Playing CAROLS and OLD ENGLISH MUSIC at a Beautiful Country Church

[@philipbromiley7703]

I’m delighted to see St Mary’s Milston looking so lovely and sounding great! I am the current Rector… it’s always humbling to see your name on a list going back 800 years!

[@asteriskme]

How old is that pipe organ? It still sounds great.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

I love this kid. He has a great concept, visiting these old churches and playing for us, beautifully, all the while giving an interesting history lesson. To boot, he looks like a young Paul McCartney, which is kind of neat. Music is life. Thank you Ben!

[@ronaran8420]

He certainly does.😊

[@lancelothookumchand8795]

He is much more handsome than Paul .

[@davestelling]

Great comment, I also agree...

[@lizwilliams14]

Yes. Great music and he is cute also. Very sexy hands.

[@mafakefoot]

Oh child THIS young man is in touch with God in all he does. makes him more handsome certainly

[@2Hearts3]

How i miss my time in the loft, playing the organ and piano in praise and worship of Our Lord God. Your channel, your playing and commentary all a joy to see and hear. And yes-- i could almost smell the old, wonderful fragrance of this old church. Thank you.

[@5474online]

❤🕊️ 🙏 the Holy Spirit bring you a blessed HolyDay !

[@Iceland874]

Me too and also agree this is a wonderful channel.

[@lucycrim2316]

Beautiful comment

[@NJPurling]

Damp, burnt candles & all the incense they have ever used.

[@thibbz]

This is my new favorite channel. My favorite instrument, beautiful churches, history, countrysides, faith… I can’t get enough!!!

[@caluschter]

Thank you for your fantastic and at the same time dignified way of describing the village churches and playing their unique organs. You take us with you and from the first moment it feels as if we were there ourselves. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@mr2646]

Ben is a wonderful musician and story teller. I'm kinda mesmerized 😊

[@terranossavidanossa5513]

wonderful music and high-tech quality engagiment maravilhosa música e alta qualidade de envolvimento

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Entranced and enchanted too.

[@prarieborn6458]

Ben, in addition to your musical talent, you have a way with words. Your description of the sensation you feel when entering the ancient church…it is “so familiar, and simultaneously so haunting and new” yes, what IS that we feel?? and Why? Our Christian Faith teaches we live only one life on earth. Yet, i have been here before, so familiar. .I have never traveled to England, or anywhere outside of the US except to Canada, where, in Victoria, BC they are “more English than the English”, so they say. :). Seriously, i have a passion for history, especially English history, the ancient stones of the churches and Cathedrals are “browned by the sanctity of the prayers of our ancestors”( i paraphrased the author Fr.Hugh Benson, writing about the falling away of Faith in our modern age). That very reservoir of holiness, the energy stored in these places, resonates in sensitive souls. You mentioned that the hidden corner of Wiltshire, surrounded by modern development, “retains its rustic charm” that fact, i believe, is an effect of the energy of holiness and power to preserve and protect, resonating in the stones of the Church..and i am aware that it is a daily struggle against developers, that communities all over England are engaged in. God Bless you in your work, bringing the ancient churches and your music to us , raising our awareness and appreciation. There are other channels that show them, give short tours, many of these old churches have no congregations, their villages long vanished .they probably have no survivng organs for someone like you to bring to life again. It is sad, but I can and do pray for theiier preservation, they are my heritage, too. 🙏💕 Thank You.

[@divadaedalus]

What pure joy to hear traditional hymns played beautifully. Thank you and God bless!

[@MarjorieFlohr]

Of all the organs I’ve heard you play on your channel, this one is my favourite. But I can’t really put into words why. It’s just beautiful. Thank you.

[@MusicaAngela]

I just bought you some coffees. You are a gem Ben Maton! These videos are priceless and so needed to uplift and help us remember the gift of music and the richness of what our ancestors gave to their communities and what has been handed down to us.

[@lizwilliams14]

How do you buy him coffee or give money? I can’t figure it out!

