We have a collection of 21 arrangements for Alexander Alexandrov - State Anthem of the Soviet Union
Who's behind the notes? Discover Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov
"State Anthem of the Soviet Union" is a well-known Soviet anthem composed by Alexander Alexandrov. Here are some interesting facts about both the anthem and its composer:
Composer and Lyricist: The anthem's music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov, and the original lyrics were written by Sergey Mikhalkov. Later versions of the lyrics were created to reflect different periods in Soviet history.
Premiere: The anthem was first performed in 1944 during World War II on the Soviet radio, celebrating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Versatility: The anthem had various versions with different lyrics that were adapted to fit the political climate and changing leadership in the Soviet Union. The lyrics underwent changes in 1944, 1977, and 1979, reflecting shifts in ideology and leadership changes.
Patriotic Symbolism: The anthem's powerful melody and lyrics aimed to evoke feelings of patriotism, unity, and devotion to the Soviet state. It was used to rally the population and create a sense of collective identity.
International Influence: The anthem's melody was known for its stirring and grand composition, which made it memorable and recognizable even outside the Soviet Union. Its melody was used as the basis for the national anthem of the Russian Federation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
State Functions: The anthem was played on various occasions, including at the beginning of official broadcasts, during national events, and at the Olympics, where Soviet athletes stood on the podium while it played.
Controversy and Replacements: After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the anthem was officially retired. It was replaced by a new anthem without lyrics during the presidency of Boris Yeltsin. However, in 2000, during Vladimir Putin's presidency, the melody of Alexandrov's anthem was reinstated as the Russian national anthem, with new lyrics by Mikhalkov, which focused on a more positive and unifying theme.
Legacy: Alexander Alexandrov was a prominent composer and conductor in the Soviet Union. Apart from the anthem, he composed many patriotic and military-themed songs. He was also known for his contributions to choral music and his role in developing the Red Army Choir.
Red Army Choir: Alexandrov was closely associated with the Red Army Choir (officially known as the Alexandrov Ensemble), which he founded in 1928. The choir gained international recognition for its performances of Soviet and Russian music.
Honors and Recognition: Throughout his career, Alexandrov received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and culture in the Soviet Union. His compositions and arrangements continue to be celebrated in Russia.
The "State Anthem of the Soviet Union" composed by Alexander Alexandrov remains a significant piece of musical history, representing the ideals and aspirations of the Soviet era while also influencing subsequent Russian musical traditions.