This is a condensed version by the composer himself of Le Boeuf sur le Toit (Op. 58), one of Milhaud's early representative works. While the original work begins in C major and covers all 24 keys within a dozen or so minutes, this version has B-flat major as its main key (no key signature). It is in 2/4 time, marked Animé (lively). The most important theme A from the original, the minor theme B, and the polytonal episode C accompanying B are selected, forming an A-B-C-B-A structure. The essence of the lengthy original work is compactly summarized, conveying the spirit of the "Roaring Twenties" (Les années folles) after World War I. "Fratellini" refers to the brothers (François & Albert Fratellini) from the ringmaster's family of the Cirque Medrano, who appeared in the premiere of Le Boeuf sur le Toit.

It should be noted that the first edition indicated "Transcription par H. Mouton" by Hubert Mouton, but in Milhaud's later work catalogs, this piece is listed as Milhaud's own work (Op. 58c), and the current Max Eschig edition does not display Mouton's name. It is true that a light music ensemble version (small band with piano) of this work, arranged by Mouton, exists, and it is presumed that confusion arose at the time of the first edition. Caution is advised as first editions and reprinted scores with this uncorrected point are still circulated today.