Erik Satie  

In the 20th century, a French composer and pianist emerged who was celebrated for his musical pieces that paved the way for later artistic movements such as minimalism, surrealism, repetitive music, and the Theatre of the Absurd. Amongst his most notable works are the Gymnopédies, three short piano compositions with an atmospheric quality that have been recognized as a significant precursor to modern ambient music. These pieces have also found their way into several anime soundtracks.