[@connieleach2669]

In the bleak midwinter is my favorite...THANK YOU

[@neolithnomad]

What a surprise seeing my home village featured. A great little history lesson with marvellous music. Thanks Ben.

[@seanmacailin]

You may not know whether you are a Maton or a Maton but your a DAMN good organist!

[@susanmuir286]

Thank you Ben, superb music from our wonderful old churches, set in the English countryside. Your playing is a gift to all of us.

[@harpsichordgal]

Just wanted to tell you how much we (husband and I) enjoy your music. You have such a loving way with every hymn and composition. Played from the heart. Keep up your musical rambles. I do love seeing the English countryside. Best wishes from New York!

[@rebeccawright2038]

Ben Maton, I discovered you here only yesterday, and what a joy it is to follow you about from church to church and revel in their stories, and, yes, in the scent of their old and venerable essence! I love the glimpses into each church's history and those who made it for us to revere. From the road to the pulpit to the most remote corner of the churchyard, these stories and the wondrous music you bring on these small but grand organs are simply a joy! Thank you for freely sharing your most prodigious talents with us here! USA

[@5474online]

what a lovely Christmas present from the Lord! thank you Holy Spirit for bringing me here to Ben's channel. Bless him and all who visit here 🙏🕊️

[@kenhuang8789]

Amen

[@davidthomas9276]

Ben, these videos are a welcome reminder that beauty lies in simplicity. Thank you for sharing all of this with us.

[@katherinemcintire2638]

It's such a gift to be taken along to the peaceful and historic places and to be given such wonderful music! Thanks so much!!

[@djsmith137]

Hello and Greetings from Dublin, Ohio USA! Mr. Maton, I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it was to discover you and your forays into the English countryside and your brilliant organ playing and mini recitals! Your presentation and descriptions of the parish buildings and their organs are most illuminating. We look forward to making our own discoveries of these places in the very near future. England and your Monarch should be exceptionally proud of your exploration and exposition of all the riches that are found in the country's smaller county parishes. Keep up the splendid work! Cheers! Drew

[@cjg1970]

This channel came up as a suggestion about a month ago and now I'm hooked. I do long distance day hikes, 18 to 20 miles , and nearly always stop at a church or two along the way. A short stop can quite often end up being an hour or more. You've given me a few churches to visit on my travels next year. Keep up the good work .

[@nancyfalciani5499]

Most enjoyed by us, your viewers! Thank you for sharing this adventure with us!

[@johngreenwood3802]

Thank you Mr Maton. You take us to the heart of what is Christian and what is English. Happy Christmas!

[@richardduncan6946]

Dear Ben, I’m listening and watching, as I have since the earliest days of your explorations, from Minneapolis, the largest city in the mid-American state of Minnesota. I’m also an organist, now pushing on toward seventy-five, having “been on the bench for sixty of those years. In a week’s time, God willing, I’ll enjoy the privilege of once again supporting the congregation I serve, as they sing the ageless carols of the Nativity. I’ve spent my entire life in small places. Just as the simplest piece of music can sometimes yield the most powerful message, so too do the humble, yet historic, places you visit stand as majestic “pillars of faith” in your country. Thank you for all of your efforts to bring these remarkable “living monuments” to our attention. Your vignettes are very moving. Merry Christmas! Richard Duncan

[@ellenlinn7]

What a beautiful church, and what wonderful music! I love Joseph Addison, he wrote excellent poetry- here is a favorite of mine: 1 The spacious firmament on high, with all the blue ethereal sky, and spangled heavens, a shining frame, their great Original proclaim. The unwearied sun from day to day does his Creator's power display, and publishes to every land the work of an almighty hand. 2 Soon as the evening shades prevail the moon takes up the wondrous tale, and nightly to the listening earth repeats the story of her birth; whilst all the stars that round her burn, and all the planets in their turn, confirm the tidings, as they roll, and spread the truth from pole to pole. 3 What though in solemn silence all move round the dark terrestrial ball; what though nor real voice nor sound amid their radiant orbs be found; in reason's ear they all rejoice, and utter forth a glorious voice, for ever singing as they shine, 'The hand that made us is divine.' Again, thanks for sharing these superb organs and churches with us all!

