The Christmas Carol Tour CONTINUES!

[@fireflyrobert]

Anybody else think Ben is adorable?

[@colinmorris8934]

We all do

[@SeaBreeze2247]

I have a bit of an old lady crush. ☺️

[@JonathanRWilliams]

Absolutely...he's scrumptious!❤❤❤

[@douglasfur3808]

We all have our burdens.

[@WellEditedCo]

I’m middle aged now, but he’s absolutely the type of guy I would have fallen for in my youth. And my husband is also a cute musician so I guess I did fall for that!

[@irenastansby5861]

I wouldn't skip one bit of Ben's videos. The walks, the churches, the tales and the music create one wonderful experience. Even the highly polished organist's shoes played their part in today's episode

[@JudyOliver-dy2wb]

Definitely enjoy your walks through the countryside with the ongoing commentary. As I live in the States, I’m not familiar with these villages, so I also augment my knowledge with Google maps, perusing the adjoining streets and trails.

[@stevehoffman9052]

@@JudyOliver-dy2wb The villages are so lovely and full of character. I have seen many on my travel there (20 years ago), and am now anxious to go back after seeing these videos.

[@JacquesBeaulieu-v6q]

I love your videos. I love what you say. I love your «old fashioned» ways. I love your smile. Sunday would not be Sunday without you.

[@heatherleslie5874]

Ben, I really enjoy listening to your walking narrative about the landscapes and the churches you visit. Your descriptions, readings, poetry and ‘out-loud’ thoughts are beautifully sensitive…with a perfect amount of exquisite humour! Thank you. My family and I drove to Salisbury Cathedral this evening, hoping to enjoy the carol service. We missed out, by a whisker. The tokens ran out…no more room! We are hoping to try again tomorrow! 🙏One of the wonderful things about your channel is that there’s no concern about crowded spaces and missing out!

[@stevehoffman9052]

I have learned so much about organs by watching your videos. I've gained a greater appreciation for them. And I love the history of the organs that you tell us about. Also, I enjoy the walks at the beginning with the historical details.

[@johncorp2870]

My beloved grandmother was christened Frances Maria on June 13, 1886 in Wilsford church. Thank you for reminding me of her huge influence on my life.

[@trishmurphy1941]

Our organist in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada ended our Lessons and Carols service this morning with this splendid Bach piece, the In Dulci Jubilo. Nice to think that we were all celebrating with other churches celebrating this morning.

[@kesmarn]

Isn't it interesting how well joy and solemnity go together? You start off with stonehenge, a place that was loaded with emotion and spiritual meaning long before there were the words to explain it. And then you move forward through villages and buildings that have seen so much. Survived so much! Historic events -- the reformation, wars, plagues, fires... the list goes on and on. And these stately buildings serenely stand witness to it all. Sons lost in battle. Dynasties that looked as though they would last forever, blown away like dust. But the beauty of music goes on and on. Light emerging from darkness. But that's what Christmas is really all about, isn't it? Mystery -- and the level of trust that allowed a man to accept, love and protect a young woman who might well have been rejected by many other men. And a young woman who had the courage to say "fiat," to something she didn't understand and to express the strength and intelligence written into the Magnificat. More than enough reason to wrap up a wonderful story in a beautiful Christmas Lullaby.

[@2Hearts3]

You ARE writing it, Ben, with your beautiful videos, commentaries, and performances. I love your channel and lovely outlook.

[@tamarawinget]

SI am always entranced by your videos. As an American with deep roots and deep love for British country churches, the views, the music and the story is so much a rich Sunday tradition for me now. Thank you so very much for sharing your passion on these not forgotten organs.

[@trishmurphy1941]

I love the walks along the lanes, the tours of the small villages and neighborhoods. I have only been to England twice, and never the other countries in the UK, and when you are on tour, you get to see the “tourist traps” and some important sites, but not the things that my grandmother spoke of, or the types of villages featured in the stories and books of my childhood. I’m old enough that Enid Blyton, and Arthur Ransome were staples in my reading and formed the images I have of England….probably far too romanticized for the reality of modern times. But TV set in small villages capture me still. Thank you for these little forays into the areas outside the big cities.

