Poland purchases ‘rare’ unpublished manuscript by Frédéric Chopin after lengthy negotiations
The manuscript for Ballade No. 4 in F minor is now being displayed at the Chopin Museum in the Polish capital, Warsaw.
Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin National Institute has bought the four-paged manuscript using state funds but said the price could not be disclosed due to a clause in the contract.
The manuscript was in the possession of private owners, who handed it over to Polish hands after a deal was finalised last year following what was described as lengthy and confidential negotiations.
The previously unpublished autograph is exceptionally rare, as Polish Culture Minister Hanna Wróblewska notes that all original manuscripts by the French-Polish composer are.
Chopin is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage, not only as a figure, but also as a person and a musician. He embodies the essence of Polishness and Poland itself, so I am truly delighted that this material piece—the manuscript—has now joined the intangible heritage of Chopin’s music,” added Wróblewska.
The manuscript which will be housed in the composer’s very own museum, will be carefully studied, verified and made available to the public according to officials.
It will also be featured in this year’s prestigious International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, as well as an upcoming exhibition in the capital.
“The Romantic Life exhibition will primarily draw from the Museum of Romantic Life in Paris, which has generously agreed to lend over 70 pieces,” says Artur Szklener, Director of the Frédéric Chopin National Institute in Warsaw.
“This will, to the best of my knowledge, be the first major exhibition of French arka in the context of Chopin’s legacy ever to be organized in Poland,” added Szklener.
The manuscript of the ballad in F minor is the most extensively studied manuscript by Frédéric Chopin. Members of the general public wishing to appreciate the piece can view it at the Chopin Museum in Warsaw on Okólnik Street 1 where it will be displayed.
