choirfiend said:
Its the Russian Anthem, not a hymn. If you play it in WMP, the title scrolls at the bottom of the window. Its performed by the State Symphony and several choirs.
You are correct!
National Anthem of the Russian Federation!
Here are two translations:
Literal translations, non-singable
Translation by Anastasia, made in 2004:
Russia — our sacred state,
Russia — our beloved country.
Mighty will-power, great glory
Shall remain your honors for all time!
REFRAIN:
Praise our free Fatherland,
Long-lasting union of brotherly peoples,
Ancestor-given wisdom of the people!
Long live, Country! We are proud of you!
From the southern seas to the polar realm
Our forests and fields stretch.
You are one in the world! You are alone like that,
God-guarded native land!
REFRAIN
Plenty of room for dreams and for life
The coming years are promising us.
Allegiance to our Motherland gives us strength.
So it had been, so it is, and so it always will be!
REFRAIN
Translation by CNN, made in December 2000:
Russia, our holy country!
Russia, our beloved country!
A mighty will, a great glory,
Are your inheritance for all time!
REFRAIN:
Be glorious, our free Fatherland!
Eternal union of fraternal peoples,
Common wisdom given by our forebears,
Be glorious, our country! We are proud of you!
From the southern seas to the polar region
Spread our forests and fields.
You are unique in the world, inimitable,
Native land protected by God!
REFRAIN
Wide spaces for dreams and for living
Are opened for us by the coming years
Faithfulness to our country gives us strength
Thus it was, so it is and always will be!
REFRAIN
Does have a hymn-like hypnotic sound I would agree.