[@robc5704]

Yes, write the book! Make sure you add lots of photographs of the area as well as of the church. I also see in my mind maps so visiting folk can actually find their way to them, I won't say long forgotten but sadly in this day, deprived of people and the life these tiny villages used to have. Play on, indeed, play on.

[@steveshakeshaft2334]

I'm 68 and for many years I've been haunted by an emotional melody, but didn't know what it was called and couldn't describe it. Thanks Ben, it's called Coventry Carol........

[@larrywalton3743]

My wife and I have been watching for some time now... With some considerable pleasure! You're episodes are a great way to unwind at the end of a busy week. We hope to visit your "neck of the woods" some day, though it will be a trip, as we live in a small mountain town (Pagosa Springs) in Colorado, USA. Happy Christmas to you and Sophia. Larry

[@WellEditedCo]

I only recently discovered your channel, and I love every bit of it. As an American Anglophile, who majored in British Literature and then went on to an M.Div. Degree in a Lutheran Seminary, all that you do is interesting to me. Thanks for giving us another Christmas video!

[@ravencottage]

You just reminded me of the most wonderful thing I"ve ever had in my mouth...a still warm custard filled bun sold by a local vendor at what was then the visitor center at Stonehenge. The day was chilly and misty perfect for Stonehenge and that bun!

[@cyn7227]

I've only started watching this channel in the last few weeks - it popped up as a recomendation after I had been watching another music channel (in effort to escape the depressing political podcasts I usually watch). I thought 'Salisbury Organist - that sounds interesting' as I live near Salisbury. So invstigated and have become totally addicted. For me the great attraction is the combination of the walks through the wonderful chalk downland landscapes of Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, the historical aspects of the churches themselves and the music and organs. Ben's explanations of the stops and how the organ works is like a tutorial to budding organists. When I was a child I made my mother drive me around many of the churches of Norfolk. That came to a halt when we moved to Wiltshire and I went to boarding school and my interests moved to archaeology. These videos inspire me to restart visiting the local churches - Ben has certainly filmed some real gems that I didn't know existed.

[@chrishall62]

I love how Ben in these videos doesn't just rock up at a church and start playing, but takes us on a walk through the countryside with the scenery and then the big reveal and excitement of seeing the church for the first time. Plus there's something about churches in a winter landscape. Re Stonehenge I can remember the days when you could visit it and walk freely among the stones!

[@dongrant5197]

From Australia. The farm implement is a disc cultivator. Normally called a disc harrow in Australia. To use it the "gangs" of discs fold down horizontally via hydraulic rams and are at a slight angle to the direction of travel which moves the soil slightly. It has scalloped discs which cut in to the soil better than plain discs and also have a chopping function as well. On this implement the discs look to be followed by packer rollers which level the soil, compact it and control the depth of the cultivation.

[@kate2014LR]

Thank you so much for these incredible videos, Ben. As an old retired organist/choir director in small churches (U.S.) your delight in small organs and small churches is a breath of fresh air, both familiar and sweet to experience. And your videos make me think I am right there with you standing next to you as you sit on the bench (or stool!) Keep making these, please. Glad you added a PayPal link--that's my next stop. Happy Christmas to you!

[@anitasmith203]

❤

[@richardholappajr.6184]

Thank you , Ben and Sophia, for the educational and entertaining episode. A weekly treat!

[@EmmaGaylard]

Thanks for the video, I absolutely love the sound of the organ, they are such beautiful Instruments, and you’re always happy

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

Much joyousness in this Christmas carol continuation; In Dulci Jubilo played on a Walker organ is ‘sweet rejoicing’; the exhilaration of speeding along a country road to the sound of Billy’s guitar and O come, all ye faithful with a view of Wells Cathedral organ is a lovely ending. Have a beautiful Christmas Ben and Sophia.

[@stubryant9145]

The farm implement is a disc harrow. A rather more sophisticated or at least larger one in that the sides fold up to make it ride much narrower while in transport.

[@lizwilliams14]

On the Canadian prairies it’s usually called a Discer.

[@MiaMarie145]

I watched this video while putting up the tree late this year. Old-fashioned Christmas charm filled my heart as your video helped make a late tree duty feel less laborious and instead rather joyful - the way it should be. Thank you!

