Arnold Schoenberg Archive Destroyed in Los Angeles Wildfires

Belmont Music Publishing, run by the composer's son, Larry Schoenberg, housed more than 100,000 Schoenberg scores

More than 100,000 scores and parts of music by the groundbreaking twentieth-century composer Arnold Schoenberg have been lost during the recent wildfires in Southern California. The scores were all owned by Belmont Music Publishers (BMS). The company is run by one of Schoenberg's sons, 83-year-old Larry Schoenberg — who also lost his home in the fire.

Other items in the company's archival collection were also lost, including photographs, letters, posters, and books pertaining to the composers — as well as arrangements by other composers of Schoenberg's works.

While BMS is not the only company to publish Schoenberg's music, it was the company upon whom most orchestras and other organizations relied to source parts. Some ensembles may now need to rearrange upcoming performances of Schoenberg's music, since those parts are no longer available for purchase or hire.

In response to the loss, BMS is aiming to digitize its entire catalog, so that Schoenberg's entire output — from his lush, late Romantic works to his grittier twelve-tone offerings — can continue to be made available to a wide audience.

"While we have lost our full inventory of sales and rental materials, we are determined to continue our mission of bringing Schoenberg’s music to the world," Belmont Music Publishers said in a statement. "We hope to rebuild our catalog in a new, digital format that will ensure Schoenberg’s music remains accessible for future generations. We will keep you posted on our progress through this website or you can reach out to us by email, and we will contact you with updates."

"We are committed to rebuilding and adapting to the changing times. The community's outpouring of support has been truly heartening, and we know that, with your help, we can ensure that Schoenberg’s legacy lives on in a way that is as dynamic and enduring as his music."