NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE // One of England's Greatest Hymns

[@bobquick5922]

I remember the church organ as a kid. I lost the church, lost my faith, and lost the sound of the organ. When my grandmother passed, the organ brought back feelings I hadn't had since I was a child at her funeral. I lost my grandmother, but found my faith and found the organ again. Nearer My God To Thee brings me closer to Grandmother, the Church, and my faith. Someday I'll stop by Salisbury Cathedra and say hi and thank you. Peace be always with you.

[@uptoolate2793]

Wow, what a testimony! If Ben needed any confirmation his career choice was meaningful, you just gave it to him. I have to admit I'm in a similar situation.

[@robertmuncaster3510]

I don’t think you will find him there, he’s at St Martin’s, but I appreciate your testimony.

[@philgoldsney5951]

“I will never leave you or forsake you “ Jesus Christ ❤

[@philgoldsney5951]

“I will never leave you or forsake you “ Jesus Christ ❤

[@rosemarylea4093]

@@uptoolate2793😊

[@maureenkirkland3107]

What a lovely and talented young man. Thank you for the wonderful music!

[@mnd1955]

Whoever thinks that 'music isn't important' or 'music isn't necessary' needs to have their head examined. What a dismal, cold, and soulless world it would be without it.

[@joantennant5579]

Thank you for your wonderful support you are giving me in hearing our king has cancer we all pray that he will get better soon Armen 🙏

[@tonymercer7759]

Right on ,bro

[@tomfilipiak690]

The world would be a much harder place to be without music. You are right. Music touches the soul in ways no other thing can. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, talent, music and performances with us.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

This is when I feel closest to The Almighty - during hymns such as this one, played so masterfully, with such warmth and feeling. EXCELLENT job, Ben, as usual !

[@tonybarde2572]

To the memory of 1500 souls lost on a cold April night in 1912

[@MarksOfdOrgan]

And this is one of the greatest hymn tunes ever. When I heard this played on Titanic movie, I had always listened to every arrangements ever made for this piece

[@IvanLane-k6w]

Where words cease to express, music continues🎉

[@johnbalao9582]

Music is therapeutic. It heals our brokenness, pains, anxiety, and fear. It uplifts our souls and brings us hope. It reminds us of our triumphs and joys and helps us focus on a brighter tomorrow. Music strengthens our bonds as one family. It directs us to God, our creator. Without music, the world is reduced to materialism, and all our actions are mechanical. There is no expression of compassion, love, and warmth.

[@sfutterer1234]

It is so nice to see a younger man interested in playing the organ. There is hope for the future. Tradition is so important. I love music and could not live without it.

[@jameswebb4593]

Dudley Moore studied Organ at Oxford . Though remembered as an actor and comedian he would have preferred as a musician. If unaware of his talent watch on utube his parody Beethoven Sonata.

[@Palmetto-cz5fm]

Thank you, Ben. Your videos are great, the music, seeing these ancient houses of worship is a pleasure to watch. I love the Pipe Organ and you do a magnificent job playing.

[@christianmusic661]

Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone; yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! There let the way appear, steps unto heaven; all that thou sendest me, in mercy given; angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise, out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise; so by my woes to be nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Or if, on joyful wing cleaving the sky, sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

[@YesudhasLibjinGiannis]

Thank you

[@annettetaylor5854]

Ben, words cannot express my profound enjoyment both at your organ playing and at the associated words which it calls to mind. I’m in South Australia, yet feel a deep connection with U,K, as all my ancestors were English, & I have spent much time studying genealogy. I have also been privileged to visit Salisbury Cathedral twice. I would like to say so much more. Than you again & again!

[@garywait3231]

Music is not irrelevant. In times of crisis, it is the language God uses to speak comfort directly to our souls -- and the more so when coupled with great hymn-poems in hymns and anthems. I say this from personal experience as an American pastor and long time church choirmaster. God speaks directly to the soul through music. Thanks for this utterly relevant post !!

