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

1. Early Life and Musical Education:

   • Alexander Alexandrov was born on August 13, 1883, in Plakhino, Russia, and came from a family with a strong musical background.
   • He received his musical education at the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied composition under Sergey Taneyev and later served as a professor.

2. Composer and Conductor:

   • Alexandrov was not only a composer but also a conductor. He conducted the Red Army Choir (officially known as the Alexandrov Ensemble), which he founded in 1928, until his death.
   • His conducting skills helped popularize the ensemble and its music both within the Soviet Union and internationally.

3. State Anthem of the Soviet Union:

   • Alexandrov is most famous for composing the "State Anthem of the Soviet Union" in 1943, with lyrics by Sergey Mikhalkov and Gabriel El-Registan. This anthem was used during the Soviet era and had a significant impact on Soviet culture.
   • The anthem's music was majestic and powerful, reflecting the grandeur and strength of the Soviet Union. It played a central role in official events and was known for its stirring melody.

4. World War II Contributions:

   • During World War II, Alexandrov and the Red Army Choir played a vital role in boosting the morale of Soviet troops and civilians through their performances and patriotic songs.
   • His composition "The Sacred War" became one of the iconic songs of the war effort, symbolizing the Soviet Union's resistance against the Nazi invasion.

5. Posthumous Legacy:

   • Alexandrov died on July 8, 1946, in a plane crash while touring with the Red Army Choir. His son, Boris Alexandrov, succeeded him as the conductor of the ensemble.
   • The "State Anthem of the Soviet Union" continued to be used until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, after which it was replaced by the "State Anthem of the Russian Federation." However, Alexandrov's music remains an important part of Russian and Soviet musical history.

6. Modern Adaptations:

   • The melody of Alexandrov's anthem is still well-recognized today, and various adaptations and renditions of it can be found in contemporary Russian culture.
   • The melody was reused with new lyrics as the national anthem of the Russian Federation in 2000, and it is still in use.

Alexander Alexandrov's contributions to Soviet and Russian music, particularly through his composition of the State Anthem of the Soviet Union, continue to be celebrated and remembered in various forms to this day.