'The Seasons' are full of a melancholy lyricism, of Slav melodies, but there is no display of virtuosity as an end in itself. Each piece portrays a scene or atmosphere typical of the month whose title it bears. The composer acts as an attentive observer in the twelve pages of the album: although his involvement is not strictly connected to the activities narrated, Tchaikovsky uses the titles of the pieces as a pretext to talk about the universal themes of the life of man: joy, sadness, prayer, love, despair, boldness, hope.

The 24 pieces of the 'Children’s Album' took shape from 13th to 16th April 1878 in Kamenka in Ukraine, on his return from a trip to western Europe which followed the tragic epilogue to the marriage with Antonina Milyukova. The inspiration for this cycle probably comes partly from the capricious 'Sophie’s Album', a 19-century children’s publication which told stories of dolls. The miniatures which make up the collection are fascinating, often humorous, and satisfying to play, and are influenced by Robert Schumann.