[@aliceskewthorpe8991]

Hello from Australia... Loved your video... The old traditional carols always delight the listener! I've sung in many choirs, both church, Cantartas, classical and musicals ... never realised how sometimes challenging it is for an organist to identify different aspects and characteristics of different organs! Fascinating... I'm challenging myself to learn the original score of Moonlight Sonata on my keyboard... never had a lesson, but so enjoy the journey... Wonderful seeing your snow, as we have the summer heat down here! Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all! ❤ ...❤

[@davidmaurer3616]

As Americans, my and I treasure your walks through the gorgeous English countryside! Also, your organ playing is so beautiful and enjoyable! We want to take our next vacation to the English counrtyside, after experiencing your amazing and captivating videos! Ben, wishing you a Very Merry Chritmas!

[@rodanthompson2931]

Ben, that farming equipment is a Disc Cultivator. The arms fold down and while being pulled by tractor plows up the earth cultivating and turning up the earth aerating the soil. Hope that helps your curiosity. 😊 🚜🧑‍🌾

[@josephinedixie5474]

I’ve recently discovered your videos and I’m enjoying them so much especially during this Advent season . Thank you Ben and Sophia . All my favourite things are here …. Nature , old churches and their history and music ……. I am relieved and refreshed by your words and music from the Xmas crowds , materialism and rush …….. ❤

[@sukeyfrugalfrau]

Looks like a disk tiller to me. Amazing that the road is paved. Here in NE VT, dirt roads only. ... Like the Constable painting of Stonehenge better than the photos etc. I laughed when you said bitter cold and there you are not wearing a hat, nor gloves, nor scarf.... It is well below 0 F here today as I sit with turtleneck, flannel shirt, fleece lined overalls and a hoodie over that... and a warm dog leaning against me on my desk chair... but what I wait for is the church, the organ, the music. I like your choice of churches better... remote, old, retired, great organs, quirky organs, humble villages... write your own book, yes please. We pray for the famers and the right to grow real, healthy food without government interference.

[@buddhabro.9130]

Thank you so much for bringing these glorious country parish churches and oragans into our homes weekly. I'm from America and have been tracing my family history to Britain, Scotland, France, and Ireland. What a joy it is to Imagine them all worshiping together in places like these. Happy Christmas from your friend across the seas in Virginia, Peter ❤😊🙏🎄

[@willmears1111]

A Blessed Christmas and New Year to Ben, Billy and Sophia. Your success brings us great pleasure.

[@leanneholt2110]

Thank you so much for these videos. They are so full of joy and peace. Seems odd to see your landscape so lush and green with leaves on many trees. I'm in rural upstate NY where Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb are brown (or white) with bare branches. May your Christmas and New Year be blessed.

[@dalecaldwell]

Ah. Coventry Carol has never before had he attention it dweserves. Thank you. My grandmother grew up in a little settlement in the wilds of Arkansas, which had a little Methodist Chapel with a harmonium. I have wonderful memories of going to visit the Chapel with when she would always play it. By that time, the community was gone but the Chapel and cemetery were preserved by the descendents of the place, named Bethel, and the harmonium continued to sound for many years.

[@brianbickerstaffe]

Bless you.

[@thomasgolden5499]

Hi Ben, another great Tour de Force as always - keep up the good work, greatly enjoy your Sunday evening videos 🙏🏻 That piece of farm equipment is a HARROW that is used after ploughing for breaking up and smoothing out the surface of the soil to make into “tilth” that is suitable for re-seeding in the spring. Hope this helps 🙂 Scott.

[@bronwenmeek8555]

I would have said, Cambridge rollers

[@bronwenmeek8555]

Or maybe disc tiller

[@jeangarrett3754]

I m so happy to see this episode. Ditto my comment from part 1. The outdoors is truly the Lord's church.

[@audreydaubney6047]

Thank you Ben and Sophia bless you both

[@Rollinglenn]

Oh Ben! That Coventry Carol was so ethereal. Thank you for playing it. I really enjoyed hearing it with your "heavy" registration. The Diapason alone was perfection for a Lullaby. You ended it magnificently with Adeste Fidelis - the sound and visuals were warm and cozy - like sitting a round a hearth with "a blazing yule before us." I must confess that some of my most meaningful hours were spent alone in a church at the organ console.They always re-centered my soul regardless of what was going on in the outside world. A most Merry and Blessed Christmas and a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year for you and your family. Thank you for your always inspiring and informative Sunday videos! 🎶🎶🎶🎄 🎶🎶🎶

[@zimbelstern62]

We as organists don't realize how fortunate we are to be alone in a church building with the organ. They are definitely sacred times. Merry Christmas Ben!

