his ability on the organ was so highly regarded that he was introduced to, and played for felix mendelssohn in september 1837, a month before wesley's death. mendelssohn gave a recital at christ church newgate, during which wesley said to his daughter eliza, "this is transcendent playing! do you think i dare venture after this?" it seems that mendelssohn persuaded the old man, who was by now very frail, to play. mendelssohn stood by his side while he was playing and complimented him, but wesley replied "ah, sir! you have not heard me play; you should have heard me forty years ago".