It was first performed on October 14, 1968, at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago, by the Fine Arts Quartet, to whose members the work is dedicated.
In the score program note, Husa wrote, "In my previous quartets – one of them, No.
The new composition explores some solo predominance, spotlighting the several instruments in rather free forms: the viola in the first movement; violoncello in the second; the two violins in the third."
He added, "After Bartok, Berg, and Webern, it is not easy to imagine new ways of playing on string instruments.
The award brought international attention to Czech-born composer, who favorably recalled, "You have the confidence that what you are doing is somehow rewarded.