The Singing Weapon. Alexandrov Ensemble. Documentary

1945. Yalta. Livadia Palace. After the famous conference, the heads of government of the USSR, the USA and the UK, sitting in the front row at a concert of Soviet artists, tirelessly applaud the military ensemble. The distinguished guests are smitten by the powerful polyphony, the finest lyricism, and the masterful performance of songs. Some of them − "Polyushko-polye", "Sacred War" − are repeated more than once for an encore. These songs will become the hallmark of the Red Banner Ensemble and will be played for decades at the main concert venues of our country, Europe and America. To them will be added and become popular all over the world "Kalinka", "Nightingales", "Katyusha", "Steppe and steppe all around" and many others. The history of the recording of the USSR anthem is also connected with the history of the ensemble. The repertoire of this band is huge, the touring paths are endless, fame knows no bounds. Behind all this is not only talent, but also the colossal work of the artists, not only applause, fame, honour, but also dramatic episodes from the life of the ensemble. Concerts of the twice−Red Banner Song and Dance Ensemble are often called a "diplomatic mission", its repertoire is a "history textbook" of the country. But the most interesting definition was given by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Yalta in 1945, calling the ensemble a singing weapon, which could well be used instead of the second front.…