Samuel Wesley - Air and Gavotte - Ben Bloor

Air and Gavotte by Samuel Wesley, performed by Ben Bloor on the 45 stop 1954 Downes/Walker organ of the London Oratory Church on Tuesday 2nd July 2024.
Son of hymnwriter Charles, nephew of Methodist founder John, and father to composer Samuel Sebastian, Samuel Wesley was a prolific composer who was a contemporary of Mozart and introduced the English speaking world to the organ music of J.S. Bach.
His Air and Gavotte are two movements (No. 8 and 9) from 12 Short Pieces for the Organ, and have enjoyed a lasting reputation as scene-setting music for weddings and celebrations.
Ben Bloor is Organist at the London Oratory Church and School Organist at Westminster School. For more information, please visit www.benbloor.com
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[@grahamtwist]

Having played both these Wesley pieces with much pleasure for over the last fifty years myself, it was a real treat to hear them performed so beautifully by you, Ben, on the magnificent Downes/Walker Organ: bravo!
Wesley was possibly England's finest organist and composer in the late Georgian period, and deservedly known as 'the English Mozart'. One of ten children, his musical talents were recognized at an early age as by the age of 6, he had started an oratorio, "Ruth", and by 11, he had published 'Eight Lessons for the Harpsichord' - so somewhat on the precocious side! Sadly, aged 21, he suffered a head injury which left him with some limitations and noticeable changes in his personality. Despite this, Wesley's compositional style remained eclectic and he was a pioneer of the organ recital, as the instrument up until then was usually only played in churches during worship. He composed over 120 organ pieces in addition to 6 symphonies, 4 orchestral overtures, and at least 65 piano pieces. Most of his composition were played for an occasion, then the music was lost in time. He married Charlotte Louise Martin in 1793, but they separated after his public affair with a servant, Sarah Suter. He had three children with his wife and then four with Sarah Suter, including his more illustrious son, Samuel Sebastian Wesley. His marital status may have impacted his career since he was unable to obtain a post as an organist in churches thereafter and despite his family being rooted in Methodism, he is recorded as converting to Roman Catholicism in 1784 and then composing at least two masses. At times, his life choices proved to be a disappointment to his parents (!), though according to his obituary, he did not convert and was buried in St. Marylebone Churchyard with his father. After the grave's original small obelisk marker decayed, it was replaced in 1853 with a larger inscribed memorial stone before being moved in 1950 from the actual grave site to a nearby garden on Marylebone High Street, still visible today in the 'Garden of Rest'.

[@mikefitzpatrick1213]

Thanks for these, Ben. It's terrific to hear the colors that the organ is capable of rather than just the thunder. It's great to hear a young organist who brings that out.

[@mspg2]

we tend to think of Samuel Wesley like his father as only relevant as a hymn writer - this proves he was more than that. Ben thanks for introdicing us to his organ pieces.