i. Andante cantabile
ii. Scherzando
iii. Adagio
iv. Presto
 

Claude Arrieu was the pen name used by composer Louise-Marie Simon and was considered one of the most versatile French composers writing during the second half of the 20th century. Having trained at the Paris conservatoire, Arrieu became well known for both her operas and for her woodwind compositions, the latter giving her a freedom to explore playful and carefree character, whilst keeping the main elements of her neoclassical style. Imagery through rhythm and melodic lines are staples of her writing, expressed especially well through her Suite en quatre. Composed for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon, the first movement introduces the listener to each instrument through a solo theme that begins to interweave, before moving into a lively, mischievous section. The third movement contrasts the playfulness of the other three, being much more reflective and somber, yet still retaining the lilting nature present in the rest of the pieces.