A devastating fire in Pacific Palisades has destroyed the complete musical archive of renowned composer Arnold Schoenberg at Belmont Music Publishers, the exclusive publisher of his works since the 1970s.

The loss includes original manuscripts, scores, and printed materials that were vital to preserving Schoenberg's musical legacy. Larry Schoenberg, the composer's son, described the event as "a profound cultural blow" through a press release shared by his nephew on Facebook.

Belmont Music's inventory contained Schoenberg's complete compositional range, from early Romantic works to his revolutionary twelve-tone pieces, including masterpieces like Verklärte Nacht and Pierrot Lunaire. These materials were essential resources for musicians, scholars, and performers seeking authentic editions of Schoenberg's works.

The publisher has confirmed that some scores and performing materials exist in digital form. They are currently working to assist customers with available digital scans and continue responding to queries about Schoenberg's life and works.

Moving forward, Belmont Music plans to rebuild their archive in a fully digital format. The publisher stated, "We hope that in the near future we will be able to 'rise from the ashes' in a completely digital form." They remain committed to preserving Schoenberg's legacy and will continue providing access to his works through online platforms.

For immediate assistance or inquiries about available materials, customers are encouraged to contact Belmont Music directly.

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