From 1782 he also composed music for the theatre, including Singspiele, operas, and incidental music and songs, mostly to texts by the house poet Karl Friedrich Hensler. Their first major success was Das Faustrecht in Thüringen (The Law of the Jungle in Thüringen, 1796–1797), which was eclipsed two years later by the success of Das Donauweibchen (1798).
From 1782 he also composed music for theatrical performances, including Singspiele, operas, and instrumental pieces, mostly to texts by Karl Friedrich Hensler. Their first significant triumph was Das Faustrecht in Thüringen (The Law of the Jungle in Thüringen, 1796–1797), which was soon eclipsed by the success of Das Donauweibchen (1798).