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Nikolai Nikolaevich Sidelnikov (Николай Николаевич Сидельников) (1930–1992) was one of the most important figures on the contemporary Russian musical scene. His works occupy a significant position in the musical pantheon of the second half of the twentieth century. “America! It Is My Love - Twelve Etude-Impressions for Piano Solo” (Америка-Моя Любовь! Американские зарисовки в 12-ти этюдах-впечатлениях для фортепиано), an unpublished work, was written after Nikolai Sidelnikov's 1990 visit to the United States. The cycle consists of twelve etudes.
Following the performance of the world premier of “America! It Is My Love”, the researcher has continued to study and promote its performance. Although Nikolai Sidelnikov is well known in Russia and Europe, there are few studies about him and his compositions in America. This research represents the first complete study on Nikolai Sidelnikov.
In this study, the writer's purpose is to provide a style analysis and suggestions for interpretation and performance of Sidelnikov's “America! It Is My Love”. In addition, an overview of the life and major works of Nikolai Sidelnikov is provided.
The entire study is comprised of seven chapters. Chapter I provides a brief description of Nikolai Sidelnikov's creative background and a brief survey of his major compositions. Chapter II presents an overview of the cycle as a whole, as well as providing background information concerning “America! It Is My Love”. It also includes brief descriptions of each etude in the cycle. Chapters III, IV, and V are detailed analyses of three selected etudes from the cycle: “Night Stars Over the American Sky”, “Old Blues of Manhattan Night”, “Mysterious and Dangerous Bronx in the Twilight”. Chapter VI provides a performance guide for each etude in the cycle. Chapter VII provides summaries of the analytical findings from a critical survey of “America! It Is My Love”.
In general, the analysis draws upon features of Robert Cogan and Pozzi Escot's Sonic Design.