WESLEY, SAMUEL (1766-1837), English musical com poser, son of Charles Wesley, was born at Bristol, Feb. 24, 1766. Though suffering for many years from an accidental injury to the brain, Wesley was one of the most brilliant organists and most accomplished extemporaneous performers of his time. He may indeed be regarded as the father of modern English organ-playing, for he it was who, aided by his friends Benjamin Jacob and C. F.
Horn, first introduced the works of Sebastian Bach to English organists, not only by his superb playing, but by editing with Horn, in 181o, the first copy of Das wohltemperirte Clavier ever printed in England. Wesley died on Oct. I 1, 1837, leaving a vast number of ms. and printed compositions.