Rediscovered Waltz by Chopin Discovered in New York After Two Centuries

Sun Oct 12 2025 05:55:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A rare waltz manuscript attributed to Frederic Chopin has been found, potentially reshaping the understanding of the composer’s work.

Nearly 200 years after its composition, a previously unknown waltz by Polish composer Frederic Chopin has been uncovered at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York. Curator Robinson McClellan found the manuscript while cataloguing, and though it lacks Chopin's signature, its distinctive handwriting and style have raised considerable excitement among music experts.

The manuscript, believed to date from between 1830 and 1835, was verified with the help of a leading Chopin specialist, ultimately leading to a strong conviction about its authenticity. "What we're most certain about is it is written in the hand of Chopin, using paper he wrote on himself,” McClellan shared during an interview with BBC’s Newshour. “While it’s not definitively composed by him, I feel about 98% confident, and many who have heard it agree it sounds like Chopin.”

Interestingly, the waltz contains minor rhythm and notation errors, featuring an atypical stormy opening, yet the melodic qualities resonate with Chopin's renowned musical style. Prominent pianist Lang Lang has recorded the piece, which brings new attention to this historical find. Chopin, recognized mainly for his piano solos, passed away at a young age due to health issues, leaving a legacy that continues to evolve with such discoveries.