An unpublished waltz by Frédéric Chopin, the famous Polish composer and virtuoso of Romanticism, was discovered in the archives of the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan, New York. The work was found by Robinson McClellan, composer and curator of the museum, while cataloging objects and cultural memorabilia in the vault of the location.
The composition was written more than 200 years ago, between 1830 and 1835, when Chopin was in his youth. Despite initial doubts about the authenticity of the score signed by the master, after a detailed analysis by several experts, it was confirmed to be an unknown waltz by the composer.
The discovery of this lost musical piece provides a unique insight into Chopin's talent and genius. His compositions, recognized for their completely modern style and emotionally captivating nature, paved a new path in solo piano music, influencing later generations of composers such as Franz Liszt and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Artur Rubinstein, a famous 20th-century pianist, praised Chopin as "the first composer who made the piano sing," thus highlighting the innovation and lasting influence of his music. This finding reveals an intriguing and valuable facet of the prolific career of a musician who continuously challenged conventions and explored the full potential of the piano as a versatile and expressive instrument.
The melody of the recently discovered waltz presents a raw and dramatic opening that evolves into a positive tone, according to pianist Lang Lang's description. This exceptional discovery further enriches the musical legacy of Frédéric Chopin, solidifying his place as one of the great composers in history.
