George Ligeti was a Hungarian-Austrian composer known for his innovative and influential contributions to contemporary classical music. Born on May 2, 1923, in Dicsőszentmárton, Hungary, he became famous for his unique use of texture and rhythm, often incorporating complex patterns and unconventional sounds. Ligeti's works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal compositions, with notable pieces like Lux Aeterna and Atmosphères. Ligeti's music gained widespread recognition in the 1960s, particularly after being featured in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey directed by Stanley Kubrick. He was a key figure in the development of micropolyphony, a technique that creates dense, shifting textures. Ligeti's innovative approach has influenced many composers and continues to be celebrated in the world of classical music.