Österreichische Oper oder Oper in Österreich?

Considering the originality of Austrian theatre, literature and music which has been evident since the 17th century, is has to be investigated to what extent Austrian libretti have developed specific characteristics - since the time when the first librettists were wooed away from Italy to the courts of Leopold I, Joseph I and Karl VI - which justify the term Austrian libretto.

This compilation of essays presents extensive case studies which provide an idea of the fundamental problems of the specifics of the Austrian libretto.