[@victorcastillo1589]

Excelent Ben. Thank you for your music snd to let we know such beatifull villages and cuirches. I am from Buenos Aires-Argentine (is summer here). Merry Christmans-Feliz Navidad

[@ianholder77]

Watching your feet and hands work together blows my uncoordinated and musically-incompetent mind! Thank you for sharing your love of organs, music, churches and the beautiful countryside with us. Christmas blessings this Monday morning to you and Sophia from an Eastern Orthodox Australian, in a regional locale, who loves the great traditions of Western music which you bring to life and warm & comfort the soul.

[@limitstoprogress]

Thank you, Ben and Billie and Sophia, for bringing this bit of Peace into our lives and very Merry Christmas to you and to all your dear viewers all around the world! Greetings from Canada!

[@MelissaCox1992]

I really love this video. Hark the Herald Angels Sing! Fantastic! Merry Christmas!

[@samweaver668]

Merry Christmas to my favorite organist and to Sophia and Billy. My Sunday is made complete with these devotionals.

[@jeangarrett3754]

Adding to my earlier comment, several times during this episode i was overcome with emotion. I couldnt help but sing along with the organ and especially the harmonium! My flat has great acoustics and my co-tenants say they love hearing the sound coming through the hall. Every minute of this episode was pure joy and reverence on your part and i was in my element. Thank you! ❤

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

AWE, indeed...quite the event this Sunday, Ben. Appreciate your efforts greatly, as always.

[@Tim.Weaver]

🎄Thank you for introducing me to the Franck Noel. I'd never heard it before, and its haunting melody sounds especially good on the harmonium.

[@susangerber9869]

Billys quitar piece was beautiful.

[@carlhester3921]

I appreciate the affable full countenance over the mouth alone. Please give us those dark brown eyes and curls as well. They are so welcoming and expressive as an ensemble during your fun travelogues of the English landscapes. This was a really comforting episode; a welcome “time out” during a busy week. You are appreciated!

[@JenniferHardwick-u5b]

Ben, thank you and Sophia for your videos AND the amazing music and stories. Wishing you a blessed Christmas. Much love

[@ElizabethMoon-n8m]

What a beautiful church, restoration or not. I love learning about the churches and their history, about the organs, and hearing your play.

[@leono8432]

Wishing you and yours a very Blessed Christmas from South Africa. I can't wait for each new video every week. Please never stop. Your videos inspired me to once again play for services in our church.

[@StephenLumb-r6t]

That was simply your best video yet Ben. The harmonium, because of your undoubted love for it just moved me so much. How the mood of an organ can be adjusted from deeply dark and melancholic to something more ancient and pastoral. Fabulous stuff .

[@donnanilsson2093]

Congratulations and Best Wishes on your marriage.

[@noelinetaylor186]

It was a different Ben. Not our Ben Maton.

[@noelfran]

Thank you for your walk in the countryside with explanation of your history and context of the area. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is my favorite carol because it expresses so much about who our Savior is and the Gospel of why He came. Your "Lullaby" is pretty and aptly old-fashion which is fitting for the organ on which it was written.

[@ventusborealis2414]

Thank you Mr Maton 🎩. I enjoy your videos so much. I do also think that reedorgans are misunderstood many times. It's a little bit more difficult to play than piano or even pipeorgan, but when having multiple stops there's much potential as you described. O, I wish I would live there in England - you have so many beautiful churches and landscapes there. Greetings from Finland.🇫🇮 I wish you and all who read this a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025! May Christ fill our hearts with love and joy.🕯️♥️ ⚜️✝️⚜️

[@gingram110]

It’s too bad the Christmas season is so short as I could listen to this glorious music for much longer. Merry Christmas, Ben.

