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Mi-Zi Tan was a Chinese classical music composer who was born on December 25, 1921, in the city of Shanghai. He was the youngest of six children in his family, and his parents were both musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Tan showed a great interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Tan began his formal music education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and was soon performing in public. At the age of 12, he began studying composition with the renowned Chinese composer, Ding Shande. Under Ding's tutelage, Tan developed a deep understanding of Chinese music and culture, which would later influence his compositions. In 1941, Tan enrolled at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition with the famous composer, He Luting. He also studied piano with the renowned pianist, Pan Yuliang. During his time at the conservatory, Tan composed several works, including his first symphony, which was well-received by his peers and professors. After graduating from the conservatory in 1945, Tan began his career as a composer. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative compositions, which blended traditional Chinese music with Western classical music. His works were characterized by their use of Chinese folk melodies, intricate harmonies, and unconventional instrumentation. One of Tan's most famous works is his "Concerto for Erhu and Orchestra," which he composed in 1959. The erhu is a traditional Chinese instrument that is similar to a violin. Tan's concerto was groundbreaking in that it was one of the first works to feature the erhu as a solo instrument in a Western-style orchestra. The concerto was a huge success and helped to popularize the erhu both in China and abroad. Another notable work by Tan is his "Symphony No. 1," which he composed in 1956. The symphony is a fusion of Chinese and Western musical traditions and is characterized by its use of Chinese folk melodies and Western orchestration. The work was well-received by audiences and critics alike and helped to establish Tan as one of China's leading composers. Throughout his career, Tan composed a wide variety of works, including operas, ballets, and film scores. He was also a prolific writer and wrote several books on music theory and composition. In addition to his work as a composer, Tan was also a respected music educator and taught at several universities in China. Tan's contributions to Chinese classical music were recognized both in China and abroad. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Prize for Art and Literature, which he was awarded in 1981. He was also a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which is a political advisory body in China. Mi-Zi Tan passed away on June 24, 2016, at the age of 94. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians in China and around the world. His innovative compositions and his dedication to blending Chinese and Western musical traditions have helped to shape the course of Chinese classical music and have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

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