With language unencumbered by technical jargon, these scholarly writings bring to life the various facets of Schoenberg's creative process and its influence. Topics include biographical essays, surveys of the music from different periods in Schoenberg's career, and essays on the development of Schoenberg's style, on Schoenberg's attitudes toward music, composition and analysis, and the effect of and interpretation of Schoenberg's music. The contributors provide different points of view based on their unique specialties. The resulting breadth of information illuminates distinct aspects of Schoenberg's musical career.

The Arnold Schoenberg Companion aims to introduce Schoenberg and his music to a nonspecialist audience. The chronological essays place Schoenberg and his achievements in the context of the past and present. The contributing authors include scholars and composers of different generations, including two of his American students. The companion also contains an annotated bibliography and discography, and is an invaluable resource to scholars and researchers.