The son of Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, Samuel Wesley showed exceptional early talent as a musician, playing the violin, harpsichord and organ, and composing his first oratorio at the age of eight. He published his first keyboard sonatas four years later. He seems to have become a Catholic, at least for a time, but an accident impaired his health and his subsequent life was made difficult, not least through his unorthodox views on marriage.

Sacred and Secular Vocal Music

Wesley set a large number of Catholic liturgical texts, and an equally large number of English anthems, services and hymns. His secular vocal music includes choral works, glees and part-songs.

Instrumental Music

With a distinguished reputation as an organist, Wesley wrote a quantity of organ voluntaries. His other instrumental music includes keyboard sonatas, quartets, trios and duo sonatas, four symphonies, four organ concertos, and concertos for piano and for violin.