SCHOENBERG, Arnold – All Classical Research

Born in Vienna, Sept 13, 1874
Died in Los Angeles, July 13, 1951

Arnold Schoenberg was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. He introduced serialism, particularly 12-tone technique, to Western music methodology and taught notable composers such as Alban Berg and Anton Webern.
Schoenberg came from a Jewish family of Hungarian and Czech descent. He began studying violin and composition at age eight. Due to his modest family circumstances, he never studied formally at a renowned institution. However, when the composer was in his early 20s, he met Alexander Zemlinsky, who would become Schoenberg’s mentor.
- Fun fact – In 1901, Schoenberg married Zemlinsky’s sister, Mathilde, making the two brothers-in-law.
In 1933, amid the rise of Nazism, Schoenberg emigrated to the US. At first, he took on a teaching position at the Malkin Conservatory in Boston. About a year later, he moved to Los Angeles, where he would remain for the rest of his life. In 1936, he became a professor at UCLA.¹
Additional fun fact – In addition to music, Schoenberg further fostered his creativity by painting self-portraits and designing games, toys, and playing cards. Read more about interesting composer hobbies here.

Learn More:

Biography from The British Library
Biographical overview from Britannica