The entire musical archive of Arnold Schoenberg has been destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fires, as confirmed by Belmont Music Publishers.

Belmont Music, which has exclusively published and preserved Schoenberg's works since the 1970s, lost their complete inventory of sales and rental materials in the fire. This includes valuable manuscripts, original scores, and printed works of the renowned composer's complete compositions.

The publisher currently retains digital scans of some scores and performing materials. They are working to assist customers with these available digital copies while developing plans to rebuild their archive in a fully digital format.

Larry Schoenberg, the composer's son, acknowledged this devastating loss through a press release, describing it as "not just a physical destruction of property but a profound cultural blow." The lost materials included works spanning Schoenberg's entire career, from his early Romantic compositions to his revolutionary twelve-tone pieces, including seminal works like Verklärte Nacht and Pierrot Lunaire.

Moving forward, Belmont Music has announced plans to digitize their complete collection of Schoenberg's works. This digital transformation will ensure continued access for scholars, performers, and music enthusiasts while preserving the composer's legacy for future generations.

Musicians and scholars requiring access to Schoenberg's works can contact Belmont Music directly to inquire about available digital materials and future accessibility options.

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