This work was composed by Hisatada Otaka during his studies in Vienna and is dedicated as a wedding gift to his close friend, pianist Josef Dichler (1912–1993). According to Setsuko Otaka, Hisatada's wife, the title "Midare" (meaning "disorder" or "tangle") was given because of the intricate interplay of various rhythms found in the first theme group. The prevailing trend in Japanese orchestras at the time, exemplified by works of Yasushi Akutagawa (1925–1989) and others, was characterized by a compositional style influenced by Russian Neoclassical composers such as Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Otaka, too, was no exception to the influence of Neoclassicism of the era; however, at the core of his music, there were always melodies derived from Japanese scales, which created a unique sense of familiarity. This "Midare" particularly showcases such a compositional approach, with the main section featuring a melody inspired by "Echigo-Jishi." Another theme, appearing as if interjecting, is remarkably sweet, revealing an influence from Rachmaninoff, while the middle section, particularly in its harmony, shows traces of influence from modern French composers like Debussy.