On those rare occasions when Bloch decided to amuse, he proved quite adept at it. This work is one of the best examples of that ability. It is scored for woodwind quintet, string quartet and double bass, and piano.

Each movement has a descriptive title, the first being "Humoresque Macabre". After a short burst from the ensemble, the piano enters in a big and soloistic fashion. Basically that is the last time the piano will get to shine. For the rest if the work, it is treated in an obbligato fashion.

"Obsession" has a driving rhythm and repetitious use of droning material including a short fugal treatment, which justifies its title.

"Calm" is self explanatory and a welcome break in the general energy of this short suite.

"Chinese" is a pentatonic portrait of Chinese music. However Bloch became acquainted with Chinese music, this exciting, and technically demanding finale is a more accurate and respectful reflection of Chinese music than many other contemporaneous caricatures.

Four Episodes was written in 1926 in San Francisco and won the New York Chamber Music Society Prize, resulting in a performance in 1927.

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