1. Erik Satie: He is often considered one of the pioneers of experimental music for his unconventional approach to musical composition. His work "Vexations" from 1893 consisted of a single musical phrase repeated 840 times with different harmonies, questioning traditional notions of form and structure.
2. Arnold Schoenberg: He played a critical role in early experimental music through his development of atonality and twelve-tone technique. These techniques broke away from conventional harmonic practices, challenging established norms in music composition.
3. John Cage: Cage emerged as a prominent figure in experimental music during the post-World War II era. His use of indeterminacy, silence, and found objects expanded the boundaries of what could be considered "music." Notable works include 4'33" (1952) and Music of Changes (1951).
4. Karlheinz Stockhausen: Stockhausen was a highly influential German composer known for his exploration of electronic music and musique concrète. His works, such as "Gesang der Jünglinge" (1955-56) and "Kontakte" (1959-60), showcased novel combinations of electronic and instrumental sounds.
5. Terry Riley: Riley emerged as a prominent figure in American experimental music during the 1960s. His use of minimalism and repetitive patterns in works like "In C" (1964) and "A Rainbow in Curved Air" (1968) had a profound impact on subsequent generations of musicians.
Experimental music continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, incorporating elements of noise, improvisation, and multimedia. Experimental techniques and philosophies also found their way into popular music genres, expanding the scope and diversity of modern music.