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MUSIC

Art Music

Concert Music >>

Gerbang Nias
Composed by Nathan Iskandar

Gerbang Nias (trans. Gate of Nias) is an orchestral work inspired from the traditional Nias dance of ‘Fame’e Afo’, a ritual dance purposed for welcoming guests. The tribe of Nias which inhabits the Nias island, located on the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, is well-known to be a tribe that really appreciates their guests. The ‘Fame’e Afo’, also known as the “Sekapur Sirih” dance, is familiar for having the seven-note motif D-D-E-E-D-D-E played repetitively as the basic accompanying pattern for the whole music.

 

Composed in 2017, Iskandar found the excitement of arranging the seven-note motif into six instead, D-D-E-E-D-D, which also serves as the foundation for the whole piece. Orchestrated in a classical contemporary style, he brings a new modern taste of Indonesian traditional elements to the twenty-first century, in much hope of encouraging young Indonesian listeners to appreciate the vast traditional values their country has to offer.

The work was premiered by the Bandung Philharmonic on April 2018 and later featured and reviewed in the headline news of Indonesia's leading English language newspaper The Jakarta Post (May 2018).

Love?
Composed by Nathan Iskandar

Love? is a piece written under the inspiration of the composer’s past love encounter which ended in a deflected expectation. The main theme generally conceives the idea of loneliness, confusion, and hesitation to the extent that such feelings were too overwhelming to bear—a deceiving sweetness, clothed in such beauty where everything became sour and bitter. Yet upon the climax of the piece, the composer found hope in the Creator of all. 

Composed in 2016, the piece is written for Violin and Piano dedicated to Felicia Tevani, the violinist who premiered it in her recital in 2016.

Renungan Insan
Composed by Nathan Iskandar

Renungan Insan (trans. Meditation of a Human) is a piece picturing the journey of a human's life, the search and discovery of his identity.

Composed in 2014-2016, the piece is written for Violin, Cello, and Piano.

Kaya Ku Akan Jiwamu
Composed by Nathan Iskandar

Kaya Ku Akan Jiwamu (trans. Rich in Your Soul) is a piece which tries to define the somewhat inexplicable richness of a pure, natural human relationship. Theme A justifies the profound beauty of an initial step-by-step encounter between two souls. A deep, longing desire to become one soon follows with a more delicate-moving Theme B which begins the "valley", where musical indications of tolerance and wisdom start to find their places.

Melodic decorations such as fast-moving scales and the use of many melodic leaps concentrates on the intoxicating scene of a relationship that is built on strong, immovable grounds rooted in beauty, love, and honesty. A short cadenza-like section is another unified part which portrays solemnity and the need of the Creator's presence and guidance. Shortly, the piece is a visionary depiction of two unified mortal souls' journey coming back towards the One. 

Composed in 2017, the piece is written for Violin and Piano dedicated to Lidya Evania Lukito, the violinist who premiered it in her recital in 2017.

Singkat Semesta
Composed by Nathan Iskandar

Singkat Semesta (trans. Temporary Universe) is a piece which tells about the innocence of a mortal life, how fast it dissipates. The great mystery of the Author of Life, haunting over the course of Man's dynamic course throughout history. Yet, no one knows exactly when it started and when it will end. The music flows through one single river of idea, questioning "Are we ready when that time comes?" 

Composed in 2018, the piece is written for Violin and Piano dedicated to Celia Rosari, the violinist who premiered it in her recital in 2018.

D.E.T.I.K.
Composed by Nathan Iskandar

D.E.T.I.K. derives itself from the Indonesian word detik which literally means second. The piece conveys a certain part of the human life where it tends to forget that time is limited. The piano serves as the fundamental element of the piece where a constant harmonic major 2nd interval imitate the ticking of the clock.

 

Composed in 2018, the piece is written for Oboe, Horn, and Piano and was premiered in December 2018 at the Hilton Bandung in Indonesia.

Soundtrack

Soundtrack >>

Dalam Sepi Jiwaku
Words by Niccolas Lim
Music by Nathan Iskandar
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Dalam Sepi Jiwaku" (trans. Inside the Quietness of My Soul) is an original soundtrack written for a YouTube web series, MUTE.

 

It received international acclaim by winning Best Music award at the annual NYC Web Fest (2018) event in New York, USA.

MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS.1
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 2
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 3
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 4
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 5
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge to finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 6
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 7
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 8
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
MUTE - Rhythm Through Silence #EPS. 9
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
MUTE is a web series about a timid young, talented violinist who is on the verge of finding her true self.
Menanti Sebuah Jawaban
Words and Music by Titha Zee
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar
"Menanti Sebuah Jawaban" (trans. Longing for an Answer) is a "want" song from Indonesia's upcoming theatrical feature film, Surat Kecil Untuk Bapak Presiden, about a local Indonesian boy who writes a letter to the Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, and wishes that his letter be somehow replied by the president himself one day.
Inalum - Company Video Profile (2018)
Original Score by Nathan Iskandar
DC's Stargirl Clip (Rescored)
Music by Nathan Iskandar
A short rescored bus scene from the first season of DC's Stargirl. Originally scored by composer Pinar Toprak, this score focuses more on the quick mood changes between an action and dramatic sequences.
Westworld - Car Chase Sequence (Rescored)
Music by Nathan Iskandar
A rescored car chase scene from the third season of Westworld. Originally scored by composer Ramin Djawadi, this score focuses on the dramatic action sequence of the film.
The Haunted - Character Sequence (Rescored)
Music by Nathan Iskandar

A rescored character sequence clip from feature film The Haunted. Originally scored by Olive Patrice Weder and Homay Schmitz, this score focuses on the mood of disappointment and sadness with a hint of hope.
Musical

Musical >>

Itulah Kita
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Nathan Iskandar
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Itulah Kita" (trans. That Is Us) is a song about the ideals of love - the ideal basis of interpersonal living together, the Pancasila in simple terms - broken down into personal life. It shows that Pancasila is more as only the state's declaration – these are universal values of living together. In partnership, in the family, in Indonesia and in the whole world.

The song is written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Ayah
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Ayah" (trans. Father) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Ikutilah Cahaya
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Ikutilah Cahaya" (trans. Follow the Light) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Horas
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Horas" (trans. Welcome) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Maaf Kosong
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Maaf Kosong" (trans. Sorry, We Ran Out) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Sumpah Susilo
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Sumpah Susilo" (trans. Susilo's Swear) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Bali Queen
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Nathan Iskandar
Original Vocal Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano, Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Bali Queen" is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Merdeka
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Merdeka" (trans. Freedom/Independence) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Ku Rasa Ku Suka Dia
Words by Hermann Sattler
Music by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Piano Arrangement by Wishnu Dewanta
Original Woodwind & Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Ku Rasa Ku Suka Dia" (trans. I Think I Like Her) is a song written for an Indonesian musical CASPAR under German theater director, Hermann Sattler.

Percayalah
Words by Boy Marpaung and Clarasia Kuky
Music by Nathan Iskandar & Wishnu Dewanta
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Percayalah" (trans. Believe) is a song written for an Indonesian musical The Chronicles of Pinocchio and Mulan under Indonesian theater director, Boy Marpaung.

Tak Akan Pernah
Words by Boy Marpaung and Clarasia Kuky
Music by Nathan Iskandar & Wishnu Dewanta
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Tak Akan Pernah" (trans. Never Will) is a song written for an Indonesian musical The Chronicles of Pinocchio and Mulan under Indonesian theater director, Boy Marpaung.

Album/Single Production

Album/Single Production >>

Tuhanku Bawaku Pulang
Words and Music by Pipih Suhani
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Tuhanku Bawaku Pulang" (trans. My Lord, Bring Me Home) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

Ku 'Kan Berjaga
Words and Music by Trin Lilananda
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Ku 'Kan Berjaga" (trans. I Will Keep on Guard) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

Kerjakan Imanmu
Words and Music by Tony Kartolo
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Kerjakan Imanmu" (trans. Work Out Your Faith) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

Gerbang Hati
Words and Music by Sherly Herlina
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Gerbang Hati" (trans. Gate of the Heart) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

SuaraMu
Words and Music by Livina Intan
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"SuaraMu" (trans. Your Voice) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

Sementara
Words and Music by Siliviana
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Sementara" (trans. Temporary) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

Api Cinta
Words and Music by Catharina Winata
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Api Cinta" (trans. Fire of Love) is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

A Call of Sabbath Shalom
Words and Music by Ira Winata
Original Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"A Call of Sabbath Shalom" is a song produced by Nathan Iskandar, written for a religious Christian album Sampai Ke Garis Akhir under New Zealand-based, Indonesian executive producer, Marisa Hidayat.

