A previously unknown waltz believed to be composed by Frédéric Chopin has been discovered in the vault of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York nearly 200 years after it was written. The music, dating between 1830 and 1835, was found on a card bearing Chopin’s name by curator Robinson McClellan. Initially unsure, McClellan authenticated the piece with a leading Chopin expert from the University of Pennsylvania, confirming that the penmanship matched Chopin’s characteristic style. While the music is not signed by Chopin, it is believed to be authentic due to its resemblance to his work, including a distinctive bass clef and doodling characteristic.
Renowned pianist Lang Lang recorded the waltz for the New York Times and described it as having a dramatic darkness turning into a positive, beautiful sound very similar to Chopin’s style. Chopin, known for writing mostly piano solos, was born in 1810 and is believed to have composed around 28 waltzes before his death in 1849. However, only a limited number were published during his lifetime, with many believed to be lost or destroyed.
The discovery of this new piece of music offers a glimpse into Chopin’s early work and adds to the understanding of his musical legacy. Experts and musicians alike find the waltz to be authentic and representative of Chopin’s unique style, shedding light on a previously unknown aspect of the composer’s repertoire.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com