An Organist's Guide to COMPOSING.

[@annemariewharton2797]

I was completely absorbed, delighted and thrilled throughout. What a work of art! Thank you 🙏🏻.

[@clasinamittiga3315]

Your composition both visually and musically took my breath away. They are inseparable. Beautiful. Thank you!

[@chaelwest]

Well Ben. This was definitely different and other-worldly. I think of Alfred Hitchcock. This was beautiful musically, and shocking visually. The Brentor church is unlike any building I've ever seen. Fascinating that you could even climb those steps ( "only the penitent shall pass"). It also makes me think of the Frankenstein era with your standing on the cliffs edge. "Brentor" is a stirring composition. A lot of light, medium, and dark tones. This was a great composition. I was honestly thrown off at first when the video portion started. This is not your norm that you present to us, but who says that you can't go outside the box to express yourself. A+😊Stay safe and keep growing. Char

[@joantennant5579]

This weeks video is stunning with the wonderful views from Brentor church your stunning piece of music you composed and played at st Mary’s church Salisbury organ Thank you 🙏 Ben look forward to to what youlll have for us next week 👵🏻👌

[@russbetts1467]

Hi Ben. Thank you for another trip down Memory Lane. I lived in Devon for 21 years and visited Brentor Church on several occasions. A Marriage; a Christening and a Funeral. He was a member of the Devon Folk Scene, who was born, bred and lived in Brentor, so it was appropriate to hold his funeral service there, prior to burying him in the local graveyard. We carried him up and we carried him down, every member of the Folk Scene taking their turn; several times in each direction. I even introduced the members of my local Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme to Saint Michael on The Rock, as part of their Ten Tors Expedition training. A Hardy bunch, they Devonians. Took it all in their stride; especially the Schoolgirls. As you will no doubt appreciate, Many Happy Memories, for this aged Pensioner. I love what you did with the treatment of the film, at the end. I haven't seen that technique used for many years. "Brentor". An appropriate title for your composition. I can't wait for your next organ composition. Cheers, Russ. Havant.

[@swelltogreat]

I note that my comment on your previous video garnered 100 replies. Please accept that comment as a response to this superior film. As to your "Brentor" composition, it musically reflects the beauty, history, and emotional impact of the sight as depicted in the video. You checked all the boxes.

[@RobertJohnsonmusic]

The videography is superb. Ben, your original composition, "Brentor" is hauntingly beautiful and a fitting tribute to Saint Michael on the Rock. What a stunning work and tour this week. Bravo, Sir!

[@davejacques4226]

World-Class, our brother! Thanks so very much. I look forward to every Sunday’s release from you 👏🏼👏🏼😊.

[@gregcrease8066]

Bravo Maestro. A composition evocative of your journey.

[@davejacques4226]

World-Class, our brother! Thanks so very much. I look forward to every Sunday’s release from you 👏🏼👏🏼😊…

[@lilaporter9847]

WOW! Not only is this music beautiful but the video accompanying it really gives meaning to it. So wonderful following you in the process of writing it. Thank you so much for your postings, I wait for each one every week. They are always uplifting & informative. Stay strong! God Bless you!

[@denniso.shepherd6699]

Incredible artistry, Ben! You always amaze me. I do not have much to look forward to - but, I ALWAYS look forward to your weekly creations. Blessings to you.

[@balfourknight7011]

Wow, Ben! Ethereal, other-worldly, mesmerizing are just a few adjectives to describe this video. Your manipulation of the media to create a living painting was extraordinary. It was the perfect marriage between sound and sight. Alexander Scriabin would have been proud! Love & Hugs from North Carolina, USA.

[@buddhabro.9130]

WOW! As a creative person, I have never been so stunned into silence as I've been continuously throughout this video. The sense of Place, landscape, and building, from just this video alone, to me metaphysically echoes back to our ancient pagan roots up to the present day. The druids erected stones there in early times. It's not hard to imagine that they would have chosen a site like this for spiritual practice. It's lovely to see it's still being used for spiritual purposes 😊🙏. If I had been there I'd just spend all day with walking and sitting meditation, sketching meditation, and painting that stunning landscape, tombstones, and church, inside and out. I love the mini film accompaniment with the music. I must travel from America just to see that church, it would be totally worth it! WELL DONE! 😊🙏❤

[@kittyfruitloop8264]

Otherworldly!!!! That's what i love about organs anyway, and you take it to the next level! I love improvising with hymns as well and a lot of times i will tease out a hidden melody in a hymn by playing the alto, tenor, bass line, or a combination of. Then i run will with rhat melody and weave it through with the original melody of the hymn to create lots of interest. Also, i love to play hymns backwards to see if i can find a hidden melody that way. My latest composition came from literally the last six notes of a well known hymn tune (i wont tell you which one) played backwards. Within ten minutes, an entirely new song was born! Also, i will tell you "Hyferdol" hymn tune is lovely played backwards. I prefer to play that one in minor key, Try it!

