samuel sebastian wesley (born london, 14 august 1810; died 19 april 1876) was an english organist and composer. he was the greatest english composer of church music of his day. he lived at a time when the standard of music in england had become very bad. he did a lot to improve it, especially church music. he had a hard life earning enough money. this was largely his own fault: he was a difficult man with a bad temper and often argued with his employers.