How to play the organ like a PRO! 😎

[@PhilomenaNesci]

Thank you for this tutorial, Ben! I’ve been playing organ for a Traditional Catholic church for seven years, since I was thirteen years old, and “Father Hear the Prayer we Offer” is one of the songs in our chapel’s hymnal. I started off as a pianist, taking the place of our old church organist who moved out of state (here in America). To help me learn the ropes, my father introduced me to instructional videos put out by the American Guild of Organists. Those were valuable to my learning, as is your diligent work. The organ we use at my chapel is a 30 year old digital Allen, and the majority of the stops are principals and flutes. We also have tone cards (more colorful instrumentation to choose from), which can provide two additional stops to any manual (Great, Swell, or Pedal). I’ve been trying to find ways to be adventurous and create pleasant and effective blends of sound with these tone cards as of late, so this video you’ve produced is of great help to me! I am going to try to emulate the different moods you presented in each verse this coming Sunday, and observe why and how each works well. The digital organ is a blessing for me, because without it, I might have had to simply play on a digital piano with an organ preset. At least in this way, I have been able to learn to use the pedals for the feet and how stops/pipe lengths work. But nothing can truly replicate the beauty of that airy, echoing sound coming from real pipes. I had the joy of being allowed to play a short hymn on a very small four-stop pipe organ about a year ago and fell in love with the feeling of it. In the town I live, many churches are closing down, and with them, some of their beautiful historical pipe organs have been dismantled. It’s such a shame that these things happen. Even here in America, old pipe organs tend to be forgotten. For that, I deeply admire your mission to restore an appreciation for the old churches and pipe organs within them. As someone who too loves history, I also love to hear the stories you tell about the churches, the woods, and the surrounding countryside. Your playing is wonderful! Thank you Ben Maton!

[@anthonysmith3015]

You haven’t finished an episode until you’ve read at least some of the comments. Refreshing and heartwarming!

[@Revdrwilliam]

Nothing quite compared to an rural english pipe organ. Ben you show it's beauty phenomenally!!! 🎼🎶🎹

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

What better place for Ben to make his inspiring 50th video since Alvediston, the church that changed his life, than a remote Dorset church with Georgian box pews and a distant sea view? As previously mentioned, being one of Ben’s KZbin family is to have won one of the best prizes in life’s lottery.

[@TheJojo01902]

I agree 200%! Watching and listening to Ben’s videos is a tonic in a tempest-tossed world.

[@MaryAnnLaRue]

Thank you Ben. YOUR FILM MAKES MY DAY!

[@PortsladeBySea]

It’s like winning the National Lottery every week! Everybody who watches and enjoys Ben’s videos are millionaires. We are an exclusive, and very lucky, group of people 🥳🎹🥂🍾🎶

[@barbarahague6843]

Thank you once again. I love the way you quietly educate us on the mechanics and finer points of these church organs.🤗🤗🥰🥰🦘🦘

[@PianoWanderings]

You ARE inspiring people. At least, you are inspiring me. I am a pianist, asked to learn to play a church organ… with four manuals and pedals. It’s overwhelming, but your playing (and your story) inspire me. I’m persevering.

[@Suspan1]

@@PianoWanderings I had to learn ‘on the hoof’ too. Single manual, straight pedal board (which I kept clear of). On organ crawls with affiliated IAO group I never dare play anything in front of the experienced amateurs. After 30+ years I now have access, to practise alone on a 2 manual with extra stops and I’m really having fun!

[@lizwilliams14]

@@Suspan1I have a friend. Her husband was an Anglican Minister. The Bishop was making a visit and the regular organist was away so her husband asked her to play. She said she wasn’t playing for the Bishop! So he said we will pick the hymns and you can practice. She said ok. The day came. The Bishop showed up. He asked her husband to change one of the hymns. So she piped up “You can’t change it. I haven’t practiced it!” So the Bishop agreed she would play what she’d practiced. A crowd of us meet for coffee every Friday. When she’s away I say “Who is going to make us laugh for a couple of hours now Margaret isn’t here!”

[@Suspan1]

You have just written an absolute identical version of my last 30+ years. I still only bravely manage a few left foot pedals. Right foot permanently on the BALANCED swell. (I’ve gone upmarket 😂)..

