Die Ballade Von Norbert Nackendick Oder Das Nackte Nashorn

Released in 1983 on the Deutsche Grammophon label, Die Ballade Von Norbert Nackendick Oder Das Nackte Nashorn represents a unique collaborative effort between the renowned German author Michael Ende and the composer Wilfried Hiller. The work is a musical fairy tale rooted in the literary tradition of Ende’s absurdist storytelling, designed to engage listeners with a blend of whimsy and underlying social critique. The production reflects the label's commitment to high-fidelity children's audio literature during the 1980s, framing Ende’s narrative within Hiller’s distinctively atmospheric and rhythmic musical arrangements.

The visual design and auditory pacing of the release were curated to match the imaginative quality of Ende’s writing, which often explored themes of self-perception and societal expectations through fantastical animal protagonists. While the record was aimed primarily at a German-speaking audience, it is widely recognized by enthusiasts of Ende’s broader catalog, such as The Neverending Story, as a piece that highlights the collaborative synergy between the author and Hiller. Upon its release, it was received as a sophisticated addition to the spoken-word and musical drama genre, noted for its high production quality and the clarity of its storytelling.