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Alexander Alexandrov (1883–1946) was a Russian composer, conductor, and the founder of the Alexandrov Ensemble, the official army choir of the Soviet Union. He is best known for composing the music for the "State Anthem of the Soviet Union," which was used from 1944 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Here are some interesting facts about Alexander Alexandrov and the anthem:

1. Creation of the Anthem:

   • Alexandrov composed the music for the State Anthem of the Soviet Union in 1938, with lyrics written by Sergey Mikhalkov and Gabriel El-Registan.
   • The anthem was officially adopted on December 15, 1944, during the leadership of Joseph Stalin.

2. Use in the Soviet Union:

   • The anthem was played on various occasions, including official ceremonies, sporting events, and the raising and lowering of the Soviet flag.
   • It became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Soviet Union.

3. Post-Soviet Adoption:

   • After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the anthem was abandoned by Russia for a brief period. However, it was later reinstated with revised lyrics in 2000 under the presidency of Vladimir Putin.

4. Adaptations and Variations:

   • The melody of the anthem has been used in various adaptations, including the national anthems of some post-Soviet states.
   • The Alexandrov Ensemble, under the direction of Alexandrov's successors, continues to perform the anthem.

5. Legacy of the Alexandrov Ensemble:

   • The Alexandrov Ensemble, also known as the Red Army Choir, was founded by Alexandrov in 1928. It gained international fame for its powerful performances and distinctive style, showcasing Russian folk songs, military marches, and classical music.

6. Tragic End:

   • Alexander Alexandrov died in 1946 when the Soviet passenger aircraft he was on crashed in the Black Sea. The exact circumstances of the crash remain controversial and are the subject of various theories.

7. Post-Soviet Reevaluation:

   • Despite its association with the Soviet era, the melody of the State Anthem of the Soviet Union is often viewed with nostalgia by some Russians, and its re-adoption in 2000 stirred debates about national identity.

The State Anthem of the Soviet Union, with Alexandrov's music, remains a powerful and historic piece of music that reflects the era in which it was created.