Lost Chopin waltz unearthed after almost 200 years

A remarkable piece of music believed to be composed by the renowned Polish musician Frederic Chopin has been discovered nearly 200 years after it was originally written. This exciting find took place at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City, where a curator named Robinson McClellan was cataloguing new collections. During his work, he stumbled upon a rare manuscript that dates back to between 1830 and 1835. This manuscript is a waltz, a popular form of dance music, and it has sparked great interest among music lovers and experts alike. nnAlthough the manuscript is not signed by Chopin, it features distinctive characteristics that suggest it is indeed his work. The handwriting includes a unique bass clef that is recognizable as Chopin's style. While there are minor errors in rhythm and notation, McClellan is confident that the piece is authentic. He stated, '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. ' This statement highlights the importance of the physical evidence linking the manuscript to the composer. nnMany musicians and experts who have had the chance to listen to the waltz feel a strong connection to Chopin's musical style. McClellan expressed that he feels about 98% sure that Chopin is the composer of this piece. He noted that while there are some atypical elements in the music, such as a surprising stormy opening, the melody resonates with the qualities that define Chopin's work. The excitement surrounding this discovery has also caught the attention of superstar pianist Lang Lang, who has shared his thoughts on the significance of this find. Frederic Chopin, who primarily composed piano solos, passed away at the young age of 39 in France in 1849. His life was marked by struggles with health issues, including hallucinations and possibly epilepsy, but his music remains timeless and continues to inspire generations.