Lost Chopin Waltz Discovered After Two Centuries of Silence
A previously unknown Chopin waltz has been discovered at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan, offering music enthusiasts a first listen to a piece written nearly 200 years ago.
Pianist performing classical music
Curator Robinson McClellan found the manuscript, roughly the size of an index card, among a collection of cultural memorabilia. Experts authenticated the piece through comprehensive analysis of the ink, paper, handwriting, and musical style, dating it between 1830 and 1835.
The short waltz in A minor contains unique characteristics, including an unusual triple forte marking near the beginning. While briefer than Chopin's typical waltzes, the piece has been confirmed authentic based on matching handwriting patterns, particularly in the bass clef symbol, and materials consistent with the composer's known works.
Renowned pianist Lang Lang, who performed the piece for The New York Times, noted its authenticity to Chopin's style, suggesting the dramatic opening evokes harsh Polish winters. Though relatively simple compared to Chopin's other compositions, Lang Lang emphasized its genuine characteristics.
The manuscript's journey to discovery began with A. Sherrill Whiton Jr., a classical music enthusiast who directed the New York School of Interior Design. Following his death in 1972, his collection was donated to the Morgan in 2019, where it remained uncatalogued until its recent discovery.
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