Rarely Heard: Arnold Schönberg - Begleitungsmusik zu einer Lichtspielszene, Op. 34 (Accompaniment to a Film-Scene)

Arnold Schönberg is, of course, famous (and infamous) for developing his serial twelve-tone technique of composition and founding the Second Viennese School of composers who all utilized the technique. His music was considered 'degenerate' in the Thrid Reich, so he emigrated to the U.S.A in 1934 and he lived in Los Angeles till his death in 1951. As Hollywood was so near he actually considered composing film music and he soon got the opportunity to discuss the option with MGM's Irving Thalberg. Thalberg admired Schönberg's pre twelve-tone composition Verklärte Nacht and said he'd like to hear him compose such "lovely music" for the movies. Arnold Schönberg interrupted him and exclained: "I don't write 'lovely' music"!
He never got the job. Neverthless, strangely enough, the twelve-tone technique would become the prevalent style of Hollywood film music, but was hardly appreciated by a larger audience anywhere else. Although, he was never to write a soundtrack, Schönberg did compose an imaginary one - for a scene in a film that existed only in his mind.