[@galerad7254]

Well put! From my touched heart in Medfield, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, where Lowell Mason was born and raised, he who arranged the tune of Nearer My God to Thee, a hymn I have loved since my childhood and to this day. And Mason introduced the use and study of music into the normal public school curriculum in America. And great king David of the Bible was a harpist and singer, a musician helping to soothe and heal ragged souls and make them more whole and encouraged . . . With love, xo . . . In English language, the words _heal, whole, & wholly, holy_ are of same root origin, are cognate.

[@ricklosangeles5043]

A world without music is a world without a soul.

[@tomperkins5657]

Goose bumps and well said!

[@waynevaughan7159]

I live in Alaska, too many Churches have gotten rid of the organ, I suggest they bring back the reverence and inspiration this instrument brings to the service, Thank you Ben

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Too cold and no one to play them😢

[@carolynryan8305]

Another Beautiful,Timeless Hymn. Thank you Ben. QLD, Australia.

[@januaryelizabeth8784]

Since young i always love the sounds of church organ.

[@monastereorthodoxesainte-t3882]

Thank you so much! We feel the peaceful presence of God.

[@rfhurt1]

Ben, you play beautifully. You have a rare gift. St. Martin is lucky to have a young man dedicated to his craft. Please play some improvisations on hymn tunes. That will really show off your talent.

[@eastcoastartist]

When I was little, our school didn’t have funding for a choir teacher. The regular teachers decided to join together and have their own choir class, so that we wouldn’t miss out. We sat on the floor in a classroom around a piano and sang. I still remember some of the songs. It meant a lot to me.

[@sthompson2742]

This was my mother's favorite hymn. I would hear her play it often on her piano. We had it in her funeral service. I still get tears in my eyes when I hear it played and you did it so well. Thank you.

[@grannyblinda]

So true, well said…the music, the message, the memories, the spiritual and emotional value. Thank you for all this.

[@Tree-feller]

Thank you for sharing with us your most beautiful gift of organ playing!! This Blessed hymn really pulls at the heartstrings, making many listeners teary eyed, certainly me. Thanks again!

[@SalisburyOrganist]

You’re welcome

[@siggivanutrecht]

Gentleman, it was an honor to play with you tonight!! ....... That's what Wallace Hartley is said to have said before he sang this "last song" before The Titanic sank to the bottom of the Noth Atlantic!

[@smoothsilk47]

I heard that it isn't true they played that hymn on the Titanic, from someone who was there!

[@Hashbrownsandsausages]

@@smoothsilk47there is lots of confusion around that, some heard Nearer My God To Thee and others heard Songe D’Autaumne (butchered the spelling of the second one) but what is thought to have happened is both were played as the two last songs played in Titanic. Historians believe that I is more likely the Nearer My God To Thee was played last after that other piece. But we will probably never know because all members of Titanic’s band were lost in the sinking.

[@peteverhelst2088]

The thought occurred to me that if music is unnecessary for daily life . How about sports? People make lots of money playing sports. Music as you explained is a vital component of our emotional state. Many popular artists make a living with it. Don’t be embarrassed .

[@mdelnevo]

Seeking comfort I sang along with my English Hymal by myself and felt the stirring of the spirit. Thankyou Ben, and your introductory word was a word to the wise as well! :)

[@jimtodd4283]

Thank you for bringing back the past through this beautiful and soul touching hymn, keep up the good work.

[@amrice62]

Thank you, so very much

[@davidcraggs3770]

I love that hymn especially to that tune “Bethany”. By the way you look very smart as usual.

[@indiana600610]

There’s no better place to be than nearer to our God!!! Thank you Ben for another stellar rendition and video!

[@robinmiric2027]

Music and musicians are a vital part of our existence!!!!

[@Modeltnick]

Wonderful performance, commentary and editing! You do a great job with these videos! Thanks for all you do!

[@magnuswalker7957]

As a cancer suffer I think I will know what follows this earthly life soon enough,but It must be better than this.

