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Kali. Z. Fasteau is a renowned American composer, multi-instrumentalist, and improviser who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in New York City in 1949, Fasteau grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a jazz musician who played the trumpet and saxophone. Fasteau began her musical journey by learning the piano at the age of four. She later picked up the violin and the viola and started playing in orchestras and chamber groups. However, it was the saxophone that became her primary instrument, and she started playing it in her teenage years. Fasteau's interest in music was not limited to classical music. She was also drawn to jazz, world music, and other genres. She studied jazz with pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams and saxophonist Archie Shepp. She also traveled extensively, immersing herself in the music and culture of different countries. Fasteau's compositions are a reflection of her diverse musical influences. Her works are characterized by their improvisational nature, incorporating elements of jazz, Indian classical music, African music, and other genres. She has composed for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and jazz bands. One of Fasteau's most notable works is her composition "The Eternal Wave," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1987. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and is scored for orchestra, choir, and soloists. The work is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the bombings and has been performed by orchestras around the world. Fasteau has also composed a number of works for chamber groups, including her "String Quartet No. 1," which was premiered by the Kronos Quartet in 1990. The piece is a complex and intricate work that showcases Fasteau's skill as a composer and her ability to blend different musical styles. In addition to her compositions, Fasteau is also an accomplished performer. She has recorded over 20 albums as a leader and has collaborated with a number of other musicians. Her music is characterized by its improvisational nature and its ability to blend different musical styles. Fasteau's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. She has also been awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship and the MacDowell Colony Fellowship. In conclusion, Kali. Z. Fasteau is a highly respected composer, multi-instrumentalist, and improviser who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her compositions are a reflection of her diverse musical influences and her ability to blend different styles. Her works are characterized by their improvisational nature and their ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners. Fasteau's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and her music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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