A Cultural Catastrophe: Preserving the Legacy of Arnold Schoenberg

The wildfires that ravaged the Pacific Palisades area in early 2023 dealt a profound blow to the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. Among the casualties was Belmont Music Publishers, a revered institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the works of Arnold Schoenberg, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Established by Schoenberg's son Larry and his wife Gertrud in 1965, Belmont served as a vital bridge between the composer's groundbreaking music and the global community of performers and scholars. The loss of Belmont’s extensive archive, including manuscripts, scores, correspondence, and artwork, represents an incalculable cultural setback.

The Birth of Belmont Music Publishers

In the years following Arnold Schoenberg’s passing in 1951, the demand for access to his compositions grew steadily. Gertrud, a librettist, and her son Larry responded to countless inquiries from musicians and researchers seeking Schoenberg’s work. Frustrated by the inefficiencies of working with foreign publishers, they decided to establish Belmont Music Publishers. Named after the German phrase for "beautiful mountain," Belmont began as a modest operation in a converted garage behind their Brentwood home. Despite initial challenges, including skepticism toward business within their family, Belmont flourished into a respected custodian of Schoenberg’s legacy, ensuring his music remained accessible to future generations.

Belmont’s role extended beyond mere preservation. It facilitated performances of Schoenberg’s works worldwide, including significant anniversaries and tributes. Last September marked the 150th anniversary of Schoenberg’s birth, celebrated with performances by renowned orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Belmont provided many of these ensembles with the essential scores needed to bring Schoenberg’s compositions to life on stage. However, the lack of digital backups meant that all physical materials were lost in the fire, leaving a void in the world of classical music.

The Impact of Arnold Schoenberg on Los Angeles

Arnold Schoenberg’s arrival in Los Angeles in 1934 marked a pivotal moment in the city’s cultural history. A refugee from Nazi-occupied Europe, Schoenberg brought with him a wealth of intellectual and artistic contributions. His innovative 12-tone method revolutionized Western composition, challenging traditional tonality and paving the way for new musical expressions. Although controversial, this technique profoundly influenced subsequent generations of composers, particularly those working in Hollywood. Film scores by Jerry Goldsmith and others owe much to Schoenberg’s pioneering approach to dissonance and melody.

Schoenberg’s Brentwood home became a hub for European exiles, fostering a vibrant cultural scene that included luminaries like Thomas Mann and Harpo Marx. As a professor at UCLA, he mentored numerous students who went on to achieve success in various fields. Some, like John Cage and Alfred Newman, became prominent figures in both academia and the entertainment industry. Schoenberg’s teachings and relationships helped solidify his enduring impact on Los Angeles, transforming the city into a center for classical music innovation.

Reconstructing the Lost Legacy

In the aftermath of the wildfire, the Schoenberg family faces the monumental task of rebuilding what was lost. While the majority of Schoenberg’s original works are preserved at the Arnold Schönberg Center in Vienna, the unique materials housed at Belmont—decades of correspondence, performance notes, and ephemera—are irreplaceable. Yet, the family remains committed to restoring as much as possible. Plans include digitizing scores from Vienna and collecting surviving documents from collaborators worldwide. The outpouring of support from the global community underscores the significance of Schoenberg’s legacy and the determination to preserve it for future generations.

For Larry Schoenberg, the emotional toll of losing a lifetime of work is immense. Yet, he finds solace in the memories and connections forged through Belmont. The legacy of Arnold Schoenberg transcends physical artifacts; it lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to explore and perform his music. As the family looks to the future, they honor Schoenberg’s spirit of resilience and innovation, ensuring his influence endures in Los Angeles and beyond.