[@donaldlampert331]

Moody, etherial, and evocative!! 🎼 …… kind of like you! 💕

[@jeangarrett3754]

I am completely gobsmacked is all I can say right now. This is so visually and musically artistic and I wanted to scream out my emotion during and after listening to this. I have told all my family and friends to watch your work. This was so good. ❤

[@SeanNCraleigh]

I thoroughly enjoyed your entire video today. I liked hearing you explain some of your thought processes in composing your piece. Your "music video" was both musically and visually appealing. You are a very creative and imaginative young man. Each week you seem to have a slightly different approach to the churches and to your organ music. Please keep presenting these fascinating films.

[@jodiknight2820]

Stunning vistas from and around Brentor. From your narrative and photographic presentation of the stunning vistas, I can absolutely picture those from previous generations and those from before recorded history climbing the rugged pathway to worship. I very much enjoyed hearing how you approach composition and listening to your new composition.

[@maggiebolton3613]

Beautiful music, scenery and visuals; I get film score vibes

[@kesmarn]

I can only imagine that many a worshiper and pastor felt very profoundly how much that weekly uphill climb -- sometimes, appropriately, on hands and knees -- echoed their own upward struggle to grow closer to their Father "who is in Heaven." Buffeted by strong winds, but within, a cross -- everyone's cross -- sheltered in sweet, peaceful solitude, enchanted by starry nights, surrounded by wind-bent trees and mournfully tilting gravestones; this is surely the place to produce music like this, Ben. Congratulations.

[@geoflay4372]

Please keep on making these videos and playing beautiful music.

[@marjavanrijn4575]

You made me think of Heathcliff roaming the moors 😊

[@tobyhuitson4326]

It sounds minimalist and contemporary; it could almost be a film score… perfect for a secular recital where there are newcomers to the organ. I’m fortunate enough to have enjoyed some success with my own writing so I was answering back at the screen in your intro!😂

[@donaldhohmann8845]

Something haunting about the music kept luring me in. At times, I just listen to parts of a piece, but this one held me to the end. Thanks. I'll donate to off set the ticket price of this World Premiere.

[@elizabethchristensen4018]

You are a man of many talents Ben. I love your program. Liz in New Zealand

[@MiaMarie145]

Brentor - the beginning is powerful. I feel like I'm on a carriage in another time, racing either from or to something - I can't tell. And then I finally reach my place and peace. The imagery is perfectly fitting with your music: dark, suspicious, uncanny - yet hopeful and joyous. Wonderful, Ben!

[@alisonhughes2164]

The music - as usual - was great -with a interesting story and lovely scenery, which are the hallmarks of your wonderful videos each week. But an unexpected bonus - stunning graphics too. Well done Ben and thank you.

[@lizwilliams14]

Well. That was magical. It was very, very different. It was not what I was expecting at all. Very innovative. Very adventurous. Very mysterious. I do wonder how the multitude will view the video at the end but I loved it.

[@susanfisher4344]

Brentor Church and its surrounding landscape are amazing and awe inspiring. Thank you for sharing them with us. Your music evokes that setting perfectly, in my opinion.

[@cynthiastory-cs1vm]

Mesmerising! Could hear and see ghosts ! Thanks for a treat, regards, Cynthia,,,,far away!

[@murielpeterson4787]

Hi Ben, as you mentioned this video was very different for me again very creative and moving. This week I felt you were taking us on pilgrimage, through music, graphics, and scenery climbing in solitude to church but yet hundreds in years gone by, finding solitude, safety, and peace…. An amazing journey thank you

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

This was an extremely fascinating & informative visual & musical presentation. How I did enjoy the creative process you shared & the musical offering provided to us viewers. Each week seems to allow you to "platform" your wonderful energy & talents for us all to enjoy! I truly am at "awe" of just how you have developed your channel. I greatly appreciate that I am a supporter of a KZbin channel that I MUST view each Sunday for entertainment & emotional fulfillment. Thank you Ben, you have become a very important & special contact in my own life's story & existence! Please excuse the "drama", but I am sincere in my comments to you!!!!

