The archive at the Arnold Schönberg Center houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of materials on the life and work of one composer. Throughout the 60 years or so of his artistic life, the greater part of the documentation concerning Schönberg’s oeuvre remained in his possession; after his death, his heirs devoted themselves to keeping his estate intact/ in private hands. The available holdings provide a unique overview of Schönberg’s work, thought and life. They include
• ca. 8,000 pages of music manuscripts, including sketches, initial drafts, fair copies and duplicates, some of which document the genesis of the works in their entirety. You can find the music manuscripts in a separate database HERE.
• about 12,000 pages of text manuscripts on topics such as music theory, commentary on politics and current events, biographical material, etc. Get more information HERE.
• approx. 3,500 historic photographs, among them formal portraits and many private snapshots
• personal documents, diaries, handicraft records, etc.
• concert programs and reviews
• Schönberg’s entire library, including scores, books and sound recordings
• personal copies of all Schönberg’s works printed during his lifetime, some of them richly annotated
• teaching materials
Due to donations and purchases before and after Schönberg’s death, as well as bequeathed letters and other correspondence, much material has not come down to us through his estate and is strewn over the world in museums, archives and private collections; these items are available as copies or scans. Schönberg’ paintings in his estate owned by his heirs, the documentation in the possession of the publisher Universal Edition and other important items have now found their permanent home at the Center.
Occasionally, autographs are added to the collection by way of acquisition and donation; the Center’s library is aiming at completeness with regard to documentation on publications about Schönberg in all languages. Complementing the holdings are writings on the Vienna School, Schönberg’s contemporaries and the intellectual and cultural history of the 20th century, all relating to the collection’s central purpose. Furthermore, a wide-ranging compilation of sound recordings comprehensively preserves performances of the composer’s works ranging from 1922 to the present day, while the video collection features concerts, interviews and other documentary material.
The Center’s library is open at all times during hours of operation. Appointments are necessary for viewing archival material (see the usage instructions); our archivists will be happy to assist you.