Edgar Varèse was a French-American composer born on December 22, 1883, in Paris. He is known for his innovative approach to music, often incorporating new technologies and sounds. Varèse's work laid the groundwork for modern music, emphasizing rhythm and timbre over traditional melody and harmony. Varèse moved to the United States in 1915, where he continued to develop his unique style. He is famous for compositions like Ionisation and Poème électronique, which showcase his interest in using unconventional instruments and electronic music. Varèse's influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary composers.