Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I just love the music of the Benedictine monk, organist and composer *Dom Paul Benoit (1893–1979).* He drew inspiration from *J.S. Bach* (counterpoint), *Louis Vierne* (chromatic harmony), *Claude Debussy* (free rhythmic structure), and *Maurice Ravel* (colorful harmonies). His greatest source of inspiration, however, was Gregorian chant, which he heard every day in the monastic liturgy. Benoit’s musical language is deeply melodic, often based on *pentatonic writing,* with subtle touches of *French Impressionism.*
In this recording I play *Devotional Piece No. 22* from his collection *60 Devotional Pieces.* I recorded it around midnight on July 1, 2026, with only the gentle light of my music desk illuminating the room. That intimate atmosphere seemed perfectly suited to this quiet, contemplative miniature. (and yes, for my friends: this one has lots and lots of accidentals!)
Benoit asks for “Jeux de 8 Pieds très doux” with 16’ and 8’ pedal stops, placing the left hand on the Swell and the right hand on the Choir. For this performance I chose the beautiful new St. Margaret, Munich sample set and selected the softest foundation stops I could find. The result is a sound that feels almost weightless—ethereal, peaceful, and, to my ears, perhaps even a little divine.
I hope you’ll enjoy this moment of stillness. Does this music speak to you as much as it does to me?
*CONNECT WITH ME & SUPPORT MY CHANNEL AND MY MUSICAL JOUNEY*
*Social Media*
Facebook: facebook.com/rienschalkwijk
Instagram: instagram.com/rien_schalkwijk
Website: https://rienschalkwijk.nl
*Memberships | Donations |*
YouTube Membership: youtube.com/channel/UCnEqeaKPj17_1oimf_oRtEw/join
Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/rienschalkwijk
Patreon: patreon.com/c/rienschalkwijk
*Sheet Music Store*
buymeacoffee.com/rienschalkwijk/extras
musicnotes.com/marketplace/creator/9912/rien-schalkwijk
*One Time Support Options*
buymeacoffee.com/rienschalkwijk
paypal.com/paypalme/rienschalkwijk
I just love the music of the Benedictine monk, organist and composer *Dom Paul Benoit (1893–1979).* He drew inspiration from *J.S. Bach* (counterpoint), *Louis Vierne* (chromatic harmony), *Claude Debussy* (free rhythmic structure), and *Maurice Ravel* (colorful harmonies). His greatest source of inspiration, however, was Gregorian chant, which he heard every day in the monastic liturgy. Benoit’s musical language is deeply melodic, often based on *pentatonic writing,* with subtle touches of *French Impressionism.*
In this recording I play *Devotional Piece No. 22* from his collection *60 Devotional Pieces.* I recorded it around midnight on July 1, 2026, with only the gentle light of my music desk illuminating the room. That intimate atmosphere seemed perfectly suited to this quiet, contemplative miniature. (and yes, for my friends: this one has lots and lots of accidentals!)
Benoit asks for “Jeux de 8 Pieds très doux” with 16’ and 8’ pedal stops, placing the left hand on the Swell and the right hand on the Choir. For this performance I chose the beautiful new St. Margaret, Munich sample set and selected the softest foundation stops I could find. The result is a sound that feels almost weightless—ethereal, peaceful, and, to my ears, perhaps even a little divine.
I hope you’ll enjoy this moment of stillness. Does this music speak to you as much as it does to me?
*CONNECT WITH ME & SUPPORT MY CHANNEL AND MY MUSICAL JOUNEY*
*Social Media*
Facebook: facebook.com/rienschalkwijk
Instagram: instagram.com/rien_schalkwijk
Website: https://rienschalkwijk.nl
*Memberships | Donations |*
YouTube Membership: youtube.com/channel/UCnEqeaKPj17_1oimf_oRtEw/join
Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/rienschalkwijk
Patreon: patreon.com/c/rienschalkwijk
*Sheet Music Store*
buymeacoffee.com/rienschalkwijk/extras
musicnotes.com/marketplace/creator/9912/rien-schalkwijk
*One Time Support Options*
buymeacoffee.com/rienschalkwijk
paypal.com/paypalme/rienschalkwijk