[@kesmarn]

This was a lot to pack into 24 minutes, Ben! From clattering and jolly Strauss to charming Elgar, to hints to guide the next generation of church organists, to a solemn rendition of J S Bach's "Erbarme dich mein herre Gott." (I just had to research the translation of the lyrics for that one; well worth a glance: ) I gather that this was written for Good Friday. Erbarme dich, mein Gott, Have mercy, my God, Um meiner Zähren Willen! for the sake of my tears! Schaue hier, Herz und Auge Look here, heart and eyes Weint vor dir bitterlich. weep bitterly before you. Erbarme dich, erbarme dich! Have mercy, have mercy! Finally, I was happy to hear this sentence: "I'm a full-time film maker now." Indeed you are! Which doesn't detract in the slightest from the fact that you're still the Salisbury Organist. A bit bruised and nettle-stung by Mother Nature recently, but unbroken! 🙂 Thanks so much!

[@marthawatson4162]

Thank you Ben for a very inspiring lesson on playing the Church Pipe Organ. Unfortunately, many of us do not have the priviledge of playing Old Village Church Organs. I love when you choose to take us to the Old Churches surrounded by cemeteries and serene countryside. Thank you for playing Bach!

[@johnjankiewicz3478]

I never thought that I would become a pipe organ groupie but here I am looking forward to each Sunday! E Power Biggs would be pleased with you. Thank you Mr. Maton.

[@arcticwolf4029]

Played by a pro indeed, and this organ has a beautiful tone.

[@raymondo162]

Excellent episode. i learned a lot. it's fortunate the church has people taking care of it - the interior is totally special - probably unique.

[@carolingimundson1392]

Ben I so love watching your videos. I am 80 years old& have always loved organ music where I went to organ recitals with my godfather whose father was a church organist in our Cathedral church for many years I am on very limited income so unable to support you with your wonderful videos but I will continue to-pray for you & your working music

[@joscallinet6260]

@@carolingimundson1392 - it is for you and others like you on limited incomes why those of us who can support Ben Maton are even more motivated to do so - because we are all in this world together on so many levels.

[@SeanNCraleigh]

I really enjoy your video presentations. Beautiful scenery, love the English countryside. You have a great voice and seem to be a natural story-teller. I am a life long retired church organist living in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. In my first church job as organist while still in high school, I played a tracker instrument similar to many of the British village organs. I appreciate your passion for filming these organ treasures and helping their preservation. I have contributed several times to your PayPal link. Best wishes for all of your endeavors and I will continue to enjoy your work. ..Gene

[@gingram110]

The educational aspect of this video was so interesting! Thank you.

[@KenG557]

Ben, you look so dapper when you dress up. A perfect English gentleman. 👍

[@davidcraggs3770]

He should do more often

[@williamwaynflete6336]

@@davidcraggs3770 And regrow the beard... 😉

[@davidcraggs3770]

@@williamwaynflete6336 Shirt and tie would suffice as far as I am concerned.

[@tampanativeson]

@@williamwaynflete6336 No to the beard.

[@DJBoise]

Thank you for bringing such beautiful music into our lives.

[@JulieAnne17-dn]

Yes! Thank you so much, Ben!!

[@cynthiacarr4252]

I am determined to learn. There is a lovely pipe organ in the church next door to me. Ben, you are an inspiration.

[@alisonhughes2164]

That was really interesting. I will have a much greater appreciation of the skills of church organists now.

[@susansalter7543]

My late dad loved the organ and it was him that got me interested. He played the organ too, Sadly, I never learned. Listening to organ music always reminds me of my dear dad. Thanks so much, Ben,

[@MrSweelinck]

This was a new hymn to me; I'm not sure it's published in any American hymn books. "Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer" - Ralph Vaughn Williams arrangement, but lyric by Love Maria Willis (1824-1908). From Hookset New Hampshire, near where I grew up. Of course I had to transcribe it and plan on using it as service music next week; this is a lovely piece. I appreciate your ongoing work, the stories of the parish churches and the instruments that are there!

[@marilynharris1749]

I've sat and painted this church and also the view through the kissing gate by the fields. Its truly a beautiful and unique setting!

[@federicoprice2687]

Fascinating, heartwarming, informative, cheerful, contemplative and.... organic. Bravo Ben! Again!

[@davidwelch6796]

Might I suggest that mechanical noise is not always bad? As part of a documentary film crew, many years ago, I once had to record an organist playing a piece of Spanish 'battle music' on an organ that had a fine set of trumpet pipes. The church was little used, cold and damp. The wooden stops were swollen by the damp and it took a great deal of physical effort to move them, this was a two handed job for an assistant.. When they did move they reached the end of their travel with resounding bangs that echoed round the church. As a sound recordist I first thought that this was a disaster but I soon changed my mind when I realised that this banging effectively gave the organ a built in cannon effect. . . The rousing music with the trumpet pipes sounding like military bugle calls and the additional unasked for cannon fire I found very pleasing. I don't know if anybody else perceived the additional sound effects as I did but it remains as a joyful memory for me.

