The 20th century saw a more “neo-classical” style of French music. Very direct, accessible and simple, some of the most important composers of the time included Erik Satie, who then influenced other young composers, particularly a group of youths that called themselves Les Six.

Some of the more recent French composers include Olivier Messiaen and Pierre Boulez. Contemporary French music blends serialism, electronic music, and techniques picked up from oriental and non-western music in general.