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Alexander Alexandrov (1883-1946) was a prominent Soviet composer and conductor, known primarily for his composition of the "State Anthem of the Soviet Union." Here are some interesting facts about him and the anthem:

1. Composition of the Soviet Anthem: Alexander Alexandrov composed the music for the "State Anthem of the Soviet Union" in 1943, with lyrics written by Sergey Mikhalkov and Gabriel El-Registan. The anthem was officially adopted on March 15, 1944.

2. Patriotic Themes: The anthem's lyrics and music were designed to convey a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to the Soviet state. It celebrated the Soviet Union's achievements and the unity of its people.

3. Multiple Variations: There were multiple versions of the Soviet anthem during its existence. The original version had lyrics referencing Joseph Stalin, which were later removed after his death in 1953. The anthem underwent several lyric changes to adapt to different political climates.

4. Instrumentation: The anthem was typically performed with a large orchestra and choir, giving it a grand and imposing sound. It became an integral part of official ceremonies, including sporting events and military parades.

5. International Influence: The Soviet anthem's melody, known as the "Hymn of the Bolshevik Party," was also adapted for the anthems of several other communist countries, including the People's Republic of China and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).

6. Conductor and Composer: Alexander Alexandrov was not only the composer of the Soviet anthem but also a renowned conductor. He founded the Alexandrov Ensemble, also known as the Red Army Choir, in 1928, which gained worldwide fame for its performances of patriotic and folk music.

7. Awards and Recognition: Alexandrov received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR and the Order of Lenin for his contributions to Soviet culture.

8. Impact on Russian Culture: Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Alexandrov's music continues to be an integral part of Russian cultural heritage. The melody of the Soviet anthem was later reused with different lyrics for the current Russian national anthem, which was adopted in 2000.

9. Controversy and Legacy: The Soviet anthem remains a controversial topic, with some Russians viewing it as a symbol of the Soviet regime and others appreciating it as a piece of musical history. Despite the political changes in Russia, Alexander Alexandrov's contribution to music and national identity cannot be denied.

10. Tragic End: Alexander Alexandrov's life ended tragically in 1946 when he, along with 34 other members of the Alexandrov Ensemble, died in a plane crash while on tour. Despite this tragic event, the ensemble continued to perform and gain recognition worldwide.

The State Anthem of the Soviet Union, composed by Alexander Alexandrov, played a significant role in the country's cultural and political history and remains a symbol of that era.