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Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov (1883-1946) was a prominent Soviet composer and conductor best known for composing the music for the "State Anthem of the Soviet Union," which was the national anthem of the Soviet Union from 1944 to 1991. Here are some interesting facts about him and the anthem:

1. Early Life and Education: Alexandrov was born on January 13, 1883, in Plungė, Lithuania, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He came from a musical family and began his musical education at an early age.

2. Military Service: He served in the Russian Imperial Army during World War I, which greatly influenced his career. During his service, he conducted military bands and composed patriotic music.

3. Red Army Choir: After the Russian Revolution, Alexandrov founded the Alexandrov Ensemble, also known as the Red Army Choir. He served as its conductor and artistic director for many years. The ensemble gained international recognition for its performances of Russian folk songs and patriotic music.

4. Composing the Soviet National Anthem: Alexandrov composed the music for the Soviet national anthem in 1943, with lyrics written by Sergey Mikhalkov. The anthem was officially adopted in 1944 and remained the national anthem until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

5. Patriotic Symbolism: The State Anthem of the Soviet Union was a powerful symbol of the Soviet regime and its ideology. It celebrated the strength and unity of the Soviet people and their commitment to the Communist cause.

6. Influence on Russian Culture: Alexandrov's music and the Red Army Choir played a significant role in shaping Russian and Soviet musical culture. They popularized Russian folk songs and patriotic music, both domestically and internationally.

7. Legacy: Even after Alexandrov's death in a plane crash in 1946, his music continued to be an important part of Russian and Soviet cultural heritage. The Alexandrov Ensemble has endured through the decades and continues to perform to this day.

8. Adaptations: The music composed by Alexandrov for the Soviet national anthem has been adapted and used in various contexts. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia adopted a new national anthem, but in 2000, President Vladimir Putin reinstated a modified version of the Soviet anthem's music as the national anthem of Russia.

9. Cultural Icon: Alexandrov's legacy extends beyond his compositions. He is considered a cultural icon in Russia and is remembered for his contribution to the country's music and military history.

10. International Recognition: The Red Army Choir, under Alexandrov's direction, toured extensively and received international acclaim for its performances. The ensemble's ability to blend traditional Russian music with a modern twist made it a unique and celebrated cultural export.

While the Soviet Union and its anthem are no longer in existence, Alexander Alexandrov's music continues to be a part of Russia's cultural identity, and the Red Army Choir remains a symbol of Russian musical excellence.