Derivation of a Beautiful Piano Intro Solo?


This question has been discussed at great length in another forum, but no one knows the answer. I’m hoping that the more sophisticated, experienced jazz and classical fans here might know the answer. The opening (intro) piano solo on Bruce Springsteen’s “New York City Serenade” (from the album The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle) is gorgeous (IMHO, as a fan of classical, jazz, and a lot of other music). I also know that it is somewhat derivative, because I remember hearing at least part of it on – I believe – a Charles Mingus composition. Someone in the other forum believes that it is derived from some unknown classical composition (of course, maybe Mingus used a classical piece as a starting point for his piece).

Does anyone know the derivation of this beautiful music ? Thanks !
jfz
"What Springsteen has in this intro is some sort of Billy Joel-like cheap commercial piano works."...

oh wait, Celine Dion is "high art"?
PS -
Jfz - I'll be checking out NYC Serenade tonight for sure and the intro in particular. For me, 4th of July is one of my favorite tracks on "The Wild, the Innocent...".
It was Eric Carmen with the "All By Myself." I recall hearing that song at a friends house (1976?). The phrase sounded familiar so went home to search for that phrase. Found it on the Rachmaninov. I believe Carmen gave credit on the album.
"Wild Billy's Circus Story" is my favorite cut on The Wild The Innocent And The E Street Shuffle. Probably my favorite Springsteen album.
Ghost, the opposite.
Celine Dion was mentioned as an example of how incapable these artists are to compose their own music. You missed the point.