Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov, born on April 13, 1883, in Plakhino, Ryazan Governorate, Russian Empire, was a prominent Soviet and Russian composer, conductor, and musician. He is best known for founding the Alexandrov Ensemble and composing the music for the State Anthem of the Soviet Union, which later became the national anthem of Russia with new lyrics in 2000. Alexandrov's early musical talent was evident when he became a chorister at Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. He studied composition at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory under notable teachers like Alexander Glazunov and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, although financial difficulties and health issues led him to leave before completing his studies.

In 1918, Alexandrov began teaching at the Moscow Conservatory, where he eventually became a full professor and head of the choral department. He also taught at the Scriabin Music College. Throughout his career, he earned recognition as a People's Artist of the USSR and received two Stalin Prizes. His compositions include the 1941 call to arms "The Sacred War" and the official march of the Soviet Armed Forces, "The Song of the Soviet Army." Alexandrov's choir, the Alexandrov Ensemble, gained international acclaim, notably participating in the 1937 Universal Exposition in Paris.

Alexander Alexandrov passed away on July 8, 1946, in Berlin, due to a heart attack while on tour with the Alexandrov Ensemble. He was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow. His legacy continues through his contributions to Russian music and the enduring presence of the Alexandrov Ensemble.