In January 1999, I was asked by Tomoko Mukaiyama to write a new Piano piece for her. Originally she requested that the piece should synchronize with techno music chosen by her which would be pre-recorded on a tape. As we discussed the piece over the following months, we realized that a solo Piano work without a tape part would be more substantial. However, the idea of techno remained constantly between us. Finally I wrote a set of three pieces, entitled Techno Etudes. The idea of the whole piece can be summarized with the three key words, techno, rhythm and speed.
Karen Tanaka