Village Organist MEETS CATHEDRAL!!

[SalisburyOrganist]

Thanks everyone!
Should I play more larger organs? Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the comments on this one! ❤️❤️

[jill]

As we all weren't able to be there in person and give you a standing ovation, here's a virtual standing ovation 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Bravo Ben! Bravo! 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[adrianjohnson]

I like your "Postlude for Mechanical Action." I think the best compositions have "ear worm" capabilities, and yours does in spades.  
That baseline sticks agreeably in the brain and the memory. Sounds stately on the Wells Cathedral organ. OLE!

[chrisburn]

"I suffer from chronic shyness" says the man who is probably top 3 of the most well-known organists on YouTube 😉

[seriouslyreally]

Happy 1st day of Advent Ben & Sophia!❤ Ben, "hidden" in the organ loft is the perfect solution to your "performance shyness" (anxiety) once you ascend the steps, you are so comfortable and at home in the loft, whether in a massive cathedral or at St Martin's. In front of the console is the one place you can pour your heart out making music on the instrument you love so very much. You are not really a "little village church organist" you are a classically trained organ scholar and would not have risen to that level if you didnt have the talent to play the consoles of the grandest organs. Filming your repertoire has been the greatest gift you've given the world over.

[leestevens]

Ben, how can you suffer from "chronic shyness" yet command the King of Instruments so beautifully?! Your performance of "Oh come Emanuel" is easily the best I have ever heard! How I yearn to hear you play the RESTORED Wells organ, preferably with a full cathedral choir accompanying you!!! That would be a DREAM come true!! Amen!!! :)

[noelbolingbroke-kent]

Lo! he comes with clouds descending. The Salisbury Organist’s stupendous video from the mighty organ at Wells Cathedral is heavenly pleasure indeed! The organ, the organist, the divine Advent music, the Gothic cathedral, the mediaeval splendour must make God in his Heaven bask in self-satisfaction with the gloriousness of his creations.

[JenniferGrant-id]

I’m torn! The majesty of a cathedral v the intimacy of an isolated ancient church! Nice to have both!

[Musician-Lee]

That was something else! As you said yourself Ben, “Such fun!” I’m so glad you got to play your Postlude for Mechanical Action. Great photography too, and I loved the way you interspersed the video with an explanation of some of the stops. We really were sitting beside you. Phenomenal.

[seanpeare-MWSP]

I thoroughly enjoyed your playing on the Wells Cathedral. Yes technology has improved immensely since to 70's. Our Aircraft are now fully computerised with Flat screen display panels. I have retrofitted my three manual (1990's) organ with touch screen monitors and sample sets. I am sure these technologies will greatly help with the reconditioning of the Wells Organ. Incidentally, my first playing a real pipe organ was at Chichester Cathedral 2018. Boy was I shy and nervous. I am glad I did it. Organs are so much fun. I believe that everyone should give it a try.

[richardroberts]

How privileged We are. Said it before .. give this man his own Tv show Love from Wales

[pipsheppard]

That piece, YOUR piece, on THAT organ. How magnificent! I raised the volume of my computer and replayed it. Thanks for sharing your talent and passion, Ben!

[hideehicampers]

We are lucky enough to live just 20 minutes from this beautiful cathedral and visit often. Thankyou Ben for another excellent video. You make our Sunday evening!

[joannmahaffey]

Love this so much. I hope the church gets all the money it needs to make this instrument better than new.

[Dnn]

my mother played the piano and church organ…she passed away 50 years ago. I can remember her playing the same tunes as you. ❤

[KiwiSongbird]

I LOVED hearing "Postlude for Mechanical Action" in full! THANK YOU! I hum along every time you use it for the opening theme of a road trip with Ben. ❤😊

[rwiddico]

Ben Your ease at the Wells Cathedral console belies your shyness. Did you know that when Elvis Presley started singing for friends he was so shy that he would only perform in a dark room with all the lights off? Of course over time he was able to overcome his shyness to become a huge performer. So, there is HOPE isn;t there? So, glad you played at Wells.

[irenastansby]

Not sure who enjoyed today's session more - Ben or us - the viewers. Let's agree it was an equal pleasure. Ben even wore a jacket out of respect to this grandeur of Wells Cathedral.
Ben's own composition really deserved the cathedral organ to be fully appreciated.

[jamesmoon]

Wells is such a beautiful building. Had the pleasure of visiting there five years ago. Organs need regular upkeep. Hopefully Wells plans for a complete overhaul soon.

[katherinemcintire]

Such a switch from trecking on an overgrown path visited by cows and tractors!! This was GRAND and amazing in sound and space!!! I love that you share both dimensions with us!! Thanks so much!!