Elements of good basic technique

[mahmudfasihulazam]

I don't know how to say this right but here goes:
Apart from technique specific to particular pieces and things related to posture and movement choreography, what "fundamental" items of technique should a pianist have?

My answer would be: All/most of the scales in all keys, all those scales played in 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, octaves, 9ths(?), tenths(?); all possible arpeggios in all inversions; all possible/sensible(?) chords with proper shifting between any of them; solid octaves as if playing octaves were just like playing single-note lines; all of that in both hands separately and together of course, and in contrary motion, where applicable.

I am not too sure about the above list but it seems necessary at the moment. Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[faulty_damper]

You're answer is about knowing certain things, but it isn't about technique.  Anyone can learn those things but it doesn't mean they know the most efficient and effective movements to execute them.

Knowing how the body works and executing movements in relation to depressing the keys is "technique".  Few pianists know and utilize all available movements. Instead, they rely on just a few to achieve all musical goals.

[bronnestam]

Yes, I know most of those scales but I seldom practice scales just for the sake of practising scales. That is very boring, and boredom is the kiss of death when you work with music, or any other art for that matter. If I play a piece where there are scales built in the music, then I will probably work a bit with them, with variations, in that particular key. I need to understand the context before I make specific exercises.

Instead, my teacher has given me a few exercises to resolve some issues I have with tensions in my hands and shoulders.

Some technical skills you need to know is how to play staccato, legato, portato etcetera, how to play fff and how to play ppp and everything inbetween, how to play evenly, how to transit in octave playing, and how to figure out an effective fingering by yourself. The best way to learn these things is by playing easy pieces that gradually introduces you to these skills, I think.

[mahmudfasihulazam]

You're answer is about knowing certain things, but it isn't about technique.  Anyone can learn those things but it doesn't mean they know the most efficient and effective movements to execute them.

Oh. I just meant that I am starting to think playing those things in the most efficient way possible is necessary if you want to play very well.

I did not like practising scales/exercises/(whatever name is appropriate)  either. I tried learning "through pieces" but at the moment it appears to me that a certain level of technical ability in those fundamental items(if you will) is actually necessary just to approach pieces. Aside from pieces, I think they are also necessary for good improvisation. Again, this is just what it seems like to me at the moment and I am uncertain as to the path I should take. 

I just don't know if I should spend a good amount of time with those things because people seem to play them a lot in one form or another in almost everything there is.