An untitled manuscript attributed to the legendary composer Frederic Chopin has been unearthed at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan, sparking excitement and intrigue in the music world. The moody waltz, roughly a minute long, has captivated experts and admirers, though its origins remain a subject of debate.
A Rare Find at the Morgan Library
The manuscript, uncovered in May by Robinson McClellan, a curator at the Morgan Library, had been tucked away in a collection once owned by Arthur Satz, a former president of the New York School of Interior Design. The sheet of music, small enough to fit in a pocket, bore the name “Chopin” scrawled in cursive at the top.
“This is his style. This is his essence,” McClellan said, describing the piece’s stormy introduction and melancholic melody. The museum quickly enlisted experts to examine the artifact, marking the first discovery tied to Chopin in nearly a century.
Authenticity Under the Microscope
The manuscript’s paper and ink matched materials Chopin used in early 19th-century Paris. However, a handwriting analysis revealed that the name “Chopin” had been written by someone else.
Artur Szklener, director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in Warsaw, Poland, agreed that the manuscript’s elements align with Chopin’s style. Yet, he noted its simplicity, suggesting it may have been a work in progress, a collaborative piece, or even a musical exercise.
“It is not a complete work but a theme laced with rather simple piano tricks,” Szklener said in a statement.
Table: Key Features of the Discovered Manuscript
| Feature | Observation |
|---|---|
| Key | A minor |
| Style | Lyrical and melancholic, with a stormy introduction |
| Length | Under one minute |
| Paper and Ink | Consistent with Chopin’s materials from early 19th-century Paris |
| Authorship | Handwriting suggests the name was added by someone other than Chopin |
A Gift or a Glimpse of Chopin’s Process?
Jeffrey Kallberg, a Chopin scholar from the University of Pennsylvania, believes the piece was likely intended as a gift. Chopin often composed short pieces, referred to as “appetizers,” for friends and patrons.
“These pieces were not necessarily meant to be published,” Kallberg explained. “He often wrote the same waltz multiple times to give as gifts.”
David Ludwig, dean of music at The Juilliard School, noted the work’s lyrical quality and touch of darkness, hallmarks of Chopin’s compositions. Still, Ludwig emphasized the importance of the discovery beyond its authenticity.
“Whether or not it’s truly Chopin, it sparks our imaginations,” Ludwig said. “It reminds us that classical music is a living art form.”
What the Discovery Means for Classical Music
The manuscript’s emergence has rekindled interest in the Romantic composer’s life and work. Born in Poland, Chopin achieved international fame for his virtuosic piano compositions before dying of tuberculosis in Paris at just 39 years old.
This discovery follows a similar announcement in September when Germany’s Leipzig Municipal Libraries uncovered an unknown piece attributed to a young Mozart. Both finds underscore the ongoing relevance and dynamism of classical music archives.
The Enigma of the Waltz
While some experts suggest the piece might remain an unsolved mystery, others see its ambiguity as part of its charm. The waltz’s brevity, technical simplicity, and emotional depth provide a tantalizing glimpse into Chopin’s potential creative process—or the work of an imitator inspired by his genius.
“In a way, it doesn’t matter if Chopin wrote every note,” said Ludwig. “It invites us to think, to feel, and to connect with music in a new way.”
The manuscript is currently on display at the Morgan Library & Museum, offering visitors a rare chance to experience what could be one of Chopin’s final, unfinished gifts to the world—or a forgotten echo of his enduring legacy.
