George Crumb – Ancient Voices of Children album art
This is the first release of George Crumb’s Ancient Voices of Children –
A cycle of songs on texts by Federico García Lorca for mezzo-soprano, boy soprano, oboe, mandolin, harp, electric piano & percussion
It was performed by the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, featuring Gilbert Kalish (piano), Jan DeGaetani (mezzo-soprano), and Michael Dash (boy soprano), with Arthur Weisberg (conductor). The record sold more than 70,000 units; and has become one of the best selling recordings in 20th century classical music.
The cover was designed by Robert W. Zingmark, with art by Bob Pepper and art direction by Robert L. Heimall. Zingmark chose Florentine Old Style for the display typography. This face was released circa 1894 by the Dickinson Type Foundery in Boston, which had become ATF’s local branch in 1892. Serifless and with flared strokes, it references a style of inscriptional letterforms that developed in Florence in the 15th century. David Shields wrote more about this style and its various adaptations to type – which include Della Robbia and also Optima – on his Wood Type Research blog.
All smaller text uses Vogue. The Spanish lyrics and the English translation are set left- and right-aligned, framing Pepper’s butterfly.
In memory of George Crumb, who died earlier this week at the age of 92.
Adaptation for the CD release from 1987, with (relatively) bigger type and an encaged butterfly
2 Comments on “George Crumb – Ancient Voices of Children album art”
Hard to believe I designed this album cover over 50-years ago. Nonesuch was the classical record division of Elektra Records in New York City, where I got my start as a graphic designer. Thank you. I appreciate the recognition your site has provided me.
Robert, very nice to hear from you! Thanks for chiming in here.