[@JulieAnne17-dn]

Ben, I am what Britons call a “pensioner”. I have very limited funds, so I am watching, re-watching, liking and commenting on all your videos to help you. I truly love your videos, playing and your introductions to each video. I truly am an Anglophile.🌿💖

[@AdrianMoran]

The extra mechanical sound on the Strauss waltz made me think of a circus or fairground - but then the Sortie feels like that even without the mechanical sound.

[@AdrianMoran]

(This isn't a complaint, by the way)

[@jdcorganist]

I did the Vesper Voluntaries for my senior recital. I loved them; my professor (a student of Madam Duruffle and a French rep love) did not. But he coached me through them and I grew to love them.

[@Gor800]

Such a wonderful demonstration of the sounds and techniques of the organ. Your films are so very interesting and so informative. Thank you for putting so much time and effort to each post. Blessings for a wonderful week.

[@garya4997]

Once again, marvelous!

[@KenG557]

Hello Benjamin! I love Johann Strauss II waltzes! ☺️👍👍

[@sabin615]

Thank you, Ben, for a triumph of a video. I love the way you pair teaching about organs with delightful playing, all while sharing an appreciation for the building and its setting! Well done!

[@duaneadams5210]

Ben, I was looking forward to this presentation. You are a most talented organist and I envy your talent. I was always drawn to music but was never able to take lessons. I so much enjoy ALL your presentations. I would have loved to be a church organist. If we were neighbors, I'd be a damned pest, always wanting you to play something for me. You are a treasure. Even if we were on a camping trip, I swear, I'd still bring along an Estey folding organ for you to play on. (A completely wild fantasy I know, but it's fun to think of.) Thank You so much for these presentations.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

You’re welcome- glad you enjoy them!

[@caj4562]

Haha never thought I would see the fulfillment of that excerpt from one of my favourite books

[@andrewstrathdee1469]

Excellent, Ben! Just the sort of thing thtat I love - beautiful church and an excellent tiny organ played to its best! More please!

[@gregcrease8066]

A wonderful video. Instructional without being condescending. Beautiful uplifting church and music. Loved the pedal demo with the music underneath and the stop changing sequence. Bravo! And the Sortie!

[@barriesmith3489]

I loved the Strauss blue Danube

[@davidcraggs3770]

Ideal for a Theatre or Fairground organ

[@glennford8844]

Awwe Ben. You are a most beautiful artisan with the organ music. You are lovely with your presentations along with your musical abilities. Gods richest blessings on you.

[@Johnburggy]

These small pipe organs placed well (not stuck in a dog kennel on the chancel ) will always inspire even a few untrained singers to sing. These will always be better than some electronic substitute & out live them. Trouble is so many so called organists only see lots of stops , pistons then think they are top cathedral organists & murder eveything especially hymns ! Thank you so much for showing the beauty of these little organs lets hope Church Wardens & authorities take note & are not allowed to throw these instruments out as so often happens.

[@RosieWood78]

Great start to my Monday! ❤

[@turbine6202]

Thank you, Ben. I miss my organ playing years sorely and you reminded me how rewarding the performance of simple but beautiful hymns can be. For those who are put off by pedals, consider this: my first years of organ playing largely included the performance of Old English organ music for manuals only by the likes of Boyce, Bennett, Battishill and Stanley. Being of the right time and place, they suit village organs very well and can sound more difficult than they are!

[@paulhall170]

So many of the great hymns of the faith, which you play so expressively, are hymns of pilgrimage in faith, as in the first one here. Hymns are an integral and irreplaceable part of the Christian walk; I cannot imagine my life without the thousands of hymns I know, sing and play (badly) on guitar. Ben, you inspire us, and inspire us yet again....

[@janenichols3880]

Beautiful church! Lovely music. My aunt was a church organist. Grandfather was a Pastor .❤The hymns bring Back fond memories!❤

[@adellk1672]

Ben, the Prelude in A minor was exquisite. Full time film maker? Maybe. But consider an occasional concert of just music. I'd love to hear you play longer works!!!!!!

[@yeety1208]

such a great video to get people into learning organ especially young people like me, your enthusiasm helps so much too!

