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Singspiel (; plural: Singspiele; literally "sing-play") is a form of German-language music drama, now regarded as a genre of
opera. It is characterized by spoken
dialogue, which is alternated with
ensembles,
songs,
ballads, and
arias which were often
strophic, or folk-like. Singspiel plots are generally comic or romantic in nature, and frequently include elements of
magic, fantastical creatures, and comically exaggerated characterizations of good and evil.