The two pieces were composed when Ligeti was still studying in Sandor Veress's class at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, this is, as a part of his academic exercises.
These represent the beginning of the shedding of Béla Bartók's and other Hungarian composer's influence, as he was asked to write it in his own style.
Widely chromatic and modern, it is a very structured and attractive piece, constructed little motives.
The second capriccio is far more abrasive, with a clear influence of Bartók's Allegro barbaro.
It consists of irregular Bulgarian Rhythms with shifting accents all along the capriccio.