Wesley Corpus

Last updated: November 16, 2009. 2See copies in the Methodist Archives at the Rylands Library (DDCW 3/5 5/112). A version appears as well in MS Funeral Hymns, 91-92. Ode on Dr. Boyce (1779)1 Baker list, 400 Editorial Introduction: William Boyce (1711-79) was a well-known organist and composer. Boyce became aware of the talent of Charles Wesley's sons and gave Charles Jr. lessons on the organ. When Boyce died in early 1779, Charles Wesley Sr. wrote an ode in his memory. The ode was published in November 1779 in the Arminian Magazine (2:606), with the note that it had been written on February 7, 1779. It was likely also in 1779 that the ode was printed as a broadsheet, with a subtitle saying that it had been "set to music by Charles Wesley." This would be Charles Jr., adding his gifts to the poetic gifts of his father in honoring Boyce. The broadsheet was probably a program used when the musical rendition was performed. Some surviving copies of the broadsheet have musical descriptions added in manuscript, apparently in the hand of Charles Wesley Jr.2 Edition: Charles Wesley. Ode on the Death of Dr. Boyce. np, 1779?.