Hesse learned to play the organ under the tutelage of Berner. Recitals were performed by Hesse in Leipzig, Kassel, Berlin, Hamburg and Weimar where he met and studied with Hummel, Rinck and Spohr. Until his death he was the organist at the church of the Bernhardins in Breslau. Instrumental in the introduction of Bach's organ fugues to the French, Hesse gave the initial performance on the organ of St Eustache in Paris. He also performed upon a number of organs at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park. The genres of his compositions included symphonies, overtures, oratorios and organ pieces. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide