This suite contains 4 movements in a style blending late-Romantic, Impressionist, and jazz influences.

The first movement is structured as a loose binary form interspersed by a recurring ritornello idea. The rhythmic style betrays some Latin jazz influences, such as the tresillo motif and lots of syncopation.

The second movement is a waltz, featuring a carefree main theme that alternates with fantasmagoric episodes based on quartal and quintal harmonies.

The third movement employs a single octatonic scale almost throughout (C-Db-Eb-E-F#-G-A-Bb). The piece was based on a painting of a medieval barber operating an agonizing patient.

The fourth movement’s a playful polka with a mini-waltz acting as a trio, where the cello and viola share the spotlight with humorous solos. This piece cold also serve as a humorous encore to conlcude any string quartet concert.

Premieres: IV on 3 May 2019 at Kiev Conservatory. I and II (in string orchestra arrangement) on 17 November 2022 by Orquestra Styria conducted by Domènec González at Auditori Eduard Toldrà, Barcelona.

Total duration: ca. 11′