Milton Babbitt

The epitome of the "difficult" modern classical composer, he was apparently a huge fan of the American pop songs of his childhood in the 20s and 30s. I own one recording of his music, Sextets and The Joy of More Sextets, amusing titles not for the obvious reason, but because the pieces are for only two instruments: violin and piano. The music is prickly and intellectual, but eminently listenable and lovely if you sit still and try.