Welcome to The Works, our curated playlist showcasing the latest and best from the world of classical music. This week’s headliner is pianist Denis Kozhukhin who offers a side to Tchaikovsky we rarely get to hear. At just a minute long, the tender “Mama” forms part of the Russian composer’s Children’s Album, a collection of charming piano pieces from 1878, intended to be simple enough for young children to play. “The Children’s Album is a unique set of musical pictures which take you on a breathtaking journey through a child’s emotions, dreams and losses,” Kozhukhin tells Apple Music Classical. “It is the world through the eyes of a child, with all its beauties and threats.” Kozhukhin continues: “This piece means a lot to me. I played it in my first public recital when I was nine. The figure of Mama is the most important in a kid’s life, so it’s no coincidence that this piece appears early on in the album. It’s like a blessing for the rest of the journey, offering protection and watching over the child.” The Works is updated regularly by our editors, so if you find a piece of music or performance you love, make sure you add it to your library.