Lost Waltz by Chopin Discovered After Nearly 200 Years
A newly uncovered waltz, believed to be composed by the renowned Polish musician Frederic Chopin, has been found nearly 200 years after its creation. The manuscript, dated between 1830 and 1835, was discovered in the vault of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City.
Curator Robinson McClellan stumbled upon the rare piece while cataloging new collections. He later collaborated with a prominent Chopin expert to verify its authenticity. Although the manuscript is not signed, it features Chopin’s distinctive bass clef handwriting.
While the waltz contains some minor rhythmic and notational errors, McClellan expresses confidence that it originates from Chopin. "What we're most certain about is that it is written in Chopin's hand, on paper he used himself," he stated in an interview with BBC's Newshour. He added, "I'm about 98% sure, and many who have heard it instinctively feel it sounds like Chopin."
The piece features a somewhat surprising stormy opening, but McClellan believes the melody strongly reflects Chopin's style. Acclaimed pianist Lang Lang has recorded the waltz for the New York Times, which first reported the discovery.
Chopin, who primarily composed for piano, passed away at the age of 39 in France in 1849. His life was marked by struggles with hallucinations and likely epilepsy, as suggested by Spanish researchers.
