The author first introduces the term Singspiel, which its designation is shared by two distinct

regional cultures of German-language opera. The former, northern Germany, had a

German-oriented ideology but also adapted plays from other languages. This article will
focus on the second regional culture, Vienna, which was connected to Mozart. It created
German-language repertoires by translating non-German works.

Several origins of the Viennese Singspiel and their respective influences are mentioned. The
first was Jesuit Drama, which had influences on the comic interludes of Singspiel. The
second antecedent was improvised comedy. The recurring character, Hanswurst, was
played by multiple generations of actors. The comedy was embodied with silliness and is
often parodic in nature. Hanswurst comedies had both instrumental and sung genres.

In addition, foreign languages and cultures had great influences on Vienna. English, French
plays and Italian operas were well celebrated. However, the North German Singspiel was
not universally admired there.

With the above influences, the article moves on to how Joseph II promoted Singspiel in
through national theatres. He formed a company of newly hired cast. Unfortunately, it did
not last long due to the lack of appropriate repertory and the aristocrats desire for Italian
opera. Although Joseph II attempted to revive Singspiel by installing a new company in
another court theatre, it failed to stimulate competition with Buffa companies. Eventually,
Singspiel was only found in suburban theatres.

Joseph II later issued the Freedom of Spectacle, which allowed Singspiel to be performed
without a court license from artists. As a result, new suburban theatres were set up and
targeted audiences who could not afford the tickets at national theaters. Mozarts Magic
Flute was performed there. Moreover, suburban theatres were patronized by Joseph II and
other aristocrats. Despite ending up in the Viennese suburbs, Singspiel was a deeply
embedded and essential feature of Viennese musical life.