[@prarieborn6458]

Thank you for sharing this Poem,

[@sg6474]

My grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather were Anglican (Church of England ministers). I have fond memories of visiting country churches in New England and Eastern Townships.

[@janenichols3880]

Your channel is a rare gift. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentations. I grew up attending a Methodist Episcopal church. It was a gothic architecture style. Sadly it was torn down due to roof problems. It had a wonderful pipe organ, rose windows and a welcoming vibe. A new church was built in the suburbs but I have fond memories of singing in the choir in the old church.Your music brings back beautiful memories.

[@roblindquist6597]

Ben: Greetings from faraway Southern California. I really appreciate the enthusiasm you bring to your reports on the visits to these country churches and the emotion you bring to your organ playing. Music conveys emotions that words cannot capture and you demonstrate that so emphatically.

[@BoadiceanTruth]

I just love all things historical especially churches! Whenever I manage to visit one I always put my hands on the older parts to see or feel if anything comes through! And scared at the same time if it did! Nothing yet. Sadly I dont play any instruments except with one or two fingers! but love the music that comes from all of them. And I now have a new appreciation of church organs. Thank you Mr Maton. 🙏🎄🙋

[@alisonrittener5606]

It’s not that mystical. God wants us to approach Him and to have fellowship (relationship) with Him. He reached out to us through Christ’s birth, death & resurrection. The Bible is His communication to you. He loves you.🙏

[@dudleydiehl6850]

Thank you for playing Holtz. Such a moving melody and message.

[@yiayia9373]

Addison’s words so true. So interesting, your heritage. Unique organ! Here in Chicago I get to enjoy the English countryside, beautiful church and organ. Thank you so much.

[@jenni48.32]

Sing aloud loud loud sing a loud loud loud God is good God is Good God is beauty praise him.....Yes that scent of an old church Saint Mary's Milston is a blessing of simpleness and the outside nature of visionary grace playing on the organ Greensleeves "What child is this" - Divine Praises.Thankyou for the poem of 'Hope' and a favourite final carol "In the bleak midwinter " renewal of life and new beginnings. Atmospheric joy and wonderment.Thankyou

[@mafakefoot]

I love listening to Ben read poetry.. cry every time

[@christopherandrews2594]

What a delightful organ, lovely video

[@foothills777]

Love your videos. So sad that many of these beautiful ancient churches are not in use now. Keep up the good work.

[@tedtimmis8135]

You’re really a great story teller as well as a fine musician. It’s really great seeing your appreciation of old churches.

[@billymeyer99]

The Byrd was so beautiful

[@DannyHinchliffe-n2j]

Ben never seems to dare to venture out of Wiltshire. Get him up into Yorkshire. He won't know what's hit him.

[@koerbagh]

What a beautiful sounding organ and so beautifully played, Thank you. Greetings from Holland.

[@PortsladeBySea]

Lovely film. Stunningly beautiful ancient church and organ. With many old churches and chapels being sold off to become residential, or commercial, units action should be taken to retain them for religious, or community, use. These are wonderful historic resources that should be better protected and financially supported ❤🎹🛐🔔🎶

[@kstewart3052]

Thank you so much for this, Ben. I am so glad I found your channel. You draw my heart closer to God!

[@daviddjerassi]

Beautiful England Beautiful Churches saved by its good people an Organist with great feeling and empathy a camera man who captures the feelings and scene perfectly the sheer joy of those marvelous hymns re created what was created for the worship of our God let no man take asunder ,Thank you kind Sirs for such an amazing program of priceless videos HAPPY CHRISTMAS to you all.

