Robert Nordling
ROBERT NORDLING is a professor in the Calvin College Music Department and serves as Resource Development Specialist for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Along with his expertise in standard symphonic literature, his areas of interest also include instrumental liturgical music, worship design and leadership across a broad spectrum of traditions and styles, and Christian discipleship. He has held music ministry positions in California, Washington and Reigate, England.
Nordling’s responsibilities at Calvin College include conducting the Calvin College Orchestra and Calvin Alumni Orchestra and teaching in the areas of music history, conducting, and music and worship. Prior to his appointment at Calvin he was the founder and music director of the San Francisco area Bay Chamber Symphony Orchestra. Additional conducting credentials include appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute Orchestra, the Cedardell Opera Festival Orchestra, the Wheaton Symphony Orchestra and chamber orchestras in Chicago and San Francisco.
A native of New Jersey, Nordling studied at the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music with Rex Hicks, Howard Whitaker and Stephen Cushman. After completing his studies at Wheaton he went to San Francisco to continue his orchestral training with David Ramadanoff and James Wimer. He was awarded conducting fellowships to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute where he worked with Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas and Herbert Blomstedt. He also received conducting fellowships to work with Helmuth Rilling and Boris Goldovsky.
Works by Robert Nordling
Part of Everything That Has Breath, a series of instrumental accompaniments for congregational singing, this larger–scale arrangement uses the color and power of the full orchestra for a celebratory and festive rendition of this marvelous hymn.
While it will benefit from a full–sized string section, it can be played with a string complement of 2, 2, 2, 2, 1. If only single woodwinds are available, the parts can be covered adequately by playing Flute 2, Oboe 1, Clarinet 1, & Bassoon 1. A skilled organist can cover the brass parts, or any missing woodwinds, as well.
Part of Everything That Has Breath, a series of instrumental accompaniments for congregational singing, this arrangement of one of Fanny Crosby’s best-known hymns can be played by a simple string quartet or a larger ensemble.
Part of Everything That Has Breath, a series of instrumental accompaniments for congregational singing, this arrangement of DIADEMATA ("Crown Him with Many Crowns") seeks to communicate the grandeur and majesty of Christ as King of Kings. The parts are on the more challenging side, with trumpets going into their upper register.
Though intended for brass, the piece can also be played very effectively by string quintet and organ, woodwinds and piano, or any combination of instruments available.