[@bcd4562]

Ben, I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel each week. I have recommended you to a writer's group who writes historical fiction. I hope it brings you more subscribers. ❤

[@davidwilliams8405]

Once again, it's time to say, "Well done and well played Ben!" You always do such a good job at explaining the "how to" in how to play the organ, that even a musically challenged schlep like myself can understand. You're a fortunate to have so many little village church gems within a day's drive. Keep on keeping on, dude!

[@Knappa22]

The interior of that church is sublime. Untouched by the ghastly Oxford Movement and its tacky Victorian pitch pine and mass-manufactured brass fittings. A gem.

[@2peckish]

Always positive comments here, and then you introduce a negative. It's obvious you know very little about the Oxford Movement!

[@Knappa22]

@@2peckish The comment was positive. See the words I used to describe this church

[@2peckish]

@@Knappa22 As is clear from my comment, it is your reference to the "ghastly' Oxford Movement which was negative. You're entitled to your opinion, but one of the things I like about the comments are that they are ecumenical in scope. The Oxford movement was a religious movement in the Anglican Communion. AS far as art and architecture you might equally blame the Cambridge Camden Society, the Romanticism Movement, Gothic Revival, etc. It's ironic, that as far as religious faith goes, the religious practice of Ben's home parish, St. Marks's, is a result of the Oxford movement, but you don't have to be dark gothic revival to be an Oxford Movement Church.

[@lfrench444152]

Another beautiful episode. We look forward to your Sunday presentations. Linda & Dean, USA

[@stephenmorris2420]

Ben thank you very much for that. After last week bloodied maybe but certainly unbowed😊 You've done very well Really good video as always

[@billymeyer99]

What a glorious and clearly much-loved little Church. I would love to see you and an ensemble that specialises in 18th-century church music do a recital in the gallery.

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

What a wonderful educational tutorial just now offered by you. Not only musically enjoyable but richly thought provoking. I comment you for your thorough explanation of instrument technique & musical selection to enhance your presentation to your viewers. Watching makes for a very "blissful" way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thank you for sharing! This is Peter M; out!

[@robinmarks5638]

Spectacular! Thank you!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

That was BRILLIANT 🙂

[@richardholappajr.6184]

Another great episode! Always enjoyable and educational! Thanks, Ben!

[@margidaly6874]

Truly a special church love the white so different from most dark brown interiors. A charming location. My feet would get so muddled. 😂 lov3d this tutorial. Thanks dear Ben.

[@LadySilmarien]

Thanks for the explanatory notes. They are instructive and enhance our listening experience. Another splendid video.

[@davef.2329]

Always a pleasure and regards to your brother, as well. Thanks.

[@AnnC451]

Well done Ben! The church is gorgeous and the views are spectacular! Thanks for sharing!

[@Suspan1]

Another beautiful video. What an unusual and interesting church. I appreciate your notes on which stops you are using. Thank you Ben and for the Sortie in E flat.

[@blairedwards6025]

Hi Ben, thanks for yet another super video. You have a passion for your music which you joyfully share with us. I can understand your feelings as I too am a church organist. I started playing at Scoonie Parish Church in Leven Fife some 57 years ago. My playing career has now come full circle as I take over as organist again next Sunday. We have a two manual August Gern which we believe is the only one still being used which is in its original build. Please keep up the good work and sharing your love of music with us.

[@Johnburggy]

Thought you might be interested in a few August Gern organs still in use . Birchanger Essex has a quite large two manual . (sadly no casework & never has had ) Chelsworth Suffolk - very interesting all tracker action but with reversed console - instead of the organist facing the organ you sit facing down the Church with the organ behind you. There is also another in Suffolk at Kelsale which is only a single manual but again with reversed console. There is also a large three manual at Friskney in Lincolnshire. (normal console - the third manual was added by Bishop 1970s

[@Johnburggy]

Made a mistake in this as Kelsale is a two manual but the single manual one is in another Suffolk Church at Nowton. If you ever visit Suffolk I am sure the Churches will allow you to try these organs.

[@luannnelson547]

Church organizations need to fund organ scholarships!

[@ruthgoebel723]

Keep inspiring people, especially the younger ones, to take up the pipe organ. We organists are a dying population and we need to teach the young how much fun it is to make these glorious instruments sing!!!

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Thanks Ruth :)

[@1900collects]

Im goig to be performing at a church and ill see if a can get to play the organ and thanks for these lovely somgs on this lovely organ

[@STANLIZ4]

You inspired us to visit the church today, and what charming hidden gem it is! Stinsford i suspect maybe on your agenda in the future

[@fionalaw8427]

Thank you once again for a great video! I am listening as I decorate my music room for the new school year. My beloved old Allen organ is sporting a dust sheet!

