All original works of composer Arnold Schoenberg, who escaped Nazi Germany, destroyed in Los Angeles wildfires

All works of legendary Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg, a pioneer of modern classical music, have been lost in the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Los Angeles wildfires have claimed a victim in the world of music. But instead of a person, it's their legacy. The original manuscripts and scores from legendary Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg were lost in the fires, the publisher of the composer's work has confirmed. (

Arnold Schoenberg's work lost in Los Angeles wildfires

Arnold Schoenberg was an influential composer in the mid-20th century. (Odradek Records)

AP reported that Belmont Music Publishers, located in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, made the announcement Sunday. “We have lost our full inventory of sales and rental materials,” the company said in a statement. “We hope that in the near future we will be able to 'rise from the ashes’ in a completely digital form. … There are some scores and performing materials for which we have digital scans.”

Who was Arnold Schoenberg?

Born in Austria, Schoenberg moved to the U.S. when the Nazis took power and settled in Los Angeles, where he died in 1951. A composer, music theorist, teacher and writer, he is considered among the first modernists in classical music and is credited for transforming the practice of harmony in 20th-century classical music.

The LA wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, and 24 people have died as a result of the fires. More are reported missing, and officials expect that number to increase.

(With AP inputs)