Farewell of Slavianka

Farewell of Slavianka, written by Vasily Agapkin premiered in 1912, was written for the woman of Bulgaria when they accompanied their husbands in the First Balkan War.

A theory of where the melodies originated is that it was inspired by the Russian march "Yearning for the Motherland" or that it originated from an old folk anti-war song during the Russo-Japanese War.

The melody gained it's popularity in Russia and other adjoining countries during WWI when the men left their homes to this music. Also, it was preformed on November 7, 1941 on Red Square where the soldiers left straight to fight in the Battle of Moscow.  

Original      Встань за Веру, Русская Земля! Много песен мы в сердце сложили, Воспевая родные края Беззаветно тебя мы любили, Святорусская наша земля. Высоко ты главу поднимала - Словно солнце твой лик воссиял. Но ты жертвою подлости стала - Тех, кто предал тебя и продал! ПРИПЕВ: И снова в поход труба нас зовёт. Мы все встанем в строй И все пойдем в священный бой. Встань за Веру, Русская земля! Ждут победы России святые. Отзовись, православная рать! Где Илья твой и где твой Добрыня? Сыновей кличет Родина-мать. Под хоругви мы встанем все смело Крестным ходом с молитвой пойдём, За Российское правое дело Кровь мы русскую честно прольём. ПРИПЕВ. Все мы - дети великой Державы, Все мы помним заветы отцов Ради Родины, Чести и Славы Не жалей ни себя, ни врагов. Встань, Россия, из рабского плена, Дух победы зовет: в бой, пора! Подними боевые знамена Ради Веры, Любви и Добра! ПРИПЕВ.

English translation       Arise, Russian Land, defend your Faith! We have composed many a song in our heart, Glorifying the native land. We've loved you no matter what, You, our holy Russian land. You've raised your head high, Your face has been shining like the sun. You've become a victim of betrayal -- by those who have cheated and sold you! Refrain: And again in march trumpet calls us. We all stand in order And go to the holy battle. Arise, Russian Land, defend the faith! Russia's holiness awaits victory. Respond, the Orthodox host! Where is your Ilya, where is Dobrynia? The mother is summoning her sons. Under the banners of all we stand boldly Procession with prayers go, For the Russian right thing The blood we shed Russian honestly. Refrain We all are children of a Great Power, We all remember the forefathers' commandment: For the Homeland, Honor, Glory, Pity neither yourself nor the foes. Arise, Russia, from your prison of slavery, Victory's spirit is called: time to do battle! Rise your battle flags For Faith, Love, and Good. Refrain

The lyrics were later changed by different writers and composers who cherished the piece, however, this version has stuck and is still sung in Russia today. It even has been petitioned to become the Russian National Anthem on more than one occasion, but has never been put into effect.

This piece was later transcribed with no voice, just band, in the late 1990's. 

Original sang by the Russian Red Army

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqFISER9fVE

Band Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDKVIOfy9O0