[@michaelpfaff6009]

It is so difficult to imagine all the parishioners who worshiped there for so many centuries. Equally difficult is to imagine how much time so many organists provided music there. It is humbling to think about this. Thank you again for this video.

[@DavidSherwood-nj9zf]

I am loving this but it’s June !

[@dennishigbee]

Greetings from Denver, Colorado. I just discovered your videos a couple of days ago and they have made a delightful addition to my Advent celebration. They are a beautiful treat for the eyes and a soothing balm to the heart. Thank you!!

[@gcummings88]

you should have a million subscribers...

[@RichardJayJr-vz8ev]

Aloha Ben😀 Yes your work is enjoyed in HAWAII. Usually over breakfast and in Honolulu that means around 9:30 am. Your work is a wonderful way to start the day. You wished us a Merry Christmas so to you I wish MELE KALIKIMAKA. And to your viewers around the world I encourage others to wish the same in their languages around the world.🇺🇸🇺🇸😎🏄🏼‍♂️🏄🏼‍♂️🏖️🌴🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🌲🌲

[@darranhebert]

I’m sure that you will enjoy the new caravan to make the most of your time in different places. Thank you for your brilliant videos

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Can't wait!

[@005musicschool]

Wonderful! I like the way you not only explore the music and the instruments, but also the history and the landscapes in which these churches are nestled. What would the British Isles be without these places.

[@michelewhite8241]

I absolutely love your channel and so appreciate your playing. You are a gifted organist. I hope you know that gift came from the Lord, merry Christmas, Ben and thank you.

[@rolandwoehr6025]

I thank you, Ben for reminding me of the simple beauty of a chorale so sensitively played, doing so on humble instruments whose living soul you quickly find. They still have a voice and you make them sing. I've been playing the organ in church my whole life and your enthusiasm is heart-warming. As a great priest (John Wesley) once said- "Set yourself alight with enthusiasm, and people will come from miles around to watch you burn." And here, you actually take us with you! Grateful thanks. God bless.

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

Long ago, prophets knew......Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! I can identify with Ben as the Maton family box tomb at Milston is almost identical to the Bolingbroke family box tomb at St Peter Mancroft Norwich. And as the hybrid organ charms us with heavenly music, we wonder if Henry VIII really did write Greensleeves or why Harold Darke wrote his version of In the bleak midwinter. Bravo Ben! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!

[@meryuk]

A nice touch, an old map combined with a car drive

[@pipsheppard6747]

Ben, I just discovered your channel a couple of days ago, and I want you to know that it will only take me a week or so to watch all your visits to churches. After following Dr. Barton for a while now, you are the perfect complement to his body of work. Keep up the great work.

[@vanessamay3689]

Thanks

[@pixmahler5859]

You are terrific. Advent III will be a traditional English Lessons and Carols service tomorrow.

[@pixmahler5859]

Long story of chamber and pipe cleaning lately. Just getting over 500 back in place and out of the choir loft.😅

[@jennywhisconier7777]

Thanks!

[@bethelston5640]

I almost fell off my chair laughing when you said, "Hello" to the mirror....then stifled your own laugh. Everything about your videos is brilliant!

[@heerschappouls7351]

Prachtig, I love it.

[@2Hearts3]

re- your ancestry-- you look more French to me! 🇨🇵

[@markwright504]

Thank you, Ben for this lovely respite from a very busy and exciting day. I am currently waiting for my nephew to phone me to pick up the rebuilt rack board to install our scorched 8' wooden gedeckts to speak for the first time in 45 years Christmas Eve. Your wonderful tours are an inspiration and confirmation that we are on the right path. With all the best wishes for your Christmas from your friends, my 'leatherchicks and chicos' at Christ Church, and of course, me, Mark

[@williamschafferjr9091]

I spend time with Ben everyday. I am so happy i found him and his talents.

