Lost 1705 Music Manuscripts Rediscovered After Decades of Mystery

Two rare, handwritten music manuscripts from 1705 have been authenticated after decades of research. The discovery, made within the Fétis Collection at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, reveals previously unknown works that had remained unidentified for years. Their confirmation as genuine marks a significant moment in classical music history.

The manuscripts were first spotted years ago during the digitisation of the Fétis Collection. A German researcher, revisiting old images, recognised their potential importance. This triggered a 30-year investigation that finally confirmed their authenticity.

Stored for decades without recognition, the 1705 documents had gone unnoticed in the library's archives. Marie Cornaz, the institution's curator, described the experience of holding them as profoundly emotional. Their uniqueness and historical value were immediately clear.

To celebrate the discovery, the Royal Conservatory of Brussels organised a special concert. On March 1, 2026, the ensemble Les Agremens, led by Guy Van Waas, performed the newly identified works for the first time in public.

The authentication of these manuscripts provides scholars and musicians with two previously lost compositions. Their public performance in Brussels introduced audiences to music that had remained silent for over 300 years. The find reinforces the importance of archival research in uncovering forgotten cultural treasures.