Nanti Aku Pulang
Words and Music by Stephen Erastus
Original Piano Arrangement by Stephen Erastus
Original Strings Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Nanti Aku Pulang" (trans. I'll Go Home Later) is a single produced under Indonesian Christian record label, Sola Gracia Record.

Arrangement

Arrangement >>

Es Lilin
Traditional Sundanese Melody
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Es Lilin" (trans. Candle Ice Cream) is a traditional Sundanese melody. Iskandar arranged the song into an instrumental piece for piano trio and orchestra as part of his collaboration with Indonesia Orchestra Ensemble Festival. The work was performed featuring Nota Bene Duo, an Austrian violin-piano duet group.

White Christmas
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"White Christmas" is a song written by Irving Berlin. Iskandar arranged the song for piano trio as part of his collaboration with Cascade Trio, an Indonesian classical trio group.

How Far I'll Go
Words and Music by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"How Far I'll Go" is an original soundtrack written by Lin-Manuel Miranda for Disney's animated feature film Moana. Iskandar arranged the song as part of his collaboration with Bellevoix Chamber Orchestra, an Indonesian pop chamber orchestra ensemble.

Mazmur 112
Words by King David of Israel
Music by Juswantori Ichwan
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Mazmur 112" (trans. Psalm 112) is a song whose words were written by King David of Israel written in the Book of Psalms. The melody was composed by Juswantori Ichwan. Iskandar arranged the song as part of his collaboration with Dei Viestra Ensemble and Ignite GKI, an Indonesian Christian church youth community.

Amazing Grace
Words and Music by John Newton
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Amazing Grace" is a song written by John Newton. Iskandar arranged the song as part of his collaboration with Dei Viestra Ensemble and Ignite GKI, an Indonesian Christian church youth community.

Bersinarlah
Words and Music by Graham Kendrick
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Bersinarlah" (trans. Shine, Jesus, Shine) is a song written by Graham Kendrick. Iskandar arranged the song particularly for a church Christmas event in 2019 in Jakarta, Indonesia, held by Gereja Suara Kebenaran Injil Rehobot, an Indonesian denominational Christian church.

Tuhan Perkenankan Aku
Words and Music by Erastus Sabdono
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Tuhan Perkenankan Aku" (trans. Lord Let Me) is a song written by Erastus Sabdono. Iskandar arranged the song as part of his collaboration with Sola Gracia Record, and Indonesian Christian record label.

Indonesia
Words and Music by Jaya Suprana
Choral Arrangement by Fero Stefanus
Piano Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Indonesia" is a song written by Indonesian renowned pianist and composer Jaya Suprana. The arrangement was premiered at the Carnegie Hall in New York, USA, witnessed by the composer himself.

Ampar-Ampar Pisang
Traditional: South Kalimantan
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Ampar-Ampar Pisang" is traditional tune from South Kalimantan. Iskandar arranged this song into violin and piano as part of his collaboration with Cascade Trio, an Indonesian classical trio group.

Anging Mamiri
Traditional: South Sulawesi
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Anging Mamiri" is traditional tune from South Sulawesi. Iskandar arranged this song into violin and piano as part of his collaboration with Cascade Trio, an Indonesian classical trio group.

Grace Alone
Words and Music by Scott Wesley Brown and Jeff Nelson
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Grace Alone" is one of the most popular contemporary Christian songs. Iskandar arranged this song into four violins as a commissioned arrangement by Lidya Evania, a rising Indonesian violinist.

Grown-Up Christmas List
Words by Linda Thompson-Jenner
Music by David Foster
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar

"Grown-Up Christmas List" is one of the most popular contemporary Christmas songs. Iskandar arranged this song into four violins as a commissioned arrangement by Lidya Evania, a rising Indonesian violinist.

Mars Kementerian Keuangan Republik Indonesia (BTS)
Words and Music by Agni Tri Nubuwati/Chen Pieter Widiatama/Satrianegara Segalapuja Adiatma
Arrangement by Nathan Iskandar/Julius Firdaus

"Mars Kementerian Keuangan Republik Indonesia" (trans. March of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia) is a newly composed march song for the Indonesian Ministry of Finance in 2021. Orchestral arrangement recorded by Budapest Scoring.

© 2021 by NATHAN ISKANDAR.

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