[@cjpaisano]

Good evening! I am so glad I found your channel. I had the pleasure of spending a week in Rye in southern England. One afternoon, I visited Winchelsea. We were able to walk into their church and had someone playing their organ in such a magnificent church. The scent is as you mentioned in a previous video- the organ's voice filled the area and I wondered at all the generations of parishioners who have listened to its voice in those wooden pews. I love the southern England area and. your road trips bring back nice memories, especially since I had visited last November and the cold air and low light are captured in your videos. Great job. All the best from Northern Arizona in the US. Best wishes!

[@gregcrease8066]

What wonderful overtones that flute stop has! Once more you prove that there is no such thing as an organ too small. Have a very merry Christmas. Looking forward to your next video.

[@Varykino1917]

I did just buy your "Little Christmas Album" and I love it - it's the perfect Christmas music! I can highly recommend it!

[@aw7248]

A blessed Nativity to you, and thank you for honoring this ancient treasure! I wonder what kind of imagery/iconography was once on the walls & ceiling that is now under whitewash...

[@GrahamCasey-c9p]

Love your stuff

[@spikey8t]

Greetings from California, USA - fantastic! So loverly, interesting and comforting! Your enthusiasm is wonderful! Thank you.

[@catherinechiara3914]

What a marvelous video. Just the nourishment to soothe a drooping spirit. Hearing you play these wonderful old organs is like a glance of Heaven. Thank you, Ben for sharing your talents. Merry Christmas to you and to all.

[@johangouws8855]

Ben you bring the old to life….. love your videos. Thank you.

[@ElizabethHolmes-i8p]

One of the highlights of this year for me is discovering your wonderful channel a few months ago. Everything is absolutely perfect on it, and you make everything so interesting and informative. This video is one of the nicest of all with the Maton history, the great organ and always the bonus of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside every time. Thank you Ben for a wonderful year.

[@myboibill]

So gladto have found and shared your channel with several organist here in New England. I Don’ t know really what I love mist, the music the history the contemplative quotes or you and your pulsing intellect and sunny smile wrapped up in a suitably handsome fellow. Merry Christmas Ben.

[@sm7udb]

Your channel is a calm pause from everything else. Love the sound of the church organ and your visits to old churches. Thank you Ben and I hope you get a lovely Christmas. ❤

[@kelvinsmallwood6315]

Thks Ben for another wonderful video & informing the viewers of the history of the churches you visit. A Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@peterjackson2666]

What a wonderful look back into history. Churches like this are a vital part of what made England the great country it was, and still is.

[@Quince828]

Listening to that music on that organ one can imagine that one’s in a royal chapel in the renaissance. How unusual to have on a pipe organ pedals to pump the air.

[@johannesreckel9036]

The three essentials to happiness in this life are Something to do, something to love, and something to hope for (Joseph Addison).

[@elisabethloxley6124]

Thank you Ben, what a refreshingly beautiful contribution. You tube is richer for your presence. Love you music, and lovely shots of England.x

[@TheFatherpaul1]

Thank you for another uplifting video. I wondered when you would get round to Milston. I lived in Milston cum Brigmerston when I was a lad and sometimes attended St Mary’s. We later moved across the river into Durrington. I hope it is not a false memory but I believe the organ once had a side handle to pump the air through the pipes. Also the bell rope was nearby. I remember one Sunday pumping the organ and ringing the bell at the same time! I eventually became a priest and am now living in contented retirement reliving my childhood memories of living in Wiltshire as a moonraker. Thank you once again.

[@MARKLLOYD-PRICE]

Quite correct Paul! I didn't show Ben the side handle which is still there...and useful in power cuts! Come and visit us sometime if you live in our part of Wiltshire. Happy Christmas, Mark Lloyd Price. Churchwarden

[@TheFatherpaul1]

I now live in Kent but I have a brother who lives in Amesbury. I may visit St Mary’s when I visit my brother.

[@MARKLLOYD-PRICE]

Please do, Paul. The church is always open. 365/ 24 /7 .

