Bela Bartok was a Hungarian composer and pianist who is considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century music. His works, which include orchestral, chamber, and piano music, are known for their incorporation of Hungarian folk music elements. Bartok's research into ethnomusicology and his innovative compositions have had a profound influence on modern classical music. His contributions to music theory and his distinctive style have left an enduring legacy in the world of classical music.