Franz Xaver Gerl low vocal range; Branscombe (1991) observes that the very low notes that Mozart included in the part of Sarastro have been "the despair of many a bass singer since." By 1787 he had joined the theatrical company of Emanuel Schikaneder, for which he sang the demanding role of Osmin in Mozart's opera "The Abduction from the Seraglio" and other roles. In 1789 the troupe settled at the Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna. Gerl participated in a system of joint composition used by Schikaneder's troupe, in which "Singspiele" were produced rapidly by having several composers collaborate. As such, Gerl may
The Abduction of Figaro Cavatina and dialogue: "You can beat me" 31. Act II Finale Act Three: A tropical forest 32. Ballet 33. Trio and dialogue: "A magic forest" 34. Duet and dialogue: "I am a swineherd" 35. Finale (Part I) and dialogue 36. Aria and dialogue: "Why, oh why" 37. Finale (Part II) 38. Curtain calls and closing credits 39. Closing remarks by Prof. Schickele </poem> DVD Bonus Selections The Abduction of Figaro The Abduction of Figaro is a comic opera, described as "A Simply Grand Opera by P. D. Q. Bach," which is actually the work of composer Peter Schickele. It is