yet another deeply amazing video-- thank you!

It doesn’t matter what organ, what venue, or what day…that piece ALWAYS transports me…and all the more from an empty country church. Thanks for that Ben. And then your final outro piece put a flippin’ tear in my eye. Keep up the good work.

Definitely evoked emotions in me! Your videos just keep getting better, Ben. And I'm happy to see you clean shaven still!

This episode is definitely my favourite so far. Just because of the music you've played. Thank you so much for playing "Nimrod." It was very moving, and it made me cry. This piece is very important for me, and hearing you play it, well, goosebumps and tears... Thank you so, so much! I know it's a lot of work to create this video's, but it's highly appreciated. ❤ Saying "hello" from the Netherlands.

Ben, this is my favorite thus far! We ❤ & appreciate! USA 🇺🇸❤

Ben…you are charming…likeable…talented. A perfect combination for a brilliant future. Thank you for sharing your love of organs and churches. I’m blessed with every video you post.

On a bright and sunny Tuesday morning, with a hint of dew on the grass, your lovely performance of Nimrod has mingled with the redgums and cattle, still fresh from its 12,000 mile journey. Thank you, Ben.

Oh my. Another wonderful week of great English countryside and amazing organ music. I often play Nimrod during Lent and will be playing it this forthcoming Sunday. It truly fed my soul when you played it today. Thank you ever so much.

Thanks! Beautifully played, sensitive commentary. So long as you don't recruit a less than talented soprano--even your wife--I'll continue to contribute.

Elgar would be proud of your rendition - I enjoyed it immensely; thanks

Emotional resonance? Almost overwhelming...

Just beautiful. Thank you. The Elgar..... oh my goodness.

Thanks

March 14…and the second time I listened to this. And I learned something I had not really attended to the first time. But the Nimrod is so soothing, so gentle, so peaceful … and the sunset views of the churchyard and the dimming light indoors … the perfect way to get my mind to wind down for bedtime. I’ve saved this to my playlist called “restful music.” I’d love an entire video of that and similar pieces in mood and tempo. Or a CD/download. ✨ Peace. ✨

Prachtig, I love to see and to hear you every time.

I realy love you chanel, Ben. I would love to see sister chanels of yours, with orther organists of different countries exploring humble churchs, villages and playing organs in their respectiv countries. France, Germany, Netherland, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, etc etc etc... What a journey in the very soil of ou culture could it be.

Utterly, utterly brilliant. Well done sir, and thank you.

Yet another absolutely beautiful video, Ben. I look forward to them every week. I especially loved the poem from the hymn you played. ❤

Thanks for doing this. Your programs are inspirational.

Thank you again Ben! Love the churches you show us and the organs that you play for us! From Canada, thanks again!

-beautiful thanks for your efforts

I have always loved pipe organs, and used to turn the music pages for our church organist every Sunday! I also grew up with the pure joy and soul stirring excitement of Easter and the film, and live Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall in New York…. It was all exhilarating, but I especially loved listening to, and feeling the dual console, 4 manual, 58 rank Wurlitzer theatre organ….. the 32’ Bombarde pipes would gently shake the huge 6300 seat auditorium…. That would send shivers down my spine! Thank you soo much for sharing your talents, and producing fine heartfelt videos…..!

Thank you Ben . Brilliant as always and beautiful playing 👍❤️

We love the music Ben but your editing of the video is really good.

Out of tune, yes, but nevertheless, beautiful… Another great show Ben… Keep on rockin………

It was amazing how beautiful Nimrod sounded the way you played it on that organ. It made me wonder if Elgar originally conceived it on the organ and then orchestrated it later. Bravo Ben! I couldn’t hear the bass line on the Bach but that is such a masterpiece that any 2 of the 3 lines played together sound heavenly! Coincidentally, earlier today I was playing the bass line on my cello and singing the melody. So beautiful!

That was Beautiful....I will never understand the physiology of emotion experienced from music. Many thanks. God be with you.

Brilliant episode ben. Really enjoyed it xxx

I am beginning to love this channel. Ben, your dedication to obscure instruments together with sympathetic music choices is quite refreshing!

Simply & emotionally appealing. As an "aged" individual, I truly appreciate your exceptional "tutorials" on the musical entrees to which I was never talented enough to pursue. Each offering made by you teaches me the musical lessons I should have been aware of but was not talented enough to achieve! Your musical mastery along with your ability to explain & guide us viewers is simply amazing & greatly appreciated. You are a "master instructor" & worthy of my sincere admiration. Thank you for sharing this post. This is Peter; out!

What wonderful service Mr Fray gave to this church. My Aunt Doll gave the same to her Methodist church. I thought of her during Nimrod. Who needs a swell pedal when you can achieve a beautiful slow crescendo by changing stops and manuals. I also appreciated the brief foray into unison on Aberystwyth. The sounds you coax from these vintage organs is nothing short of miraculous. It is a product of your knowledge, experience and feeling for the capacities of the instrument. Well done again.

Thank you for more beautiful music! Watching from Vanuatu....

Thank you Ben for visiting this amazing church and her organ which my husband Lester mentioned to you that we visited this church many times last year on enroute to hospital apps whilst preparing for my back op which has now been successfully done. The compilation of music played for this vlog was poignant and resonated accordingly, its coming up 4 years soon since we lost both of our mums to Covid and the mums loved Nimrod. Thank you. Lynette x

Well done Ben, well done! I'm not a trained musician, but I think I'm capable of understanding and appreciating your well-researched work, no, your sharing of these musical gems; to say "work" would imply that it was onerous to some degree, which it was not. Love seeing that beautiful, green grass, even in winter. Cheers.