Chopin's Newly Discovered Waltz

The Morgan Library & Museum will present an installation of works by Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) in the Rotunda of J. Pierpont Morgan’s Library from May 13 through September 14, 2025. The installation will feature the recently discovered waltz (ca. 1830) found in the Morgan’s music collection last year, alongside other works by Chopin from the same period: an early masterpiece he wrote as a teenager in Poland, a mazurka (Polish folk dance) he conceived when he was leaving the country, and an étude he composed soon after moving to Paris. Also included is the playbill for Chopin's first major concert in Paris in 1832, at the Salons Pleyel, and Franz Liszt's biography of Chopin from 1852.

The discovery of the new work last year was a major news event, prompting performances, recordings, and commentary worldwide. The now-famous manuscript written in Chopin’s hand was very likely composed by him, and is the first newly identified work by the Polish composer since the 1930s. The manuscript’s tiny size belies the impact of the discovery. Chopin typically used small-format paper for manuscripts meant as gifts for friends and students, though the lack of his 2 signature on this one suggests he never gave it to anyone. However, the care with which he notated dynamics, fingerings, accents, and phrase marks indicates that he intended it to be performed. The compact composition starts with several moody, dissonant measures that culminate in a loud outburst before a melody of characteristically Chopinesque melancholy begins. The newly-published G. Henle Verlag Urtext edition of this waltz is available for sale in the Morgan Shop, in person and online.