[@fionasaunders7646]

Thank you Ben your videos have brought many of us great joy, ! Love those walks across the ever peaceful country side of England especially, a very happy Christmas to you and Sophie and Billy Best wishes from Zimbabwe 🎄

[@argentinagalos6205]

Dear Ben,I have enjoyed every piece ,every part of your videos,all the beautiful churches and lovely countryside that you have taken me through ,especilly the land of Dorset and you mentioning so often my favourite writer ,Th. Hardy ! It was sheer delight and I cannot thank you enough ! May you enjoy a bright and peaceful Christmas and I am looking forward to hearing /seeing more ! ❤💫🤝

[@MichaelReilly-r7h]

Merry Christmas to All. God rest ye Merry Gentle Men and Women

[@kesmarn]

And if I'm not mistaken, "In Dulce Jubilo" is otherwise/also known as "Good Christian Men Rejoice." ?

[@davecadorette-tv1tk]

Enjoying your tours of old churches! Have a wonderful Christmas!

[@JHarryF]

A healthy and joyous Christmas, Ben, Sophia, Billy and all. I look forward to your future rambles and video reports.

[@agathavandoesburg7297]

Love organ music, and the difference in tone is amazing at times. This episode features an awesome - sounding organ in the 2nd church, Dorset i believe..... And not a score in sight. Just fantastic!! Thanks for the tours and talks. ❤👏👏👏

[@cherylh1159]

Awesome, stunning, beautiful as always Ben. A very Merry Christmas to you and your Family. Thanks be to God!

[@SacredCrone]

I really enjoy your walk and chat before hand. It really sets the scene and I get to enjoy the beautiful views. Then there’s the outside and inside of the beautiful church and then inside for a beautiful man playing beautiful music. Deepest thanks for what you do. I live in New England and dream of visiting old England one day. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@notlimey]

I visited Stonehenge once, in 1970 while visiting my wife's family - it was free then and you could walk among the stones and touch them.

[@lizwilliams14]

Yes. I have been there when it was like that and also when it was overly crowded and overly commercialized. Such a shame.

[@teresahill6356]

Happy christmas Ben and to your family thank you for the beautiful music❤

[@gilesrevelstoke4792]

I love the modal French noëls. The César Franck Vieux Noël is a favorite of mine. (I adore Franck’s music.) The Coventry Carol is also a favorite. Thank you for this Advent series, it has given us something with which to look forward each week; truly representing the spirit of Advent. Your Christmas Lullaby is perfect for the instrument in St. Mary's, Lover; such beautiful flutes. Happy Christmas to you, Ben!

[@Rain-Peters]

Thank you for helping me with my Christmas spirit. Happy Christmas.

[@Margaret_J]

Love these videos - the walks, history, tales and music all make up a beautiful whole experience every time. Love the Christmas Lullaby - and Billy's guitar playing Write the book definitely! I am old enough to remember clambering on the Stonhenge stones when I was little and there were no fences or any restrictions back in the day! 😂 Thank you for all the work you put in Ben and Happy Christmas to you and yours

[@susangerber9869]

Love the Christmas lullaby.

[@11sesquialtera]

such a wonderful, and fulfilling video…thank you so much. A very happy Christmas to you , and you fam….Blessings to you, Rob

[@MRushby]

I wish you, family, and friends a blessed and Holy Christmas 🌲 and a safe and Happy New Year 🎉

[@johngreenwood3802]

Thank you, Ben. Love the scenery and music. And like your philosophy! Happy Christmas

[@marty955]

In America, that farm implement would most likely be called a "disc harrow" but I'm not sure if it's the same in the UK. Thank you for these videos. I love the country walks with the uniqueness of the English countryside and your sharing of history, both personal and regional. You take us viewers places we would probably never hope to see otherwise.

[@davidperrott5743]

Still a disc harrow...

[@elzabethmorgan8020]

Another stunning video! Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!

[@fionalaw8427]

Wonderful video, watching as I wrap presents and have a bit of a relaxing day before playing at services tomorrow in Sheffield. Wonderfully inspiring thank you and Merry Christmas ⛪️ 🎹 🎹

[@SacredCrone]

My mother was a classical pianist and always dreamed of learning to play church organs. The played a baby grand in a local church before she passed for a little while. I wish she could have see your videos. She would have adored them.