[@-11114]

May God’s Grace Mercy and Peace surround you today and always. Many Blessings from Scotland

[@ekimnamdets6946]

It is, there’s no way this existence is random. I hope you find all the peace in knowing Jesus will never abandon you. We wish you smooth seas, the wind in your face and the sun on your back.

[@magnuswalker7957]

​@@-11114still hanging on 😅 but your thoughts are very special to me, thank you from a Dundonian,

[@mariavirginiaperez5083]

What you do is fantastic Ben! And promoting such instrument is excellent!😊 I am lucky enough to be in contact with many organists as I sing the psalms in Mass in a basilica in Buenos Aires. So keep doing that fantastic job which you do so well. Congratulations!

[@zonabrown9241]

Ben you said it luv hymns have sung all my life oh 5he emotion ❤❤❤

[@CraigWMD-xj4nh]

Music is a gift from God. Musicians deliver it.

[@theov5590]

Beautiful. Food for the soul.

[@tonymercer7759]

“Nearer, My God, To Thee, was written in 1841 by Sarah Adam It reflects a Christian desire to walk more closely with God in being in his presence. It expresses the longing of Christians that either Jesus Christ returns for us or their desire to be in his presence.

[@alanjones4622]

Up to the age of eleven when we moved to Hull on the other side of the north of England, I had often sat with my uncle on the organ bench in our local Methodist chapel. I have never forgotten some of the hymns you play in these videos. I only knew the tunes by their names of Crimond and Diadem etc, not the actual hymn title. I might not have been inside a church for many years, weekends during my youth and beyond were always spent in the hills and mountains of the UK, but the music has always stayed with me.

[@johnanderson3700]

The impact of music is very real: not all reality has physical manifestations. Some of the deepest realities transcend the physical dimensions of life & music is capable of expressing this in astonishing ways. Music gives expression to feelings in the transparent reality of emotion

[@jimrobin]

Yes, it's just a pity that in such beautiful music, there's such a connection to the worship of a deity. 🙄

[@marchellabrahams]

Very true. In the beginning was the Word -- and what is the Word if not the sound of a voice? Or, rather, The Voice?

[@kentbloxham3826]

Jonathan is one of,big not the most stunningly brilliant organists of all time and I love the way that he takes the time and effort to arrange every single piece that he plays to make each piece the very best it can be. 🙏🕊✝️🕊🛐🕊🙏

[@johncorcoran3959]

That music from the organ would transport you to another place.❤❤

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Brilliant - one of my all time favourites. Thank you.

[@elizabethlarson-gn4ds]

This is one of my favorite hymns to sing. I am trying to get my husband to learn it on the organ. You play it beautifully and it is very moving.

[@marthawatson4162]

"Nearer my God to Thee" The Orchestra was playing this hymn when the Titanic was sinking. Thank you Ben for playing it with such a feeling. It brings tears to my eyes. Nothing like the Organ sound.

[@jeaninerumble6503]

Catching up with your earlier posts, before I discovered your site. It is clear that you have found your true calling. Such grace and attention is brought to your presentation of the music. I especially like the graceful and confident way your feet find the organ petals. Bravo!

[@richardherbert9320]

Beautiful! Sir George Thalben-Ball is well worth remembering!

[@douglasm3653]

Thank you! Just what I needed this night!

[@davef.2329]

Beautiful, Ben. Thanks.

[@flyingtigerline]

You make me feel and that counts.

[@asuarezjd]

Sublime! there is something sublime to this! I have always admired many inventions, monuments and even discoveries, it speaks to our intelligence, as far as God has allowed us and granted to reward our efforts, but I still remember the first time I wandered around as a child in a church and found THIS instrument, this masterpiece, and I don't think I ever felt AWE until I saw that majestic organ. The complexity, the thought, the dynamics, the magnificent woodwork, and then to realize that mankind could produce such a thing! to ponder how many experts throughout the years listened and codified sounds, graded them, and replicate them in such a beautiful work of art....and then, to find such a talented musician who could not only love music but also be disciplined enough to study, peruse each aspect of it and dedicate almost his entire lofe until it was able to master it....I would shake his hand and have a beer with him rather than a rocket scientist any day of the week! I feel great admiration for REAL musicians...and gratitude for the myriad of times they lifted my spirit whether in a funeral or a Wedding Mass, it evokes solemnity and formal, yet fluid piety. Bravo young man! Bravo!!!