[@francineclave2207]

The balance of topics you have in your video’s are spot on! Location, history, building, landscape, grave yard and of course the music. I am surprised how much I like the sounds from this small instrument, in some ways even more than from the really big cathedrals and organs. 😮

[@giuliakhawaja7929]

Beautifully played and presented as always.

[@judithmeyer264]

We enjoy all your videos, your passionate talent soothes our souls. It is what pure worship should be. God bless you Ben The Lord be praised!

[@Pitcairn2]

What a great channel this is, as a Classical guitarist I love to play renaissance and Baroque music, and sometimes I wish I had learned to play the organ :) Look forward to every video you upload, and your history of each Church and its organ are a welcome addition to the music.

[@jayott366]

Unlike another KZbin church organist, it is great that you are not agnostic but actually believe in the theology of the hymns. The hymns and liturgy by extension has been written to create, sustain, and strengthen faith in Christ our Lord and Saviour, which presupposes we are all sinners in need of salvation.

[@amandamelody2992]

Always enjoy what you have brought to us all the historical country churches and your organ playing. I can almost feel an intimate connection between the world bygone and the present. It is truly an out of the world experience. Thank you so much!

[@themsmloveswar3985]

Ben, keep up the good work. Your passion for your art will help you make it greater every week. It is an iterative process. It is the same for every great craft and art form. The combination of history, architecture, human stories and music is very positive and inspiring. Happy Christmas !!!!!

[@gamusicus]

Many go to the UK to sing in the big cathedrals, but I have always wanted to organize a trip to take my choir to sing services in churches like you showcase. Well done!

[@jonboz7585]

Just now downloaded your “Little Christmas Album” and looking forward to listening to it. Keep up the great and most interesting presentations. Have a very Merry Christmas! (From a USA admirer of your work.)

[@burmesecolourneedles4680]

Just wonderful, thank you so much. Almost the humblest of organs, but so musical - thanks to your great skill and sensitivity Ben. Also I must say it's so good to hear these carols played at a reverent speed which savours their loveliness. I sing in a church choir here in Kent and we have a very good young organist, but the hymns are raced through at much too fast a pace for me. I fear that's all too common these days. So many of them need their stateliness and poise, for the musical and liturgical meaning to blossom.

[@maggiematon3831]

Thank you for this. Our side is definitely Milston Maton's. Moving to Salisbury about 1890.

[@timothyhuffman281]

I stumbled across your Advent videos by accident on YT and enjoy them very much. It has added joy to my Christmas week!

[@TheJojo01902]

Because of your videos, I’m falling in love again with the smaller organs one finds in older or smaller churches. Thank you from Boston!

[@MRushby]

How glad I am that I stumbled upon your channel. Thankyou Ben

[@Mikados_Advark12]

Thank you chap for such a unique series - I am loving it

[@kentuckylady2990]

God has blessed you with an extraordinary talent

[@doerthemanahan9912]

This is a wonderful sound, so clean and crisp. Ben Maton, what a great talent you are! Greetings from Michigan.

[@mikesoule1352]

This was my favorite video (as of yet!). Thank you, and peace to you, also. 🎶🎵🎶

[@Dev_1012]

Great, Ben! It was captivating listening to all the marvellous, even the tiny notes you played to perfection. ❤❤❤

[@chiron14pl]

I’ve enjoyed several of your videos, both for the well-played organ music, but the insight into the working of organs and the history behind the churches you select. I’m sure there are more modern churches in Wiltshire, but I love seeing the small simple rural churches with just a nave and chancel, some dating to medieval times. My question is are they actually open so that you can walk in and start playing the organ? I live in Chicago, USA, and I doubt any church building is left unlocked and open without staff or parishioners there for some activity.

[@dpjr47]

Hi Ben, I'm a new fan. Your superb organ playing fills a musical gap in my life. For over twenty years I have sung in our church choir previously accompanied by an organ. For the last few years we've had either a director or choir members whose knees prevent climbing into the choir loft where the organ is located. I miss that wonderful instrument. Your presentations are much appreciated! Bravo! (I am from Massachusetts in the USA).