Composed in Paris in March 1952. The dedication, "To Igor Stravinsky, for June 12, 1952," refers to the date of the Paris premiere of Stravinsky's opera The Rake's Progress at the Opéra-Comique. Having already achieved success at its world premiere in Venice (Teatro La Fenice) the previous year, the work was also well-received in Paris. Tansman, who was on close terms with Stravinsky, had already attended the world premiere at La Fenice with his wife, Colette (a snapshot of the couple in formal attire still exists). This work consists of short pieces, each one page long, all possessing introspective musical ideas. Chromaticism, polytonality, and dissonance are frequently employed, and the tonality is not fixed. Through its deep, restrained sonorities, it evokes a sense of mystery, solitude, and a touch of romanticism.

• No. 1 Moderato, 4/4 time, no key signature
• No. 2 Moderato, 3/4 time, no key signature
• No. 3 Moderato, 4/4 time, no key signature
• No. 4 Lento, 4/4 time, no key signature