Ben Maton – the Salisbury Organist

A few days ago, I came into the room where Patty was watching a YouTube video, and found that she was watching a young organist who visits antient churches, and if they have an organ, he’ll play it (with permission of course). While walking to the church (he nearly always walks the last mile or two), and visiting a church, and playing the organ, he will keep two camera’s going, producing video that he will edit and upload to YouTube. He says that the editing and production of the film alone takes about 3 days. And he does this once a week.

I had no idea that I had any interest in organs, or organ music for that matter. Over the years I’ve admired a few individuals who seemed to have mastered it, but not many. Organs are much more than a keyboard. I didn’t know and didn’t much care. I was 14 when the Beatles invaded America, and their music was to my liking. I still admire their talent all these years later. As the years went by, I gravitated to country music. The country music of the nineties I still enjoy. At the same time, both Patty and I like southern gospel. I enjoy nothing more than a Gaither Homecoming video. But I digress. I’m writing this because YouTube introduced us to a young man named Ben Maton, the Salisbury Organist. This guy goes from church to church, some over 1000 years old, and all seeming to be near 200 at the least. He’s researched and versed himself in the history of English countryside churches. But not only the churches – he knows all kinds of interesting facts and trivia about the villages, the hymn composers, and the important people who were connected with the church. I believe that Ben Maton is an historian who specializes in old churches and their music. He’s an amazing musician. He probably doesn’t consider himself an historian, but he is one, never the less.

As a genealogist, I have an interest in old churches, and their records. I’ve now come to realize that their music most likely played an important part in my ancestors’ lives – as it has in mine. So… Thanks to Ben Maton’s YouTube videos, I’ve gained an appreciation for not only the churches, but the organ music. I’ve found these videos addicting. According to YouTube, Ben has 153 videos currently posted, with a whapping 111,000 subscribers! I’m inviting you to check out his channel – https://www.youtube.com/@SalisburyOrganist

One of my favorites of Ben’s videos is Pachelbel’s Canon // and a church that’ll surprise you! If you watch the video, know that there is a twist at the end – starting at about the 35th minute. Wait for it, get the background and the full story. It’s worth it, especially for those of us who are over 70. Enjoy…