[@terryyarish]

I concur 100%.

[@zappedguy]

Music feeds my soul! Going without music would be like not feeding my body! I listen to and collect all kinds. I really love the sounds of a grand pipe organ, Huge choirs and orchestras, but can also be moved to tears by a solo musician or a solo voice of singer with music feeding his or her soul. When I watch you enjoying an unusual instrument just found, I feel your enthusiasm and enjoy not just the music, but also your excitement and feelings as well.

[@margieguild519]

That was truly magnificent! ❤

[@organforheartevarosemarier9773]

Beautiful played 🌹🌹🌹

[@zonabrown9241]

❤❤❤you said it all i cant sing at the moment due to a throat problem makes me so sad❤❤

[@johncorcoran3959]

I love the organ music

[@pauld1830]

Dear Musician, Thank you for your inspiring, uplifting interpretation of Nearer My God to Thee. During the final verses of this hymn one is rising up and moving closer to God's incomprehensible power and overwhelming love, turning our real momentary tragedy into triumph. Thank you. Also congratulations! Your interpretation is courageous, very moving, and loving. Thank you from me in S. California near the profound Pacific Ocean to you in England. Also, you chose a great English tracker organ, great for an English hymn. Well done! With loving best wishes. PDY

[@johnmartin4650]

Music is very important …..thank you Mr M for your enthusiasm and dedication .

[@julievanderleest]

Wait, is this true? Musicians struggle with embarrassment when sharing what they do for a living? Music is so important! To me it is the most important treasure in life. It’s truly a blessing. God loves music and desires His people to worship Him in songs of praise.

[@mattleach958]

Thank you Ben. So well said, for music, in so few words.

[@John-hr5bj]

Beautiful arrangement. Thanks for the PIP showing ped work. I am learning to play in different shoes, especially penny loafers. Your black ones are super! Record more PIPs with your loafers, please.

[@bindatek8801]

I'm not sure that the composer intended this, but "My heart must go on" goes well with "Nearer my God to thee" played as a "Titanic Medley" - try it some time, you might be surprised Ben. You could play that in a concert as a Titanic Feature!! Three verses NMGTT with MHMGO in between each verse.

[@jeffsmith846]

My brother and his wife attend a church where musical instruments are not allowed, only the human voice. I cannot imagine attending more than once.

[@jc5445]

Excellent performance! The Mississippi John Hurt version is a must listen, btw.

[@2010jakem]

Absolutely beautiful. Cheers! 💜

[@lornawilbore106]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@woutveldstra4089]

Music is the most important thing!!!

[@Boejab3008]

I remember Elevator music over half a century ago. A different kind of Christmas pageantry.

[@tetracor]

Thank You Ben. Music so vital.

[@DavidtheWriter]

Thanks!

[@doerthemanahan9912]

Thank you so much for this beautiful sound.

[@JohnRoss-zv7nc]

Thanks

[@T-41]

Wow!

[@tomperkins5657]

Gave me goose bumps! You are sooo right. Keep in mind that King David employed musicians.

[@Currabell]

Music is vital!

[@ercando11]

Amazing!!

[@GeorgeBridge-e1m]

Excellent performance!

[@MrAbsentmindedprof]

Ben, may I beg that the sheet music for this arrangement posted or made available for purchase? Your playing has altered my life in the last weeks and been a means of God's own grace to my family and I.

[@jackaffeldt]

Thanks Paul McCartney

[@CrowIIII]

With hymns, the organist also serves as conductor of the congregation. They’re out there making a joyful noise, but their only cues are what they hear. Or don’t hear (pauses).