[@anthonydunbar1028]

Thanks

[@PortsladeBySea]

Superb vlog. I love the name Dulciana, which I have never heard before. Looking online in Dublin there is female chamber choir, lead by Judith Lyons, called the Dulciana Vocal ensemble, who produce beautiful music 🎹🎶👭🛐

[@angelasmith8721]

Another great video and a bit more of Laurie Lee too. Thank you! We are going to Swanage folk festival at the weekend from Merseyside, we will make a plan to see some of the lovely Cranborne chase before heading home.

[@mfurman]

I liked this episode very much. I am glad that you demonstrated the keyboard action noise issues. Have you ever considered sampling these village church organs for Hauptwerk? This way you can preserve them (even for yourself). Thank you, Michael

[@KarenDavies-rg1ul]

A well loved church... stunning.

[@1900collects]

I play both piano and organ

[@ClaireWhitehead-k4w]

Thank you Ben for another interesting video on the workings of these amazing ancient church organs. Also the hours of practice you must put in to perform so perfectly as well as planning, performing and editing these pieces is to be admired. When you visit these churches quite often they have the hymns numbers still up on the wall from a recent service. It might be interesting to play one of them occasionally. I am fascinated to know which hymns they are. Keep up the good work!

[@hillabodeRB]

This was a great video! I learned a lot. You made the Bach Prelude sound absolutely beautiful on that organ. Thank you!

[@cherylh1159]

So interesting! Thanks again Ben, it was all lovely.

[@eyemoisturizer]

wonderful tutorial time to play tenebre rosso sangue on my local church’s organ directly after the sermon. praise the code

[@marcosibona2077]

Thank you Ben, and compliments for your work from Italy!

[@user-mz6qu3hz6m]

I like to point out the organist and the drummer are the only members of the band who play with both hands and both feet.

[@bobbyhendley3084]

I do wish that in addition to all the work you do here for us that you played regularly at a church of your own. Your abilities should also function in leading worship as well as showcasing the various instruments, histories, and designs to us. As you said, many fall into disuse and disrepair for a lack of someone to play them and keep them functioning.

[@lizwilliams14]

How do you come to the conclusion that he doesn’t do that ?

[@bobbyhendley3084]

His statement that this channel is all that he does.

[@lizwilliams14]

@@bobbyhendley3084I know he will occasionally play for weddings and funerals. He always posts his videos on Sunday and it’s the editing to create an exceptional quality video that takes him at least three days before that. So I am pretty sure he cannot accept other regular commitments. He has said that Monday is the only day he doesn’t work on his KZbin channel!

[@donaldauguston9740]

Wonderful show! Thank you, DA

[@jilliemc]

As much as I enjoy watching and listening to you play the pipe organ, I believe I will stick to my pianoforte. 😊

[@philiphumphrey1548]

Piano or organ, it's all good. I'm an electric keyboard/organ player and I had a go with a real piano this afternoon. It was quite fun, even though I'm hopeless at using the pedals.

[@jilliemc]

I agree. I have a Yamaha Motif as well, and I can play the electronic organ when I must. ;) But the feet . . .​@@philiphumphrey1548

[@davidcraggs3770]

If you heard a larger organ being played you might change your view. Although these small village organs are sweet they lack the gusto and tonal excitement of the larger instruments.

[@chaelwest]

Hi Ben. Wow! What a wonderful ride this was. Lot's of musical energy and enthusiasm. The tutorial approach was brilliant. You taught me some new methods. I rather like the clacks of the old organs in moderation. They lend a natural ancient quality to the performance. Keep going this way. Char

[@bethhill6651]

A family I was to play a funeral for one time requested "The Beer Barrel Polka" staying ma was always partial to it. Did I play it? Yup, slowed it down and mellowed it out so it was kind of like an over ripe cantaloupe. Everyone was happy with it so I guess it worked. Ah, the stories organist tell.

[@dianedurham2896]

Thank you so much for the beautiful music!

[@robertmdaniels]

Outstanding!

[@farahmohammed1963]

Love the graphics for the pedal line!!🌺

[@mireillelanglois6947]

Merci!

[@colleenrobinson5806]

Another wonderful video! THANK YOU, Ben!! Colleen in Canada

[@JoyStanford-ps7ef]

Thank you Ben for another informative. Session

[@cwright4942]

Thanks! You are a true gem Ben!

