Arnold Schönberg was an influential Austrian composer, music theorist, and painter, born in 1874. He is best known for developing the twelve-tone technique, a method of composition that uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale in a specific order, ensuring that no single note dominates. This innovation marked a significant shift in the world of classical music, moving away from traditional tonal structures. Schönberg's work spanned various styles, including late-Romanticism and expressionism. He founded the Second Viennese School, which included notable composers like Alban Berg and Anton Webern. His contributions have had a lasting impact on modern music, influencing countless composers and genres.