Tchaikovsky’s 18 Morceaux (Op. 72) were his last works for solo piano, completed April 1893 (Tchai passed away Nov 6 1893, his last work is the Symphony Pathetique, which is Op. 74). He thought himself that this was kinda doing “homework” composing these pieces:
I’ve been performing my duties very punctiliously, and each day a musical offspring is born. However, these offspring are very much immature and insubstantial; I have no inclination whatsoever to create them, and do so only for the money. I’m only trying to ensure that they don’t turn out too badly.
Letter 4913 to Vladimir Davydov, 11/23 April 1893.
Tchaikovsky dedicated every of the 18 pieces to different people. What did he left for himself? And all he thought about his production was just ‘not too badly’? (Well, Tchaik is indeed somewhat famous for his self-doubt…)
Judge yourself — here’s Chant élégiaque (No. 14) by Pletnev, live. It’s my favourite among the 18 pieces.
Reference
Eighteen Pieces, Op. 72. Tchaikovsky Research https://en.tchaikovsky-research.net/pages/Eighteen_Pieces,_Op._72
Tchaikovsky: A Life. Tchaikovsky Research https://en.tchaikovsky-research.net/pages/Tchaikovsky:_A_Life