In a letter to Nadezhda F. von Meck dated 30 April 1878, Tchaikovsky wrote:
“Tomorrow I will begin a collection of miniature pieces for children. For some time I have been thinking that it would be good to contribute, to the best of my abilities, to the enrichment of the musical literature for children which is very poor. I want to write a whole series of really easy little pieces with titles to attract children as Schumann did.”

Peer Baierlein chose 12 easy pieces of this collection and arranged them for a string ensemble of two violins, viola, cello and double bass. He assigns different functions to the respective instruments: one instrument takes over the melody, another the rhythm, the other three the harmony voices.

These pieces with a learning effect are fun, encourage interaction and are therefore ideal for teaching and student concerts.

All parts can be retrieved for free via download link.

Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Morgengebet • Morning Prayer • Prière du matin · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Wintermorgen • Winter Morning • Le matin en hiver · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Mama • Mummy • Maman · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Pferdchenspiel • Hobbyhorse • Le petit cavalier · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Marsche der Holzsoldaten • The Wooden Soldiers’ March • Marche des soldats de bois · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Die neue Puppe • The New Doll • La nouvelle poupée · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Die Krankheit der Puppe • The Doll’s Illness • La maladie de la poupée · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Das Begräbnis der Puppe • The Doll’s Funeral • L’Enterrement de la poupée · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Walzer • Waltz • Valse · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Polka · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Mazurka · Tschaikowsky Peter Iljitsch: Russisches Lied • Russian Song • Chanson russe