ed. note: We learned of the brutal fate of Belmont Publishing from the grandson of Arnold Schoenberg, a friend of artsmeme, Randol Schoenberg. This sad story we publish here while offering the Schoenberg family our deepest condolences
The fire that ravaged the Pacific Palisades community in early January left a trail of devastation, and unfortunately, Belmont Music Publishers was among its most significant casualties. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Belmont , the esteemed house exclusively dedicated to preserving and promoting the works of Arnold Schoenberg, has been tragically destroyed. A fixture in the music world since the 1970’s, Belmont Music was the publisher and representative of Schoenberg’s iconic compositions, serving as a vital link between the composer’s visionary legacy and contemporary performers, scholars, and music lovers.
The entire inventory of sales and rental materials—comprising some manuscripts, original scores, and printed works—has been lost in the flames. For a company that focused exclusively on the works of Schoenberg, this loss represents not just a physical destruction of property but a profound cultural blow.
Belmont Music’s catalog encompassed Schoenberg’s complete range of compositions, from his early Romantic works to his groundbreaking twelve-tone pieces. These works, including compositions like Verklärte Nacht and Pierrot Lunaire, are foundational to the 20th-century classical repertoire. Belmont’s role in preserving and distributing these masterpieces was invaluable for musicians and scholars alike, who turned to the publisher for access to authentic, carefully edited editions of Schoenberg’s challenging but transformative music.
Arnold Schoenberg, one of the most influential composers of the early 20th century, revolutionized music with his development of the twelve-tone technique, a system that sought to replace traditional tonality with a new kind of order. His compositions challenged conventional approaches to harmony and form, and in doing so, reshaped the course of modern music. Belmont Music Publishers, founded with a singular mission to promote Schoenberg’s works, became a central institution for anyone seeking to understand or perform the composer’s innovative music.
For musicians, access to Belmont’s meticulously curated editions of Schoenberg’s works was an essential resource. The loss of these materials has been devastating not only to those who rely on the publisher for access to Schoenberg’s compositions but also to the broader musical community that respects and values the depth of Schoenberg’s contribution to music. Though the loss of its physical inventory is immeasurable, Belmont Music Publishers has made it clear that this is not the end of its story. In a heartfelt message on their website, the publisher has expressed its hope to rise from the ashes of the fire in a completely digital form.
“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,” said Larry Schoenberg, 82, one of the composer’s sons. “We hope to rebuild our catalog in a new, digital format that will ensure Schoenberg’s music remains accessible for future generations.
“We are committed to rebuilding and adapting to the changing times,” said Schoenberg. “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.”