[@tomarmstrong1281]

Ben mentioned a difference between playing a pipe organ and a piano. I came to the organ before the piano. An organ will play a given note for as long as the key is depressed. Not so the piano. Once the key is struck to vibrate the wire, producing the sound, the vibrations die away. I found this initially quite disconcerting. The other challenge is that the volume of the music being played on a piano (initially, pianos were called Pianofortes, which is Italian for soft and loud) is directionally proportional to the force of the struck key. Whereas the note from the pipes of an organ is governed by the air flowing over and into the pipes. The sound produced will be a constant volume as it is a constant velocity. Some mechanical devices allow some control over the volume. My initial experiences were with electronic organs and being electronically controlled; unsurprisingly, there was infinite control over the volume, controlled by a foot pedal, which became part of the musical experience in specific genres of music.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

@@lizwilliams14 Google it.

[@lizwilliams14]

So far as Google and I are able to determine, there is no such word as “Pianofotes”, which is what you wrote. Google and I can both find “pianofortes” which is what I said it should be. I still think it’s a typo which you can fix.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

@@lizwilliams14 Yes, a typo the correct spelling is pianoforte. Better luck with Google. Sorry to have confused you.

[@Liisa3139]

The Strauss waltz made me think about street organs. They are such loud, but amusing, beasts! Talk about mechanical noise, ha ha! I wonder if any of them are in street service any more.

[@KenG557]

Does England have any of those mighty Wurlitzer theatre organs with all the percussion sounds?

[@JesperD87]

They do, in the Brighton Dome for example (although that one isn't made by Wurlitzer). Interesting instruments too I think, made for a different purpose than church organs but also related to eachother, both being pipe organs of course

[@Johnburggy]

There is a Christie (Norman & Beard ) in Castle Hill United Reform Church Ipswich . It is in regular Church use but is also in use for some concerts . It came from Clacton when its original home was closed.

[@paulkearley8087]

There is a working and regularly used Wurlitzer at Thursford Museum.

[@KenG557]

@@paulkearley8087 Thank you! I just pulled up a video of it being played. I would love to see Ben playing it!

[@MichaelCWBell]

Oh wonderful charming historical literature-laden England. Why did my ggg grandfather decide to move to NZ? Just kidding. Pros and cons. But our selection of organs is inferior. We are also trying to encourage our youth to take up the organ. My pupils here tend to be of Chinese descent (as is the case for the majority of boys interested in Classical Western music at the school where I teach). Just glad that we have held on to the tradition of chapel singing at the start of each day. Nothing better to set the heart and mind in focus and balance before studying mathematics. The boys always ask me to play Indiana Jones or Phantom for the exit voluntary. I’ll indulge them occasionally but I am also selfishly trying to educate them in deeper music. My favourite: BWV572.

[@TheCaffeinatedOrganist]

What a great job you have done here. I like the graphics very much.

[@jpetermaughan]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@margaretflack2091]

You are so interesting. Have thoroughly enjoyed listening to to you here in nz

[@chrislerner1444]

Thanks!

[@keving331]

Splendid day 👍. I’d only associated the Lefebure-Wely at the end with the Wurlitzer at Blackpool Tower Ballroom 😅.

[@mirandarudzki]

I am enjoying the atmosphere on this dark and stormy Sunday evening, with the rain beating down outside, whilst I reflect on this week’s video. Thank you for the informative & inspiring content, I could happily watch & listen for hours. I do so wish I could play the organ. Any plans for gothic/ gloomy/ eerie inspired music for the season change? I rather like it. Perhaps by candlelight or under the green light in your previous video…

[@johnsomers8269]

I miss the red socks!😎

[@russbetts1467]

Hi Ben. I always find your hand movements very interesting whilst you are playing the organ. They are very extravagant, lifting your hand(s) high above the keyboard, when that hand has nothing to play. Are you taught to play that way, or is that just your personal mannerisms? Thank you for this episode, which I found very interesting, with your various observations, explanations and demonstrations. I'd love to learn to play the organ, but have never been able to read music and at my age - 76 - it's probably too late to learn. My musical instruments are the Concertina and Recorder, which I learned to play 'By Osmosis', as do many Folk musicians. I have never learned to play the piano; which probably puts me at a disadvantage, for learning to play the organ.

[@HammondDirk]

That organ in Chalbury looks dirty, but it sounds beautiful!!!

[@roysrants147]

BRAVO! 🔥🔥🔥