[@les5309]

Ben, your composition reminds me of some of the works of Hans Zimmer, especially at the very beginning. Later on, strangely enough, I get something of Pink Floyd but only in the oddest sense. Thanks for letting us know how your creativity and thoughtfulness are at work here. Keep up the excellent production and insights you offer us each week. Cheers. Les

[@jenniferoliver9964]

I had just been listening to some of the music of Interstellar only hours before listening to today's fascinating episode. I, too, found parts were quite "Zimmer-like". Most enjoyable. More, please!

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

D R E A M S C A P E ...achieved, Ben. Bravo. You have again worked your magic. Bless you and yours.

[@tobyandgordo]

Thank you for sharing your creative process, and for treating us with this beautiful, evocative music and stunning visuals.

[@leanneholt2110]

Great piece and visualisation. Your gift for music is well complemented by your film making.

[@johnball3487]

Wonderful as usual! You are an amazing and talented young man!

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

Musicians have a gift for composing like authors have for writing. Beethoven wrote his Emperor concerto when deaf in a cellar when Vienna was threatened by Napoleon. How wonderful to hear Ben playing again at St Martins. Ben, like Beethoven, has the ability to overcome every obstacle and produce the wild world premiere of Brenton.

[@KenG557]

That cross in the window 🤗 Glory to our King! 🙏

[@rachelrowles7282]

Loved this! Very atmospheric. It's made me want to play the organ and visit Brentor! Inspiring ❤

[@robertmdaniels]

And better! and Better! And Better! and Better! and Better!

[@nicolaj3294]

I think you captured the mood and location of Brentor beautifully. The opening scenes reminded of me of the opening scene in Great Expectations when Pip is at the graveyard.

[@nancyhunka3059]

Well done , hoping for another one soon although I know it is a lot of work. Thank you from Canada

[@edwardchalmers7070]

Beautiful atmospheric composition lovely use of bass notes 👍

[@coreygrua3271]

Very delightful. Very different. Very insightful.

[@twbrandt]

Brentor is evocative of what I imagine the landscape around Devon must be, based on your videos. The music is lovely and very atmospheric. The last part of the film was, I think, an excellent visual accompaniment to the music.

[@irenastansby5861]

The visual effects and the composition both fantastic. Keep composing whenever you feel inspired

[@benrevell]

I will not wind a lang conclusion, With complimentary effusion; But, whilst your wishes and endeavours Are blest with Fortune’s smiles and favours, I am, dear sir, with zeal most fervent, Your much indebted, humble servant.

[@Ladystardust-h8b]

congratulations on your beautiful organ piece well done Ben!

[@thewisceeeggg1624]

That was BEAUTIFUL! I think you won the composition contest!!!

[@francois7]

Amazing ! Thank you very much Ben for this extraordinary video !

[@Michael-wr1yy]

Yes really enjoyed the 'World Premiere', it suited the landscape especially the crows at the end.

[@nevillepalmer1]

You are a lovely man, a great musician and have a feeling for music, please venture out to Cambridgeshire.

[@LorraineLynn-v2z]

Loved the new content. Fantastic composition with such a wintry ,mysterious vibe . You just keep us all on our toes and that’s such a good thing

[@genetast1821]

I find this new kind of content amazing and very creative

[@Omahkg]

I am stunned! Your creativity is beyond imagination‼️

[@cynthiacarr4252]

Wonderful. Thank you, Ben, from Michigan. Love this composition. ❤

[@billcook5491]

Well done young man, indeed, well done....

[@bevshaw3218]

Ben, Thank you, an absolutely stunningly beautiful piece of music and what an amazing place to visit. I so miss walking in England, the smells and sounds... along with not having to worry about wildlife that will eat you. May i suggest Holy Saviour, Puxton. N.Somerset as an old church for a visit, 10th century and earlier i think, not sure if it still has an organ but it is under churches conservation trust. Bev, Canada

[@kathynewton3549]

As I listened to your beautiful music and watched the accompanying video I was nearly transported to Devon. So very lovely. Thank you Ben!

