Musical Childhood Memories

Nadine Kristen, graphic designer at Carus-Verlag, on our anniversary song book: “I hold a successful song book in my hands which contains something for everyone and invites you to make music. A well-deserved favorite!” Many of the 166 songs give Nadine Kristen a child-like joy and positive memories of singing. The wonderfully colorful illustrations by Frank Walka also captivate her.

Amongst my colleagues I probably belong to that rare group which neither plays an instrument, nor had any contact with music in their professional training. My focus lies more in producing suitable and beautiful designs for the many printed products which Carus publishes. So if I had to decide which is my favorite publication, which one makes a good impression both inside and out, it would be the anniversary edition “Die schönsten Lieder” (The most beautiful songs) from the LIEDERPROJEKT.

For Cornelius Hauptmann, the initiator of the LIEDERPROJEKT, singing is part of our basic culture, just like writing or arithmetic, something which has to be encouraged. Thanks to the magnificent efforts of a wide range of people and institutions, the LIEDERPROJEKT has become a tremendous success story. The anniversary edition “Die schönsten Lieder” brings together the achievements of the 10-year-old LIEDERPROJEKT, and in 248 pages, presents a selection of classics from the Renaissance to traditional folk songs and children’s songs, as well as art songs and pop songs. It is an extensive, impressive work which highlights the value and special qualities of the project and the songs chosen.

For me, many of the 166 songs engender a child-like joy and positive memories of singing. Songs such as “Es waren zwei Königskinder” and “Es ist ein Ros entsprungen” take me back to my childhood. Thanks to the accompanying MP3 CD with over 3 hours of instrumental singalong versions, I remember many songs which I would no longer have been able to sing. What also gives life to the book are the beautiful colorful illustrations which were created to go with the songs and stories.

I had the pleasure of meeting Frank Walka, the illustrator of the LIEDERPROJEKT. His passion and devotion in making the illustrations give an idea of how much energy and effort has been put into the large-format pictures. The varied pictures contain delightful, exciting stories, especially for children, and invite you to explore further. The format chosen for the book supports the picture book character, and the tactile quality of the paper matches the contents, rounding off this beautiful publication.

I hold a successful song book in my hands which contains something for everyone and invites you to make music. A well-deserved favorite!