Leo Ornstein, the American experimental composer and pianist, was a trailblazer of early twentieth-century music. Born around 1895 in Ukraine to a Jewish cantor, Ornstein's prodigious talent became evident early on, leading him to study at the St. Petersburg Conservatory at just ten years old. By his early twenties, he had already made a significant impact on the American music scene, introducing audiences to avant-garde works and performing his own innovative compositions with virtuosity. Ornstein's music, spanning chamber and other genres, is known for its complexity and breadth, reflecting his status as a giant in modern music. Despite living much of his life in seclusion, his influence endures, making him a fascinating figure in classical music history.