We have a collection of 21 arrangements for Alexander Alexandrov - State Anthem of the Soviet Union
Why does Russia still use the Soviet anthem melody? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov
The "State Anthem of the Soviet Union," also known as the "Hymn of the Soviet Union," was composed by Alexander Alexandrov in 1938. Here are some interesting facts about the anthem and its composer:
Composer: Alexander Alexandrov (1883–1946) was a prominent Soviet composer, known for his contributions to patriotic and military music. He was also the founder of the Alexandrov Ensemble, the official army choir of the Russian armed forces.
Premiere: The anthem was officially adopted on December 15, 1944, during the Soviet regime under Joseph Stalin. It replaced the previous anthem, "The Internationale."
Lyrics: Initially, the anthem had lyrics written by Sergey Mikhalkov, but those were revised in 1977 by him and Gabriel El-Registan. The lyrics emphasized unity, strength, and the Soviet Union's achievements.
Duration: The original anthem was quite lengthy, with the music lasting for about four minutes. However, the anthem was usually played in shorter versions during official events.
Post-Soviet Usage: After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian Federation adopted a new national anthem. However, a modified version of Alexandrov's anthem with new lyrics by Mikhalkov was later reinstated as the national anthem of Russia in 2000 under President Vladimir Putin.
Legacy: Despite the political changes and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the music composed by Alexandrov remains iconic and is often associated with the Soviet era. The melody is recognized by many around the world.
Use in Sports: The Soviet anthem was frequently played during international sports events when Soviet athletes won gold medals. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a new anthem had to be chosen for the participating states, and Russia eventually adopted a new anthem in 2000.
State Honors: Alexandrov received several state honors for his contributions to Soviet music, including the Stalin Prize.
The State Anthem of the Soviet Union is a piece of music that has left a lasting impact on history, culture, and the perception of the Soviet era.