Jean-Claude Risset (1939–2016) was a pioneering French composer and computer music researcher known for his significant contributions to the genre of electronic music. He was particularly influential in the development of computer-generated sounds and the use of technology in music composition. Risset studied at the Paris Conservatory and later worked at Bell Labs, where he collaborated with other notable figures in electronic music. His notable works include "Meditations on the Spheres" (1970), which explores the use of computer-generated soundscapes, and "Sud" (1971), a groundbreaking piece that showcases his innovative approach to sound synthesis. Risset is also recognized for his work on the synthesis of speech and the development of algorithms for sound creation. His impact on music extends beyond composition; he played a crucial role in advancing the field of computer music, influencing a generation of composers and musicians. Risset's work laid the groundwork for later developments in electronic and experimental music, making him a key figure in the evolution of contemporary music. His legacy continues to inspire artists exploring the intersection of technology and musical expression.