Arnold Schoenberg was a revolutionary Austrian composer known for his innovative twelve-tone technique, marking a major milestone in atonal music development. Born in 1874 in Vienna, Schoenberg forged a significant legacy by challenging traditional tonality and venturing into new musical territories, profoundly influencing 20th-century music. Despite facing initial criticism, his compositions like 'Verklarte Nacht' and 'Pierrot Lunaire' gained acclaim for their daring and avant-garde approach. Schoenberg also made a lasting impact as a teacher, mentoring renowned musicians such as Alban Berg and Anton Webern.