[@peterk.6930]

grandioos dank je

[@DavidSherwood-nj9zf]

Fabulous

[@vbantjes]

Stunning thank you for sharing

[@Boejab3008]

How the crowd reacts to the song when Andre Rieu plays with his orchestra is phenomenal. The organ gives it something but nothing is like notes resonating. Voices just the same. Ambience ? Did it all start with one note ? And the range of how many instruments through the years ? It's amazing & I'm amazed that a younger person is pursuing it to share. I tip my hat to you for just recently showing up on my phone.

[@monessarmohan1256]

And it came to pass when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:23.

[@chriswhitelaw3126]

The organ remains the only pure, unadulterated vestige of my faith in the church. After priests and vicar have stripped the rest away, I no longer believe in the church, whatever denomination. The organ, however, remains the only majestic, pure and unalterable worship of the true and living God I have left.

[@eriklucht-uf8mz]

❤

[@terryyarish]

❤❤❤

[@sweetypatnett6123]

❤❤

[@chrisingram9123]

Nearer my God to Thee. Encouraged by a sample of the first page on Oecumuse catalogue I bought Karg-Elert's Improvisation on this tune. When I got it I realised that my limited technique could only manage the first part, which I use as a voluntary. It would be better to hear the whole piece played by a real organist such as yourself... I feel sorry for J B Dykes whose fine tune Horbury has been overshadowed although it appears in many hymn books. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@keiththinking2400]

Schubert's piece entitled 'To Music' seems apt.

[@rockross8561]

more... "Morning has Broken".

[@1506pinkers]

Excellent. Thank you. Isn’t that tune called ‘Bethany’, which is American in origin. The British tune normally associated with this hymn is ‘Horbury’. The film ‘Titanic’ (which was American) uses Bethany , whereas ‘A Night to Remember’ (British) uses Horbury. I don’t want to get into the debate about what the Titanic’s heroic band actually played on that night, but as Titanic was a British registered ship, and the members of the band were all British, it seems more likely to have been Horbury. Writing this comment makes me realise that I need to get out more!

[@GaryDavis-z9z]

I wondered too why he played Bethany instead of Horbury which I understood was the usual tune used in Britain for the hymn. And it was the tune in the British film. Though both are beautiful, for me Horbury is more interesting. Apparently Arthur Sullivan wrote yet another tune for the hymn and there are several others as well.

[@Dan-tf1zq]

In loving memory of ALAN CHAD GAILEY. Gone much too soon. 1972-2024

[@ekimnamdets6946]

Rest easy Alan.

[@markbell9973]

Ben, you clean up well. Except you don't need to. When you think of all the genius and craft that went into these organs, which appeared fully sufficient with no electricity to power such a beast, with the advent of a pedal division being capable of playing all the bass line as if by the hands....... .....there are no words. A kind of news--a condescension "vom Himmel hoch"--to us Sapiens as a seal that God is real. A Being in whose image we are. A father who is x number of dimensions higher in intelligence and fatherly affect than the brightest and best of us "down here." It is a great privilege to build, operate, maintain, and play a pipe organ. You cause us to think upon this unthinkable thing, Ben. To "take it in" as best we can. The fleeting thought is at once exalting and humbling. How on earth did you, or I, or Olivier Latry, or Simon Preston, Todd Wilson, Helmut Walcha et al. get the coup de foudre, which motivates to submit to the discipline required. To practice well into the darkness on an instrument that is not our property, in a building for which we need permissions and other formalities even to enter "after hours?" IDK. ...a mystery, really.

[@georgep4465]

More persuasive than all the Bishops in the H of L!

[@josesantosdelaiglesia625]

I don't see the organ...

[@markharlock6474]

? I can see the organ very clearly...

[@Proteasom]

Anglican? Luteran?

[@Proteasom]

In PL Być bliżej Ciebie 😊

[@ANDREWLEONARDSMITH]

This is usually known as " The Titanic Hymn"