Who's behind the notes? Discover Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov
"Svyaschennaya Voyna" (The Sacred War) is a famous Soviet war song written during the early days of the Great Patriotic War, which was the Eastern Front of World War II. Here are some interesting facts about Alexander Alexandrov, the composer of the song:
Composer and Conductor: Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov (1883–1946) was a Soviet composer, conductor, and the founder of the Alexandrov Ensemble, also known as the Red Army Choir. He was an influential figure in Soviet music.
The Sacred War: "Svyaschennaya Voyna" was composed by Alexandrov in 1941, just after the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The song became one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of Soviet wartime music.
Inspiration for the Song: The lyrics of the song were written by Vasily Lebedev-Kumach. The song was intended to inspire and rally the Soviet people during a critical time in the war, serving as a call to defend the motherland against the Nazi invaders.
Symbol of Soviet Resistance: "The Sacred War" quickly became a symbol of Soviet resistance and determination. It was widely performed during the war and remains a powerful and emotional piece associated with the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Legacy: Even after the war, Alexandrov's contributions to Soviet music endured. The Alexandrov Ensemble continued to perform and gained international recognition for its choral and patriotic repertoire.
Honors and Awards: Alexandrov received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to Soviet music, including the Stalin Prize.
Death: Sadly, Alexandrov's life was cut short in a plane crash in 1946, along with many members of the Alexandrov Ensemble. Despite this tragedy, the ensemble continued to perform and maintain its legacy.
"The Sacred War" remains an integral part of Soviet and Russian cultural history, representing the resilience and spirit of the Soviet people during a challenging period.