Singspiel is a form of musical theatre that originated in Germany in the late 18th century. It is characterized by its use of spoken dialogue interspersed with musical numbers, usually in the form of songs or arias. The musical numbers are typically simple and melodic, often with a folk-like quality, and the orchestra is usually small. The characters in singspiel are often drawn from everyday life, and the stories are often lighthearted and comedic.
Opera, on the other hand, is a more elaborate form of musical theatre that originated in Italy in the 16th century. It is characterized by its use of continuous music throughout the work, with no spoken dialogue. The music in opera is typically more complex and sophisticated than that of singspiel, and the orchestra is usually larger. The characters in opera are often drawn from mythology, history, or literature, and the stories are often serious and dramatic.
In addition to these general differences, singspiel and opera also differ in their historical development and cultural significance. Singspiel was particularly popular in Germany and Austria in the 18th and 19th centuries, while opera has had a broader international impact and has been performed and enjoyed all over the world.