Unknown Mozart piece discovered in French library

[September 19, 2008]  PARIS (AP) -- A researcher says a previously unknown piece of music by Mozart has been found in a French library.

Ulrich Leisinger, head of research at the International Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg, Austria, described the work as rough notes, the preliminary draft of a musical composition. He says it was found by a library in Nantes in western France as staff were going through its archives.

He says there is no doubt that the single sheet was written by the composer and that it is "really important."

The city is planning a news conference Thursday.

Leisinger says the library contacted his foundation for help authenticating the work.

Leisinger said it's "definitely Mozart's handwriting."

[Associated Press]

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