An unknown waltz believed to be by Polish composer Frederic Chopin has been discovered in the vault of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York, the BBC reports.

Superstar pianist Lang Lang has recorded the waltz for the New York Times, which broke the story.

The score is not signed by Chopin, but reportedly features his distinctive bass clef.

The rare manuscript – dated between 1830 and 1835 – was discovered by curator Robinson McClellan while he was cataloguing new collections.

Chopin died aged 39 in France in 1849.

McClellan worked with a leading Chopin expert to authenticate the score.

According to the BBC, the waltz has minor errors in rhythm and notation, but McClellan said he was sure Chopin was the composer.

McClellan is quoted as saying: “What we’re most certain about is it is written in the hand of Chopin, paper that he wrote on himself in his own hand. What’s not entirely sure is that it’s music that he composed.

“I feel about 98% sure, and many people who have heard it already feel in their gut this sounds like Chopin.”


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