The Morgan Library and Museum has revealed a previously unknown waltz believed to be composed by Frederic Chopin, dating back to 1830-1835. Curator Robinson McClellan authenticated the piece, stating its expected connection to Chopin’s distinct style despite minor discrepancies in its notation.
Newly Discovered Waltz by Chopin Found After Nearly Two Centuries
Newly Discovered Waltz by Chopin Found After Nearly Two Centuries
A rare manuscript attributed to the renowned composer Frederic Chopin has been uncovered, sparking excitement in the music world.
The music world is buzzing with excitement following the recent discovery of a unique waltz believed to be composed by the legendary Polish composer Frederic Chopin. This piece, hailing from the early 1830s, was found in the vaults of the Morgan Library and Museum located in New York City.
The discovery was made by curator Robinson McClellan while he was engaged in cataloguing new collections. Collaborating with a prominent Chopin expert, McClellan was able to authenticate the score, even though it lacks Chopin's signature. The piece exhibits Chopin's distinctive bass clef handwriting, leading McClellan to assert its likely connection to the composer while acknowledging that the certainty of it being composed by Chopin remains slightly elusive.
He remarked, "What we're most certain about is it is written in the hand of Chopin, paper that he wrote on himself in his own hand," during an interview with BBC's Newshour. Yet, he expressed that there are portions of the music that contain atypical aspects, particularly noting the unexpected stormy opening. Nevertheless, he feels an overwhelming intuition that the melody captures the essence of Chopin’s style.
Pianist Lang Lang has already recorded a rendition of this waltz, further elevating its prominence after the New York Times broke the news. Chopin, who predominantly wrote piano solos, passed away at the young age of 39 in France in 1849. Notably, his life was marked by struggles with hallucinations, and certain researchers suspect he may have had epilepsy, adding to the complexities surrounding his narrative. This exciting find offers a fresh glimpse into the enigmatic world of one of classical music’s greatest figures.
