Who was one of the first composers to experiment with modern music techniques?

Charles Ives is recognized as one of the first composers to experiment with modern music techniques, largely because of his innovative approaches to harmony, form, and musical texture. Ives was known for incorporating a wide range of influences, including American folk music, hymns, and European classical traditions, into his compositions. His use of polytonality—simultaneously employing multiple keys—radically diverged from traditional tonal practices and paved the way for future explorations in 20th-century music.

Ives's works often reflect his interest in complexity and experimentation, illustrated in pieces such as "The Unanswered Question" and the "Concord Sonata," where he employed unconventional structures and made creative use of dissonance. His music sometimes features techniques that challenge listeners’ perceptions of harmony and rhythm, demonstrating advanced artistic thought for his time. As such, Ives's contribution to modern music was significant, as he laid the groundwork for many avant-garde movements and influenced subsequent generations of composers.

While other composers like Igor Stravinsky also engaged in significant modern developments, particularly with rhythm and orchestration in works like "The Rite of Spring," Ives's early explorations of unique compositional practices mark him as a pioneering figure in modern music.