Die Ballade von Norbert Nackendick Oder Das Nackte Nashorn

Die Ballade von Norbert Nackendick, released in 1979 by Deutsche Grammophon, represents a collaborative effort between the renowned author Michael Ende and the composer Wilfried Hiller. The work emerged from their long-standing partnership, which often sought to blend sophisticated musical narrative with children's literature, moving beyond simple storytelling into more surreal and allegorical territory.

The album features Hiller's evocative musical score accompanying Ende's whimsical text, which tells the story of an insecure rhinoceros who seeks to conform to others' expectations by shedding his skin. The design reflects the high production standards of the Deutsche Grammophon label during the period, focusing on an aesthetic that bridges the gap between classical tradition and experimental audio drama.