1833 First performance of the new Russian national anthem
Composed by Alexei Lvov, lyrics by court poet Vasily Zhukovsky, this song was the anthem of the Russian empire until the overthrow of the Romanovs in 1917.
- God save the Tsar!
- Strong, sovereign,
- Reign for glory, For our glory!
- Reign to foes’ fear,
- Orthodox Tsar.
- God, save the Tsar!
Though the words are less-than-inspired, the music was quoted several times by Tchaikovsky, including in “The 1812 Overture”, Glinka, Gounod, and in the score to the film Dr Zhivago. A number of American institutions haved used the tune. It is the alma mater song of Macalester College, in St Paul, Minnesota, titled “Dear Old Macalester”. The deathless lyrics of the latter are:
Dear Old Macalester, ever the same
to those whose hearts are thrilled
by thy dear name.
Cherished by all thy sons
loved by all thy daughters,
Hail, hail to thee
our college dear.
Macalester students have an unofficial song which they are pleased to sing at sports matches against any of the local Christian colleges:
Drink blood!/ Smoke crack!/ Worship Satan!/ Go Mac!