[@Alter_Onkel]

Hi Ben and Sophia (love your name, Sophia: it means wisdom, for those who didn't realize that!😊) The year 1858 when the Walker organ was built was, by the way, just prior to the American Civil War; Minnesota became the 32nd State in that same year. James Buchanan of Pennsylvania was our 15th President, and he served from 1857 to 1861. Greetings from atop Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh (The "Paris of Appalachia!"), Pennsylvania, USA😊

[@tonycross5801]

It's really lovely to hear these wonderful instruments in your heartfelt interpretations. Keep up the good work.

[@Musician-Lee]

Merry Christmas Ben. I’m sure we all get something different from your wonderful videos and for me, your stroll through the pathways and woods is unique and not to be missed. Thank you for some wonderful and uplifting videos this year.

[@NeilABliss]

Aside from the festive events, in response to your desire..... It's a disc harrow. 😊

[@trishmurphy1941]

I was thinking harrow, but it’s a long time since I was at my uncle’s farm a thousand miles away…so thanks for confirming that!

[@chriscarson2547]

Christmas greetings Ben, From Tacoma, Washington. That was such a beautiful example of a harmonium. I thought the Franck was sounding lovely, but after you re-registered, it was brilliant! TY!

[@lyndowling3088]

Absolutely majestic. Merry Christmas to you , sir, from a Roman Catholic in Florida,

[@tomparsons6177]

Merry Christmas love your stories walks and play. Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I unto thee

[@jhbenz987]

Absolute enjoyment. Thank you very much

[@englishdogs]

You're an excellent presenter, Ben. Merry Christmas.

[@angusmcallister111]

Some lovely playing and composing Ben. Big well done to Billy as well. Love Tárraga’s Recuerdos de la Alhambra

[@barriesmith3489]

Ben the wall and talk are part of the whole story and give us the Beauty of where you are

[@chrisforrest9482]

Dear Heart, I've watched today's video from end to end and have been enchanted every minute. Please stop worrying about your hair. You are abslutely beautiful, and any which way the wind blows your hair is immaterial; it's perfect. (Though I will say it is beginning to reach it's maximum length. But please, just trim the ends! DON?T CUT IT OFF!; it's so very beauttiful). I can't comment any more tonight, but tomorrow I will watch again and send a more pertinent comhment. Much love.🥰

[@b-rphotos4687]

A merry Christmas Ben! Another video well done. Thank you sir.

[@maxgeorge-o3z]

Thank you Ben. I'm neither an Organist or a Christian who got into organs from the mechanics of the instrument which led me to Bach and also Buxtehude.( passacaglia BuxWV 161 is smashing). Having worked in broadcasting I see that you have a natural flare for presenting and production. I love your playing ,but you introductions and walks make it very personal.Max.

[@edwardwalsh5477]

The farm equipment you passed is known as a disc which breaks up clods of earth after ploughing or even performs ploughing function in suitable soils. This particular disc is a system of discs, a normal configuration.

[@willg1604]

Really great commentary! I always enjoy your videos!

[@margidaly6874]

No skipping the walk and music are whats about.

[@DJBoise]

Merry Christmas, thank you for another great video.

[@mattleach958]

So many thanks, Ben, Sophia and Billy, and a very Happy Christmas and New Year to you, family and friends. I also very much enjoy playing a good expressive harmonium, and "Adeste Fidelis" ("Oh Come All Ye Faithful") is also my favorite carol/hymn ever) 🎹

[@NancyVanEvera]

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year from upstate New York!🎄

[@joer5627]

I was just thinking this morning, “Where is good Ol’ Ben?” Glad you’re back. Merry Christmas. Watch out for the evil cows!😝

[@bryanmoseley7028]

Beautifully played and explained. Last night I played 'In dulci jubilo' on the one manual Walker at Hardwick after our Carol Service - maybe a bit slower than you! I'll have to dig out 'Vieux Noel' and give it a try. Happy Christmas!

[@barriesmith3489]

Ben I have lived in three countries over my lifetime and we live on a most beautiful world some small in wonder other large panorama vastness is spectacular thank you for the bit by Billy a very happy Christmas to you and Sophia may you know the Lord blessing at this time of rejoicing