A previously unknown waltz by Frédéric Chopin has been discovered at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan, offering music enthusiasts a first listen in nearly 200 years.

The piece, found by curator Robinson McClellan among a collection of cultural memorabilia, appears on a manuscript roughly the size of an index card. After extensive authentication processes, including ink testing, paper analysis, handwriting verification, and musical style evaluation, experts confirmed its legitimacy as a Chopin composition from 1830-1835.

Notable characteristics of this A minor waltz include:

• Shorter length compared to Chopin's other waltzes
• Unusual triple forte marking near the beginning
• Distinctive bass clef notation matching Chopin's known handwriting
• Musical style consistent with Chopin's early period

Renowned pianist Lang Lang, who performed the piece for The New York Times, notes that while not Chopin's most complex work, it authentically represents his style, with the dramatic opening potentially reflecting Polish winters.

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 eventually donated to the Morgan in 2019, where it remained uncatalogued until its recent discovery.

The waltz's authentication marks a significant addition to Chopin's known repertoire, offering musicians and music lovers alike a fresh glimpse into the composer's early work.



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