Witold Lutoslawski (1913-1994) was the preeminent Polish composer in the closing decades of the twentieth century and was recognized around the world as a modernist master. Born in Warsaw, Lutoslawski showed talent early on, though his career was slowed during the years of Nazi occupation and Stalinist rule. By the late '50s, Lutoslawski emerged as an important link between avant-garde serialists and aleatoric composers, for he employed many of their methods in his works. His best-known compositions include the Concerto for Orchestra, four symphonies, Mi-Parti for orchestra, and the setting for baritone and orchestra, Les espaces du sommeil.