He scored a success with a full-length ballet, Les biches, written on a commission by Diaghilev and premiered in Monte Carlo in 1924.

A young audience cherished the unsophisticated fresh charm, and the composer received commissions in the wake of the success.

[2] It was first performed in a broadcast concert in London on 24 October 1948, played by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Roger Désormière.

[1] The final recalls last movements by Haydn with "folksy" themes,[1] and "scurries along to a breathless conclusion", as James Harding described in 1989 liner notes.

[4] The Sinfonietta is scored for a small symphony orchestra consisting of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in B♭, 2 bassoons, 2 French horns (in F), 2 trumpets in C, harp, timpani, and strings.