Nearly 200 years after it was composed, an unknown waltz thought to be by the Romantic-era composer Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)has been discovered in the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan, reports The New York Times.
When curator Robinson McClellan came across a scrap of music the size of an index card in the library’s memorabilia collection, he froze at the sight of a small notation marked “Valse” or waltz, and the name “Chopin” written across the top. McClellan, who is also a composer, didn’t recognize the music.
“I thought, ‘What’s going on here? What could this be?’” He told the NYT . After sending a copy to a leading Chopin scholar, testing and analyzing the manuscript’s paper, ink, handwriting, and musical style, experts are now saying the piece is “likely” a waltz by Chopin.
And while debate about its authenticity is expected (the piece has some unusual qualities) the Morgan Library “has total confidence” in their conclusion that it's the real deal, said McClellan. For now, at least, the public can listen and enjoy it right here.