A devastating fire in Pacific Palisades, California, has destroyed Belmont Music Publishers, the exclusive publisher of Arnold Schoenberg’s works, wiping out their entire inventory of scores and rental materials.
The loss goes beyond paper
Belmont Music Publishers wasn’t just any music company. Since 1965, it has been the guardian of Schoenberg’s revolutionary compositions, from his early Romantic pieces to his groundbreaking twelve-tone works.
The publisher’s catalogue included essential 20th-century masterpieces like “Verklärte Nacht” and “Pierrot Lunaire” – works that transformed modern classical music.
A personal toll
The devastation hits especially close to home for Larry Schoenberg, the composer’s son, who lost his house in the same fire. Despite undergoing surgery this week, he managed to issue a statement about the cultural significance of this loss.
What was lost:
- Complete inventory of sales materials
- Rental collections
- Some original manuscripts
- Printed works spanning decades
Silver linings
Fortunately, the vast bulk of Arnold Schoenberg’s personal and musical archive remains safe, having been moved from the University of Southern California to Mödling, Vienna in the late 1990s. The composer’s former home in the LA suburb of Brentwood, where he lived from 1936-51, is also currently safe from the fires.
Digital phoenix rising?
While the physical loss is immense, Belmont isn’t giving up. The publisher plans to “rise from the ashes” in digital form, though the transition won’t be immediate.
“We have digital scans of some scores and performing materials,” the publisher stated. “We’re asking customers to contact us so we can determine if we can fill requests through these digital means.”
Looking ahead
For now, Belmont continues to respond to questions about Schoenberg’s life and works while planning its digital future. The transformation from physical to digital publisher won’t replace what was lost, but it might help ensure Schoenberg’s revolutionary musical ideas reach new generations.
Why it matters
The destruction of Belmont Music Publishers represents more than just a business loss — it’s a blow to classical music’s cultural heritage. As the sole dedicated publisher of Schoenberg’s works for nearly 60 years, Belmont was not just a repository of scores but a crucial link between one of the 20th century’s most influential composers and the musicians who perform his works.
Michael Vincent is the Founder and General Manager Ludwig Van. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 20 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.
