A curator at a museum in New York has discovered a new waltz composed by Frédéric Chopin. This event is considered special as new music by Chopin was discovered almost a hundred years later.
This waltz is believed to have been written around 1830s. The tiny 4-5 inch handwritten document was first discovered in 2019 by Robinson McClellan, curator of the Morgan Library and Museum. So they took the help of outside experts to ensure it. McClellan noticed that the music was unlike any of Chopin’s other waltzes. This waltz is about a minute long, much shorter than any of Chopin’s other music, but complete.
McClellan contacted Chopin expert Geoffrey Kallberg for help in authenticating this music. According to the analysis of paper conservators, this paper and ink match the materials used by Chopin. “The writing style is also consistent with Chopin’s other writings,” a museum spokesman said. The score also contains fingering and dynamic symbols, suggesting that Chopin may have composed this music for playing.
According to the Morgan Library and Museum, this small document was probably written as a gift, which the recipient could have kept in his autograph album. Chopin used to sign the documents he gave as gifts, but this document is unsigned, so he may have finally given up on giving it away.
“This new type of waltz gives Chopin’s music a new identity,” says McClellan. “Hearing this piece for the first time will be an important moment in the world of classical music.” “This work provides a glimpse into Chopin’s creative process,” a museum spokesman said. Especially considering its length and some dynamic markings, Chopin is believed to be testing his particular style. This music was written by Chopin in his youth i.e. around twenties.
The discovery of a new work by Chopin is the first since the 1930s, the museum said. “It is very exciting for us to find this new musical work in our collection,” said museum director Colin B. Bailey said.
Frédéric Chopin, who was born in Poland in 1810, is known mainly for his solo piano pieces. His work and image are very famous in Central European countries. Statues and statues of him can be found in many Polish cities. After his death, his heart was preserved in alcohol and sealed in the walls of the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw.
But according to some recent reports, questions have been raised about some of the relationships in Chopin’s personal life. According to a Swiss radio documentary in 2020, Chopin had affairs with men, the details of which have always been overlooked in history. For this reason, the traditional society of Poland has also been questioned.