November 19, 2024
Claudy Philips was a Welsh violinist who died in poverty. However, because of his renown, he has a monument in St. Peter’s Collegiate Church in Wolverhampton, England. His epitaph reads: “Near this place lies Charles Claudius Philips, whose absolute contempt of riches, and inimitable performances on the violin, made him the admiration of all who knew him. He was born in Wales, made the tour of Europe, and after the experience of both kinds of fortune, died in 1732.” Dr. Samuel Johnson was among several writers who wrote epitaphs for the violinist, who was his beloved friend.
Epitaph upon the Celebrated Claudy Philips, a Musician Who Died Very Poor: 
Phillips! whose touch harmonious could remove
The pangs of guilty pow’r and hapless love,
Rest here, distressed by poverty no more,
Here find that calm thou gav’st so oft before;
Sleep undisturbed within this peaceful shrine,
Till angels wake thee with a note like thine.
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