Who Wrote the Russian National Anthem: Authors and History

Who Wrote the Russian National Anthem: The Authors of the Modern State Symbol

The national anthem of the Russian Federation is one of the country’s main symbols, alongside the flag and the coat of arms. Many people ask the question: who wrote the Russian national anthem that we hear today at official events and sporting competitions? The answer to this question is connected with the names of two outstanding figures of national culture. The music of the modern Russian anthem was composed by Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov, while the lyrics belong to the pen of the legendary poet Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov. This melody has a rich history and was already performed during the Soviet era, undergoing several revisions of the lyrics over the decades.

The History of the Anthem’s Music

Composer Alexander Alexandrov wrote the music based on his song titled “The Anthem of the Bolshevik Party.” For the first time, this solemn piece was broadcast on the radio on New Year’s night, January 1, 1944, becoming the anthem of the Soviet Union. The melody is distinguished by its grandeur, memorable march rhythm, and emotional power that inspires and unites people.

Features of the Musical Composition

Alexandrov’s music possesses unique characteristics that make it recognizable from the very first notes. The ceremonial nature of the piece, the wide melodic range, and vivid orchestration create an atmosphere of national pride. The composer managed to embody in musical form the greatness and power of the state, its historical significance, and the spirit of the people.

Sergey Mikhalkov — Author of the Russian Anthem’s Lyrics

Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov entered history as the creator of the lyrics for three different versions of the national anthem. He wrote the first version together with the poet Gabriel El-Registan in 1943 for the anthem of the USSR. The second version appeared in 1977, and the third, modern version for the Russian Federation, was approved in 2000.

The Creative Path of the Poet of the Anthem

Sergey Mikhalkov was born on March 13, 1913, in Moscow into a family with noble roots. Showing literary talent from childhood, he began publishing at the age of fifteen. Fame came to the young poet after the publication of the poem “Uncle Styopa” in 1935, which instantly won the love of readers of all ages. During the Great Patriotic War, Mikhalkov worked as a war correspondent, and in 1943 he received a fateful assignment — to create the text of a new national anthem. According to the poet’s recollections, the final edits to the lyrics were made directly in the Kremlin, taking into account comments from the country’s leadership.

The Anthem’s Journey Through the Ages: From the USSR to Modern Russia

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia temporarily abandoned Alexandrov’s music. From 1990 to 2000, the state anthem was Mikhail Glinka’s “Patriotic Song,” which was performed without lyrics. An official text for this melody was never approved, despite a competition that attracted more than six thousand authors.

The Return of Alexandrov’s Music

At the end of 2000, the issue of Russia’s state symbols was raised. After broad public discussion, a decision was made to return to Alexandrov’s music. By a federal constitutional law dated December 25, 2000, the musical version of the anthem was approved, and by a presidential decree of December 30 of the same year, the new lyrics by Sergey Mikhalkov were adopted. On New Year’s night in 2001, the solemn melody of Alexandrov once again sounded across the country, this time with updated lyrics reflecting the realities of modern Russia. Mikhalkov became the only poet in history to have written the lyrics of a national anthem for three different eras of one country.

The Modern Lyrics of the Russian Anthem

The text of the modern Russian anthem consists of three verses and a chorus. The words reflect the vastness of Russian territories, the multinational unity of the peoples, the historical wisdom of ancestors, and faith in the country’s future. Mikhalkov skillfully combined patriotic pathos with lyricism, creating lyrics that are clear and close to people of different generations. The chorus of the anthem begins with the words “Be glorified, our free Fatherland,” emphasizing the freedom and independence of the state. The verses mention the country’s geographical features — from the southern seas to the polar edge, sprawling forests and fields — forming the image of a great power with unique nature and culture.

Rules for Performing the National Anthem

Official Events

The national anthem of the Russian Federation is performed on strictly defined occasions. Mandatory ceremonies include the inauguration of the president, the opening and closing of sessions of the Federation Council and the State Duma, meetings of foreign heads of state on official visits, and the raising of the national flag. The anthem is performed at ceremonial events such as the Victory Parade, as well as during sporting competitions involving Russian teams.

Etiquette During the Anthem

During the official performance of the anthem, all those present must stand as a sign of respect for the state symbol. Men are required to remove headwear. This rule of etiquette emphasizes the solemnity of the moment and demonstrates respect for the country and its symbols. State television and radio broadcasting companies transmit the anthem daily before the start and at the end of broadcasting. With round-the-clock broadcasting, the anthem is played at six o’clock in the morning and at midnight. Performing the anthem after the president’s New Year’s address to the citizens has become a tradition.

The Educational Significance of the Anthem

Since 2013, the issue of broader use of state symbols in educational institutions has been discussed. It was proposed to perform the anthem in general education organizations before the first lesson on the first day of the new academic year, as well as during ceremonial events dedicated to national holidays. This initiative is aimed at fostering patriotism in the younger generation and forming a respectful attitude toward state symbols.

The Legacy of Sergey Mikhalkov

Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov lived a long and fruitful life, passing away on August 27, 2009, at the age of ninety-six. In addition to his work on the lyrics of the national anthem, he created an enormous literary legacy. His creative output includes about 250 fables, numerous poems for children, plays, screenplays for feature films and animated movies. Mikhalkov’s works have been translated into dozens of languages worldwide, and the total circulation of his books approaches three hundred million copies. The poet was awarded numerous state honors, including the Order of Lenin and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. His work continues to inspire new generations of readers, and the anthem lyrics he created sound at all the most important state events in Russia.

Conclusion

The question of who wrote the Russian national anthem has a clear answer: the music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov, and the lyrics were written by Sergey Mikhalkov. These two talented cultural figures created a work that became a symbol of an entire era and continues to unite millions of people. The modern Russian anthem combines historical continuity with contemporary relevance, reflecting the values and aspirations of the multinational people of a great country.