The giant French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, known for his ardent advocacy of the contemporary music, has died. He was 90.

A spokesman for the Paris Philharmonic, which Boulez spearheaded for years, confirmed on Wednesday that Boulez died in the German city of Baden-Baden late on Tuesday.

“For all those who knew him and who appreciated his creative energy, his artistic rigor, his openness and his generosity, his presence will remain alive and intense,” said the family of Boulez in a statement.

A leading figure in modern classical music, Boulez led the New York Philharmonic in the 1970s, where he covered a broad range of music masterpieces, including his own compositions and those of well-known giants like Stravinsky and Stockhausen from the moderns.

His move between conducting, composition and teaching over a long career made him a prominent figure in the French contemporary arts.

The virtuoso pianist was also known for shunning baton during his conducting of the orchestras and always preferred his hands.

Boulez was born in Montbrison, France. As a youth he initially studied mathematics but later changed to music and studied at the Paris Conservatory.