| Summary: | The National singspiel was established in Vienna in 1778 by the Emperor Joseph II of Austria but foundered only a few years later. This thesis sets out to examine the reasons for its failure. First, it places the Viennese Singspiel in context, for, like its North German counterpart which it resembled in form and content if not in character, its development was influenced by the Italian opera buffa, French opera comique and English ballad opera. Second, the genre is considered in relation to the social and political climate of the time. During his reign Joseph instigated many reforms, which had two main objectives: to improve the standard of living of the lower classes and to create a strong, unified German nation. The National singspiel contributed to these ends for Joseph wanted all classes of society to visit his theatre and also to encourage his subjects' appreciation of the German language. The whole enterprise of the National singspiel is discussed from 1778 to 1783 when it was first disbanded, and reference is also made to the period from 1785 to 1788 when an attempt was made to revive it. Consideration is given to the Emperor's part in the venture and the administration of the theatre, and each theatre season is examined in detail, taking into account the works presented and the standard of performance. The music to these operas forms the basis of this thesis. Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serai1, which Mozart composed especially
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