[@chopperbillintexas5854]

Hello from Texas! Another amazing video. The new piece of music is wonderful, but I have an idea to make it even better: Teach Billy to play the bagpipes! That music with a mix of organ and bagpipes would be AWESOME!! Thanks, Ben….you are amazing, my handsome friend.

[@washington_dc]

yours videos only get better 👏👏

[@KenG557]

'Brentor' is beautiful, Ben. 🤗👍👍

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Beautiful indeed

[@ianellis5109]

Delightful.

[@united2ihs05]

I loved this video and the music you created. Please do more.

[@MarianFletcher-t5u]

Very atmospheric. I have been to Brentor, it can be very wild up there.

[@chrisinwood464]

Fantastic creation, well done both of you!

[@JudyOdlin]

You are full of surprises. The piece you composed shows another facet of the gems you produce for us. Many thanks from me in sunny Levin a small town in NZ.

[@alistairgill5538]

Well, I enjoyed it very much.

[@stevewynn2517]

Ben, I throughly enjoyed the music … plus the digitized video towards the end brought it all together. It must have been Sophie’s idea!!

[@clareknowles7678]

Brentor is atmospheric and magical. I love it!

[@cherylsykes660]

Bravo 👏🏻

[@RichardCarolynnTomalin]

Lovely piece of music!!

[@elizabethtallman3280]

Stunning. I love it!

[@audreydaubney6047]

Ben so pleased I came across your videos. Love your new composition. Onwards and upwards xx

[@EmmaGaylard]

Thanks Ben for the video, it was great as always

[@mattleach958]

Thanks Ben. Absolutely awesome and inspiring as always. Everything that I was going to comment on has already been said. I will definitely send you a bit of support when I am able on PayPal, to help keep you supplied with SPAM and pickle sandwiches. 🎹

[@heatherwarner489]

Ben thank you for the new vids. Get yourself one of those outer heated vest with different temperature settings. Would work well for you out there in those open fields.

[@terencecarroll4683]

Ominous, a gothic horror movie opening! Very enjoyable as always. Hints of Hans Zimmer's Interstellar. Splendid!

[@richardrye7200]

Thank you!

[@maggan3236]

Transposed, transfixed, connected through the snowy fog outside my window. 🙏

[@peterwilton9047]

Thanks Ben. Wonderful combination of playing and film. Since organ ciphers have cropped up more than once, I'd like to hear you perform Percy Grainger's "Immovable Do", composed for his reed organ when it developed a cipher!

[@johnstellpflug2871]

Really nice piece of music, Ben. Great interpretation of the countryside that was your inspiration. As a matter of personal taste, I think unaltered video of the scenes you used would have been more evocative of the spirit of the music; obviously, others may disagree. Thanks for your music, local history, and architectural views of your locale.

[@washington_dc]

12:29 i love it.

[@davidschraa4639]

I find your composition very attractive and interesting. Would that it could get wider exposure. It is so much more engaging than a lot of more academic "modern music". I am afraid I thought the video was a little melodramatic, but fine, it does go with the music. The scenery is so splendid, unadorned.

[@washington_dc]

Is any of your recordings on any music app? if not you should put it. I like the new music and the format. it kinda gives a misterious vibe.

[@melblues3847]

Thank you for taking us on this journey, the finished piece is very emotive. I enjoyed the visual aspect but I also like to close my eyes when I listen to music as I can immerse myself in it completely. Is there any chance that you could record a CD of your own compositions? I'm sure there are other old school viewers who prefer a physical copy to downloads although I'm aware there is probably a substantial cost involved for you to do this.

[@jill517]

Move over Hans Zimmer, Ben is in town 🤭🤗🌌🪐

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

He's gone all Edgar Allan Poe on us . . . 😄do you think the chiming bells in the middle would be better as perhaps some change ringing? (half-muffled if you need the sepulchral effect): no-one else does change-ringing except the British and their offshoots.

[@DennisMoore-f8h]

Animation was very clever but would've preferred the real thing, I love your work though just the same...

[@whatrubbishthishandle]

I wouldn’t fail! I’m a composer! Anyone can write music if they can read it, whether good or bad.

[@DuaneDeuel]

I do enjoy the walks down memory lane and the extremely Pacific history lesson, but I wish you would play the old Grand Hymns those organs use to play, not so much your modern versions of what these Grand old instruments are capable of playing.

[@daveschmarder-US1950]

The only instrument I play is the radio. :)

[@KenG557]

Alas, all the music within me was composed by someone else. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@washington_dc]

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