In brief
A waltz believed to have been written by Polish composer Frederic Chopin has been found after lying hidden in the vaults of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York for nearly two centuries.
The rare manuscript, traced back to the years between 1830 and 1835, came to light thanks to curator Robinson McClellan during his cataloguing of new collections. Collaborating with a noted Chopin expert, he managed to authenticate the score. Though the manuscript lacks Chopin's signature, its handwriting bears his recognizable bass clef. Despite some minor rhythm and notation inaccuracies, McClellan expressed his firm belief that the piece is indeed by Chopin. "We're quite certain that this is written in Chopin's hand on paper he utilized himself,” he shared with BBC's Newshour. “The likelihood of it being something he composed is less certain, but I’d say I am 98% confident, and others who have heard it feel it resonates with Chopin." He noted that while the music has some unconventional elements, such as a surprising stormy opening, the melody resonates with Chopin's signature style. Prominent pianist Lang Lang has already recorded the newly unearthed waltz, showcasing its significance in today's music scene, as reported by the New York Times. Chopin, whose works predominantly feature piano solos, passed away at the age of 39 in France in 1849. During his brief life, he suffered from hallucinations and likely battled epilepsy, which contributed to the enigma surrounding his death.
