A new musical piece believed to be by Polish composer Frederic Chopin has been found nearly 200 years after its creation. The unknown waltz was unearthed in the vault of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York.
The rare manuscript, dated between 1830 and 1835, was discovered by curator Robinson McClellan while cataloguing new collections. He collaborated with a leading Chopin expert to authenticate the score.
Although the piece is not signed by Chopin, the handwriting features his distinctive bass clef. The waltz contains minor errors in rhythm and notation, but McClellan expressed confidence that Chopin is the composer.
“What we’re most certain about is it is written in the hand of Chopin, on paper that he used himself,” he told BBC’s Newshour. “What’s not entirely sure is that it’s music that he composed. I feel about 98% sure, and many people who have heard it already feel in their gut this sounds like Chopin.”
He added, “There are atypical aspects of the music; the stormy opening is a little surprising but not entirely out of character. And then the melody really captures that Chopin quality.”
Superstar pianist Lang Lang has recorded the waltz for the New York Times, which first reported the story. Chopin, who primarily composed piano solos, passed away at the age of 39 in France in 1849. He experienced hallucinations throughout his relatively short life and was likely affected by epilepsy, according to Spanish researchers.
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