# Alexander Alexandrov

> Russian Soviet composer

**Wikidata**: [Q319708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319708)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Vasilyevich_Alexandrov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexander-alexandrov

## Summary
Alexander Alexandrov was a Russian Soviet composer, conductor, and choir director best known for founding the Alexandrov Ensemble, the official army choir of the Russian armed forces. He is renowned for composing patriotic songs, including *The Sacred War*, a seminal anthem of the Soviet Union during World War II.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 1, 1883
- **Died:** July 8, 1946
- **Nationality:** Russian (Russian Empire), Soviet (USSR)
- **Education:** Saint Petersburg Conservatory, Moscow Conservatory
- **Known for:** Composing patriotic and military music, founding the Alexandrov Ensemble
- **Employer(s):** Alexandrov Ensemble, Union of Soviet Composers
- **Field(s):** Music composition, conducting, military music, choral direction

## Contributions
Alexander Alexandrov made significant contributions to Soviet music and military culture:
- **Founded the Alexandrov Ensemble (1928):** Established the official army choir of the Russian armed forces, which became a symbol of Soviet military and patriotic music.
- **Composed *The Sacred War* (1941):** A patriotic song with lyrics by Vasily Lebedev-Kumach, performed by the Alexandrov Ensemble during World War II, becoming an anthem of Soviet resistance.
- **Military and choral leadership:** Served as a conductor and choir director, shaping the sound of Soviet military music.
- **Awards and recognition:** Received the Stalin Prize (1941), Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Star, and the title People’s Artist of the USSR (1937).

## FAQs
**What is Alexander Alexandrov best known for?**
Alexander Alexandrov is best known for founding the Alexandrov Ensemble and composing *The Sacred War*, a patriotic song that became a rallying cry for the Soviet Union during World War II.

**Where did Alexander Alexandrov study?**
He studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and the Moscow Conservatory, two of the most prestigious music institutions in Russia.

**What awards did Alexander Alexandrov receive?**
He was honored with the Stalin Prize (1941), Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Star, and the title People’s Artist of the USSR (1937), among others.

**What was the Alexandrov Ensemble?**
The Alexandrov Ensemble, founded in 1928, is the official army choir of the Russian armed forces, known for its performances of patriotic and military music.

**Did Alexander Alexandrov serve in the military?**
Yes, he was affiliated with the military as a composer and conductor, contributing to the cultural and musical identity of the Soviet armed forces.

## Why They Matter
Alexander Alexandrov’s work had a profound impact on Soviet military culture and national identity. His compositions, particularly *The Sacred War*, became symbols of resilience during World War II, inspiring soldiers and civilians alike. The Alexandrov Ensemble, under his leadership, became a cornerstone of Soviet and later Russian military music, influencing generations of composers and performers. His contributions to patriotic music helped shape the cultural narrative of the USSR and continue to resonate in modern Russia.

## Notable For
- Founding the Alexandrov Ensemble (1928), the official army choir of the Russian armed forces.
- Composing *The Sacred War* (1941), a defining patriotic song of the Soviet Union during World War II.
- Receiving the Stalin Prize (1941) and the title People’s Artist of the USSR (1937).
- Serving as a conductor and choir director for military and state performances.
- Being a member of the Union of Soviet Composers.
- Influencing Soviet military music and choral traditions.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov was born on April 1, 1883, in the Russian Empire. He pursued formal musical education at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and later at the Moscow Conservatory, where he honed his skills in composition and conducting.

### Career and Military Affiliation
Alexandrov’s career was deeply intertwined with the Soviet military. In 1928, he founded the Alexandrov Ensemble, which became the official army choir of the Russian armed forces. The ensemble played a crucial role in propagating Soviet patriotic music, both domestically and internationally.

### Major Works
His most famous composition, *The Sacred War* (1941), was written during World War II with lyrics by Vasily Lebedev-Kumach. The song became an unofficial anthem of the Soviet Union, embodying the spirit of resistance against Nazi Germany. It was performed by the Alexandrov Ensemble and remains a significant piece of Russian military music.

### Awards and Recognition
Alexandrov received numerous accolades for his contributions to music and culture, including:
- **Stalin Prize (1941):** Awarded for his patriotic compositions.
- **Order of Lenin:** One of the highest honors in the Soviet Union.
- **Order of the Red Star:** Recognizing his service to the military.
- **People’s Artist of the USSR (1937):** A prestigious title for artists who made outstanding contributions to Soviet culture.

### Legacy and Influence
The Alexandrov Ensemble continues to perform under the name of its founder, maintaining its status as a symbol of Russian military tradition. Alexandrov’s compositions, particularly *The Sacred War*, remain integral to Russian patriotic ceremonies and commemorations. His work has influenced subsequent generations of military composers and choral directors, ensuring his enduring legacy in Russian music.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Alexandrov was a member of the Union of Soviet Composers, an organization that played a key role in shaping Soviet musical policy and culture. His affiliation with this body underscored his importance in the Soviet artistic establishment.

### Death and Posthumous Impact
Alexander Alexandrov died on July 8, 1946. His contributions to music and military culture continue to be celebrated in Russia, with the Alexandrov Ensemble remaining a prominent institution in Russian armed forces’ cultural activities. His compositions are frequently performed at state events, reinforcing his lasting influence on Russian national identity.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Find a Grave
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. CiNii Research
8. IMDb
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Czech National Authority Database
11. SNAC
12. Proleksis Encyclopedia
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CONOR.SI
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. National Library of Israel
17. Carnegie Hall linked open data
18. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno