BEST WAY to Drown Out an Organist?

[horatiohornblower]

Ben probably doesn't realize it, but he does pioneering work every week. The English countryside is a world that many city dwellers long for. And the old churches are safe havens for all those who can no longer stand it in this hectic world. The mix of organ music, poetry and beautiful landscapes are a balm for countless restless souls who deeply long for peace. Thank you, Ben, for being a therapist even if that may not be your first intention.

[arlenem]

When the bells rang out i gasped in awe! How wonderful to have bells ring out. They have taken so many bells out around our country, such a shame. Arlene in Southern California ❤

[noelbolingbroke-kent]

Ben has recreated the Holy Trinity with church bells, a church in chains and a church shrouded in mystery. Once in a generation something rather wonderful happens in the musical world. The Salisbury Organist and his church visits is that rather wonderful something. Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices.

[KenG]

I love the sound of the key in those ancient church doors. You are blessed to live in a country with such rich history, everything in America is new in comparison.

[larryboekeloo]

What a great performance of Nun Dunket! You played it at such a great tempo. Everyone else wants to rush through it and the listener misses all the articulation. Thanks so much Ben. You are a treasure!

[MrIvorfan]

“Sometimes, like these churches, the further back you go, the more meaning you find.” How very true. There is much wisdom in these words.

[gregcrease]

The sudden peal of bells brought tears to my eyes. The Bach was magnificent. If was so uplifting and stirring. Thanks for another great launch into a new week!

[jodiknight]

Thank you for another wonderful Salisbury organist day trip. Your tours and playing are always a treat. Today, the sound of the pealing bells was a wonderful memory for me. As a child, they were a common Saturday delight. My sister and I could see the church from our bedroom window and stood in anticipation of a glimpse of the bride. On Sunday's, the bells were the alarm clock of the day calling the family to assemble and head to church. Sometimes, special memories are stirred by the unexpected.

[robertdshannon]

Change ringing I bet. I was fortunate enough to hear York Minster bells on a Sunday morning. It was positively beautiful.

[willmears]

The peel of the bells across the countryside was magnificent, and something I greatly miss. The church organ and bells are unequaled.

[jamesv]

I love what you do, not only playing such beautiful organ music but the journey to these old villages and showcasing these beautiful churches. Yes, we love the old England with its beautiful music, literature, art, architecture and its love for God.

[nancymacdonald]

Not only do we receive beautiful music but such wonderful history lessons...thank you

[christinawatkinsyoutube]

those bells are just wonderful! your videos make me so, so excited to move back to England after 8 years away.

[brianheys]

As a bellringer I particularly enjoyed this video. Although we ringers don't play music in the traditional sense, we aim to make our mathematical 'methods' musical. The ringing you recorded is of a high standard and the bells sound very good - they are actually very modern, all being cast as recently as 1999 at Whitechapel in London ( presumably to mark the new millennium). Thank you for bringing them to a wider audience.

[boxerbguy]

Since only recently having found your U-Tube videos I am in total awe. Being Jewish I am also inspired by Now Thank We all Our G- .As a life long historian I feel like I am in your classroom.. Thank you for your knowledge and beautiful churches. I believe music is part of the voice of our creator. You echo it so well.

[Majesties]

How did I happen to stumble upon this 30minutes of pure heaven. Ben, this is the best thing I've ever watched on YouTube. Thank you.

[ruthmckee]

What a totally wonderful video. Did so much good for my soul. Having lived out of the UK for 21 years I had so many happy memories of times walking country lanes and coming across beautiful church buildings. Then hearing church bells and one of my favourite hymns and poems. Thank you for loving these places and the beautiful music that was made to be played in these buildings to the glory of God. May God call out worshippers to continue to enjoy this wonderful Christian heritage.

[gerhardf]

Thank you for this poem.

Text of the Poem If.

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
⁠To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
⁠If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
⁠With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!

[KenG]

Bless your parents for getting you that keyboard for Christmas. 🙏
It would be lovely to meet them in one of your videos. Does your Dad have a magnificent head of hair like you and Billy? 💪😁👍

[elaineduncanson]

I am in a rough spot at the moment preparing for a court case that could upend my life. To keep calm and keep working on the figures, I turned to your video. The churches are beautiful and inspiring and I love your choice of music. Thank you for providing peace in a troubled time.