Ligeti began learning piano at age 14 (1937) and started composing at 15 (1938), but he also had a strong interest in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics in addition to music. After graduating from gymnasium at age 18 (1941), he passed the entrance examinations for both the Department of Physics and Mathematics in the Faculty of Science at the University of Kolozsvár (Romania) and the newly established Kolozsvár Conservatory (now the Gheorghe Dima Music Academy). However, due to restrictions on Jewish admissions, he was not permitted to enroll in the Faculty of Science. At the Kolozsvár Conservatory, where he was admitted, he studied composition with Farkas Ferenc (1905–2000). At the Liszt Academy of Music in Hungary, which he entered at age 23 (1945), he studied under Veress Sándor (1907–1992). From age 27 to 33 (1950–1956), he served as a lecturer in harmony and counterpoint at the Liszt Academy of Music.

While studying under Veress at the Liszt Academy of Music from 1945, Ligeti undertook assignments to compose in the styles of composers such as Bach, Handel, Couperin, Scarlatti, Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. The Capriccios are imitative works that incorporate elements from various composers, while also possessing a whimsical character unconstrained by specific forms or techniques.

No. 1 is marked Allegretto capriccioso, in 3/8 time. It is dedicated to György Kurtág (1926–). No. 2 begins with Allegro robusto, in 5/8 time, but it frequently shifts to different time signatures and is said to incorporate elements of Bartók. Ligeti composed No. 2 first, but when he published the works, he reversed the order of No. 1 and No. 2, inserting Invention (1948) between the two pieces.