Ligeti had written numerous Bach-style two-part inventions, three-part sinfonias, and three- and four-part fugues since his studies with Ferenc Farkas (1905–2000) at the Kolozsvár Conservatory (now the Gheorghe Dima Music Academy). While studying with Sándor Veress (1907–1992) at the Liszt Academy, Ligeti was encouraged by Veress to compose an "Invention" in a style that was half Bach and half Ligeti. This work is marked Risoluto, in 4/4 time, and is dedicated to György Kurtág (b. 1926). [See also the program notes for Ligeti's Capriccios Nos. 1 and 2 (1947), composed around the same period.]