Soviet Army Academy Orchestra. Music: David Tukhmanov
Description: This march, now an obligatory element of all Victory Day (May 9) celebrations, was banned by censors when it was first composed in 1973. Its composer, David Tukhmanov, was know for his pop music hits, and his youth and the elements of foxtrot and other western music were deemed inappropriate by the elder leaders of the Composers Union. Once heard on the air though, the song’s popularity was so great that officials were forced to allow it to enter the pantheon of patriotic music.