Trying to let my imagination flow with the orthodox instrumentation of cello and piano was a difficult task. Since I am always interested in fresh approaches to an instrument's capacities, I almost felt a sense of constraint hindering me from the very beginning in writing for a duo of these two instruments. It was as though tradition were weighing heavily on the possibilities for new approaches.

After much trial and error, I had a desire to compose a work which would resonate deep within the spirit. I hoped to make the essence of my music surface spontaneously. Thus, the title "Interlude" is intended to imply that this composition is an intimate sketch of my spirit. 

It was composed for pianist Tomomi Ohrui and cellist Yohei Asaoka for their recital at the Carnegie Weil Hall. Prior to this recital, I returned to Japan to attend the Japanese premiere of "Rain, Calling Autumn", performed by Aki Takahashi in Yokohama. On that same day I learned of Toru Takemitsu's passing. It was when I was inspired deeply by his work "The Dorian Horizon" in my late teens, that I was convinced to make a composition my life work, and since, this has always been a souse, a point of origin, for me. In deep sorrow, I completed the final segment of this piece there in Tokyo. This work is dedicated to the memory of Takemitus's spirit.

Akemi Naito